3 weeks ago
10
A 10-year-old boy from the Caribbean island of Antigua, with an enduring biblical name – Enoch (who walked with God and was translated that he would not see death) – is super excited to have teamed up with Jamaican gospel legend, Carlene Davis, for a cover of the well-known Christmas song, O Holy Night.
“I couldn’t believe I was singing with the real Minister Carlene Davis. I feel like a star!” an enthusiastic Enoch Thomas, who was born on Christmas Day, told The Gleaner.
A content Minister Davis commended Thomas and his team, which includes his mother Lashelle Thomas, Dr Nowell Howell of I & I Records, Camar Doyles and Glory Music, for their hard work and pointed out that it was not the norm for her to be collaborating on a project like this. Sharing how she came in contact with the youngster, Davis recalled that it was her son who brought the song for her and her husband Tommy Cowan to listen to and they were simply amazed by Thomas’ talent.
“Why did I decide to this song? First of all O Holy Night is one of my favourite Christmas songs. It’s the song I recorded many, many, years ago on my first Christmas project and, of course, when we received a copy of Enoch singing the song we were blown away. And, it is also a passion of mine to encourage the next generation, to pass on what I have learnt so that they too will fulfil their promise. And I have to lift my hat off to his team for drawing down on somebody like myself to participate on this project, because that is unusual for such a young one and myself to be collaborating on a project like this. So, I say, to God be the glory.”
The original composition/production for the track was done digitally by Doyles and was then redone with live music by Tommy Cowan. Production credits go to Doyles and Cowan, while Howell is listed as executive producer. I and I Records and Glory Music are the labels involved, and VP Records is the distributor.
Young Enoch, whose name was given through prayer, is a dedicated member of his local church, where he sings on the choir. He is also getting exposure for his musical ability by singing at weddings, funerals, and special events.
“The year 2024 was a very good one for me, especially since I started working with my manager Noel Howell from New York and producer Camar Flava. My plans for next year include releasing my first single in February and recording an EP later in the year. To God be the Glory!” Thomas said.
Davis expressed the view that the song will “definitely have an impact on everyone who listens to it”.
“It is already causing a stir ... just from the collaboration itself. And the message of the song that highlights hope of God’s love for humanity, and for peace and unity ... when we think of the world that we are living in, everyone is crying out for peace. So it’s a chance to remind the world that God still sits on the throne and He is the Prince of Peace,” she said.
Quizzed about her personal feelings on the season, Davis, whose original Christmas song Santa Claus do you Ever Come to the Ghetto remains powerful all year round, said she is focused on Christ as the reason for the season.
“Christmas is such a special time of the year for me. It’s an opportunity for family and friends just coming together and just appreciating one another, appreciating all that has happened throughout the year. And how you made it through and have an opportunity to look forward to what God has in store for us for the coming year. And most importantly acknowledging that Christ came into the earth to redeem mankind of all our sins. That’s the ultimate reason purpose that we celebrate Christmas … the birth of our dear Saviour, Jesus Christ.”
English (US) ·