Twelve-year-old Antiguan gospel reggae singer Enoch Thomas recently launched his debut album, It’s My Turn, at Summit on Chelsea Avenue, New Kingston.

The 17-track album features production by Antiguan producers as well as Jamaican producers Camar (Flava) Doyles and Patexx.

Jamaican recording artistes Khaanah Stone, Chanea Lewis and Minister D Brown are featured on the project.

Most of the recordings were done in Antigua; however, the mixing and mastering of the songs were done locally.

In an interview with Observer Online on Monday, Enoch said the album is aimed at encouraging young people across the region to stand confidently in their faith and purpose.

“The album’s title signifies that it’s my turn to witness to other young people and to be used as a vessel for the glory of God. It’s also my favourite song on the album because it was the first duet I recorded with my mother, who inspires me,” said Enoch.

He commented on the album launch.

“The album launch at Summit was amazing. I want to thank the Almighty for blessing me and making it possible. The support was great—it was a full house with standing room only—and it was fun taking photos with everyone afterwards,” Enoch shared.

The youngster cited the need for Caribbean people to work together.

“A part of my management team is Jamaican, and we believe it’s important for Caribbean people to work together,” he said.

Enoch recently made a donation of more than half a million dollars to Glory Music as part of the company’s hurricane relief efforts.

“When I was in Jamaica last Christmas, Tommy Cowan invited me to take part in the ‘Fun in Son’ community event. I had already recorded a reggae version of O Holy Night with Minister Carlene Davis, so I was excited to perform it with her. One of the churches where we sang, in St Elizabeth, had lost its roof due to damage from Hurricane Melissa. Before coming to Jamaica, my school held a fundraiser to help hurricane victims, but seeing the damage in person shocked me. After performing, the support from the audience inspired me to do more. My team started a GoFundMe that raised more than US$2,500, and I also raised funds in Antigua by selling ice pops, holding a cake sale, and selling T-shirt merchandise—raising over US$1,000. Combined, those efforts made up the total donation to Glory Music,” said Enoch.

He added, “Tommy Cowan and Minister Carlene Davis are my mentors. Recording with them, along with their encouragement—especially Minister Davis’s genuine, motherly support—has helped me stay focused. I’m also grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me to perform and for helping people see my talent.”