How Music Has Elevated the Life of Allan “Di Real” McCoy

You’ve probably seen him with his saxophone, either at DIGI Park or at a live event. Allan “Di Real” McCoy is celebrating nine years of playing the saxophone. His vibrant and outgoing personality makes him stand out, perfectly complementing his passion for music. His journey into music was guided by his parents, who noticed early on that McCoy was different from most kids. They bought him a keyboard when he was just five, and he quickly became fascinated with musical instruments. In his family, learning a trade is a natural part of growing up. Today, Allan “Di Real” McCoy not only serenades beauty pageant contestants, but also gets his hands dirty working on transmissions in his father’s mechanic shop. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

At just thirty years old, Allan McCoy and his well-loved saxophone are a familiar sight, entertaining anyone willing to listen. Whether he’s in public parks, on street corners, or at beauty pageants, Allan sets up his gear wherever he can and often plays for hours on end. His passion for music shines through every note, captivating audiences wherever he goes.

 

Allan McCoy Jr., Musician

“It all started from I was about small, nine or ten, listening to saxophone music on the radio when I get something to eat and then after this, I said I wanted to learn the saxophone so badly and I didn’t get to touch the saxophone until I was nineteen. At the time when I was enrolled at Gwen Lizarraga High School there was no brass instrument and wind instrument. After I left with a high school diploma, I waited patiently until I got assistance from Mr. Chris Bradshaw, the man from Wesley College.”

 

From a very young age, McCoy’s parents noticed he was different from the other kids at school. Even as a baby, he stood out with his unique interests and talents. Allan McCoy Senior told us that he bought five-year-old Allan McKoy a musical keyboard that he became fixated with.

 

Voice of: Allan McCoy Sr., Mechanic

“He was different because he was considered a special needs child. He was a bit of a struggle in the beginning, because we didn’t have this situation. What we did we spoke with specialist who advised us that kids like him need, they usually focus their attention on one thing and we need to find out what that was. So, from the age of five or six we bought him his first keyboard and within one month we was playing the keyboard on his own. I went in his room and I asked him to play Barney and because he was into that I said can you play that for me because I wanted to see if you have learnt something and the kid literally started playing the song.”

 

And playing the saxophone is not Di Real’s only talent. He is also a mechanic employed at his father’s shop.  McCoy’s father made sure each of his kids learned a trade. Now, McCoy Jr. pitches in wherever he can, helping out with vehicle transmission repairs.

 

Allan McCoy Jr.

“I have been involved in this mechanical work for the past thirteen years, and I have been doing transmission. I only deal with transmission as a mechanic, and I work with my dad from Monday to Friday. I am also learning to help my dad rebuilding the transmission. I enjoy it really good because when people have issued with their transmission, I take them to my dad and let him do all the situations there.”

 

Voice of: Allan McCoy Sr.

“One of the thing I want to stress on is that when he was going to school he was not a smart child in school but he had a thing with him that he said dad I know I am not smart and I have to struggle to keep up, so I will try harder and study harder and that has always been his drive that he knows his situation, limitations, so he pushes himself harder to get things done. He has succeeded in that way of life.”

 

He does not mind his son skipping work at the mechanic shop from time to time to be present at one of his music gigs. Today, Allan McCoy Jr. is marking a special milestone—nine years of playing the saxophone. He invited us to join in the celebration through this interview, sharing his journey and passion for music.

 

Allan McCoy Jr.

“My most memorable moment is when I do some live performances for beauty pageants, for example Queen of the Bay, or my favorite Ms. Universe Belize, I enlighten the ladies with a bright smile on their face.”

 

Voice of: Allan McCoy Sr.

“Just be there for your child. My son is thirty years old and he still lives at home. I have never told him you need to find a place. Sometimes I get upset with him when he gets out. But I tell him listen if you cant respect the home find somewhere else. I have never sat him down and say you need to find your own place. As far as I am concerned they are my children and I will take care of them until I can no more.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.