Adeniyi Allen Taylor popularly known as “Allen” is a multi-talented musician and songwriter. His love for music stimulated his interest to learn and skilfully play different musical instruments including the keyboard, drums, guitars, percussion and the saxophone.
Allen is a Studio Engineer, Music producer and Teacher at Allen Music Consult in Drogheda Co. Louth. He is also the founder and Music Director of the African Gospel Choir Dublin. Allen is a member of the famous Oleku band; an Afro beat/Highlife band based in Ireland.
Allen started his music career as a church keyboardist at Glad Tiding Assembly in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He later attended a church known as TREM, while studying Mechanical Engineering at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State Nigeria, and served as the church’s keyboardist and choir co-ordinator.
In 2000, Allen moved to Dublin where he continued with his studies and graduated with a BSc in Multimedia in Computer Programming in 2006 from IADT Dun Laoghaire. Upon completing his studies, Allen worked as an Accounts manager in Dell Computers and later moved to IBM before giving it all up to pursue his long heart desire – MUSIC. Allen has released 5 gospel albums since coming to Ireland – ‘As we seek your face’, in 2002, “Diversity” in 2004, “Oba Nla” in 2009 and “So Good” in 2010, Afro Gospel Jazz Night CD/DVD in 2011 (Live recording), Oba Nla Concert Afro Gospel Rhythms a Touch of Jazz in 2012 (Live recording)
His music has played a major role in taking African traditional Gospel music to another dimension in Ireland. Allen founded Oba Nla Concert in the year 2009 to showcase Gospel Music in an African setting, the maiden edition had an attendance of up to 500 people. In 2010 Oba Nla Concert tagged “An evening in Lagos” showcased one of Africa’s most popular City Lagos. The Concert Venue and all the branding of the event themed to look like a typical Lagos Gospel, Social & Entertainment environment with an attendance of over 500 people, the concert featured other gospel Artiste from Ireland and the UK.
Allen has performed in various concerts and shows including Ethno Funk Festival in Hungary, Afro Gospel Festival Karlshrue-Germany, Afro Gospel Festival Harmburg-Germany, Afro Gospel Concert Lubeck-Germany, Afro Gospel Festival Stade-Germany, Afro Gospel Festival Keiler Schloss, Kiel- Germany,Bray Summerfest, Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures, Galway Ocean Race World Festival, Africa Day celebrations in Cork, Cork City Multicultural Day, St Patrick’s Annual Festival and RTE TV Sunday Service. Allen also performed at “The Buzz” Music Festival at KICC International Gathering of Champions UK in 2010 alongside Psalmist Chris Morgan and on the same stage with Pastor Donnie McClurkin. Allen was interviewed on RTE Nationwide in April 2011 as part of Oleku band’s international trip to Eger in Hungary.
Awards he has received include the Glototal Gospel Spirit Award 2007, CAMfest Ireland Instrumentalist of the Year Award in 2008, Oba Nla Concert 2011 Event of the Year (Ireland African Music Awards)
Allen is from Abeokuta, Ogun State in the South-western part of Nigeria. He is happily married to Tomilola and they are blessed with two Children Iteoluwakiishi and Oluwakamiyefore.If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, - ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!
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