Israel has a deep affection for South Africa and its people. Not only has he toured here regularly over the past 10 years, but he also recorded one of his most successful albums in Cape Town (Alive in South Africa).
Houghton is known for injecting contemporary gospel and worship with a blazing, youthful energy and has written a canon of songs that are sung regularly in churches across the world.
He has been graced with two Gold-selling albums, six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, and two Grammy Awards - one for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for A Deeper Level and one for “Best Traditional Gospel Album” for Alive In South Africa.
Ironically, there is very little that is “traditional” about the way Israel approaches music, defying categorisation with an ease.
“It's not a white sound or black sound, it's a Kingdom sound,” explained the songwriter and producer. Israel's latest music offering, Power of One, challenges people to change the world.
“I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice,” said Houghton, who penned the CD's title song specifically around that theme for the album.
As part of his personal effort to change the world, Houghton supports a variety of compassion-focused ministries including the international relief and aid organisation World Vision. He is also behind a medical mission ministry birthed out of Houston's Lakewood Church where he serves as a worship leader.
Houghton's SA tour coincides with his plans to develop a New Breed Africa group.
