It’s Giving Goosebumps: Wait Until You Hear Vocal Powerhouse Charnel Allen

​I’ve interviewed a lot of people—authors, fashion icons, entrepreneurs, even a few music
legends—but let me tell you something. From the moment Charnel Allen, also known as
CHARNALIEN, opened her mouth, I felt it. Goosebumps. I was scrolling through her videos
preparing for our conversation and immediately said to myself, “Oh, homegirl can sing sing.” Not
the "I sing in the shower" kind (which I do), but the “I was born to do this and heaven gave me lungs to prove it” kind of singing.

When we connected, her energy was just as magnetic as her voice—bubbly, grounded, and full
of heart. By the end of our convo, she was doing riffs with my name just for fun. She’s that kind
of dope.
​
Charnel’s story begins in Chester, Pennsylvania, shaped deeply by the musical legacy of her
late mother, Lena Allen—a powerhouse herself who sang throughout the tri-state area and
became Charnel’s first vocal coach, mentor, and biggest inspiration. Her mother’s influence
shows up in every note Charnel sings. “She made sure I was exposed to everything,” Charnel
told me, explaining how she learned to harmonize with the hum of a vacuum cleaner and
compose melodies to the ticking of a clock.
​
Now based in Charlotte, NC, Charnel’s voice has taken her around the world. She had the
opportunity to sing background vocals during the Super Bowl XXIV and Super Bowl XXV
performances of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”—also known as the Black National Anthem. She’s
also sung background vocals for Fantasia at the TIME Magazine Awards, worked with K.
Michelle, Mindless Behavior, and lent her voice to campaigns for BET, AT&T, ESPN, and more.
But even with the accolades, she remains rooted.

On April 26, Charnel will hit the Got Soul stage backed by The Darrin Jackson Encounter, her
go-to band for creating magic. Expect festival anthems and yes—maybe even a line dance with
your boots and fans. “I want people to feel love, connection, freedom,” she told me. “I want it to
feel like the best parts of home.”

And trust me: it will.

Charnel Allen’s performance at Got Soul is sponsored by Michael Londyn Realty Group.