12-y-o crossing borders with gospel music

At an age when most children, especially boys, are busy playing video games, Enoch Thomas is busy making music.

And it's not just any music, but gospel music, as this 12-year-old Christian is serious about committing himself and his talent to the glory of God. The Antiguan schoolboy recently held his album launch at Summit Business Centre in St Andrew, having done several musical collaborations with some of Jamaica's biggest entertainers.

Emerging as one of the Caribbean's youngest voices in faith-based music, Enoch has been gaining attention regionally for his powerful vocals and uplifting message. He said that the album launch was one of the highlights of his young life, as he was amazed to see all the people who were interested in him and what he brings to the music industry.

"I met people I had only heard about or seen on television, and was able to talk about what this journey means to me spiritually. I want people to listen to my music and find God in it and eventually win some Grammys and other music awards," he said.

Enoch said that his album, titled It's My Turn, means a lot to him as it showcases who he is and what he wants people to know about his relationship with God.

"The album is telling the world that it's my turn for God to use me and fill me with His blessings and favour," he said. One of the artistes featured on the album is Carlene Davis-Cowan, with whom he did a reggae rendition of the classic hymn Oh Holy Night last November.

"I couldn't believe that I was standing in front of an icon like [her], so when I had to sing, I just did my best," said Enoch. The song assisted in introducing his voice to audiences beyond his native Antigua and Barbuda. This then resulted in other notable collaborations with Luciano as well as Capleton, the latter joining him on a cross-generational project with the song Protect Our Children, slated for release in May, in alignment with Child Month initiatives.

Enoch was baptised earlier this year and is building a strong following within the regional gospel community. He continues to serve on the worship team at Jennings Wesleyan Holiness Church back home. He opined that It's My Turn will encourage young people across the region to stand confidently in their faith and purpose.

"I grew up in the church with my mother, who is a worship leader, and she inspired me to do God's work, and now I'm just so happy to be serving Him through my ministry," he said.

Since arriving in Jamaica on April 2, Enoch has travelled across the island, taking part in a series of mini-church performances. Interestingly, Enoch has already fallen in love, and it is with local food, primarily with Island Grill.

"I love the people, the views of the mountain and the food," he said. He has also taken part in a hurricane relief initiative spearheaded by Glory Music to raise funds for a community in St Elizabeth. He was so moved by what he witnessed that he subsequently started a GoFundMe, which subsequently raised more than $500,000 to date.

As he prepares to share his album with audiences across the Caribbean, Enoch hopes the message resonates far beyond the stage.

"This music is about encouraging people, especially young people, to stand strong in their faith and remember that their voice matters despite their age," he said.