JUST A THOUGHT: Talking about music is like talking about sex. Can you describe it? Are you supposed to?---Bruce Springsteen
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THAT OLD BANANA-Q GIRL: Gone is the shadow of that little, 10-year old girl selling sweetened, fried bananas on a stick, the image that left an indelible mark in the minds of TV viewers who followed her on a TV singing contest.
Elha Nympha, The Voice Kids 2015 singing champion, is now 16, a regular on Sunday show, ASAP, and the voice behind a few hit songs.
The 10th Grader at APEC School in New Manila has a new single on MCA Records, Do It, which might well foretell Elha’s (and her management team’s) plan of action, musically.
“Do It” is being compared with songs by the likes of SZA, Jhené Aiko, and H.E.R. On the single, she comes off with surprising finesse and maturity beyond her years.
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BOLDER STEPS: In person, Elha has gained confidence in speaking her mind---in English.
She says: “As a fan, I can definitely see myself doing the same kind of music. But there’s more to my sound than being pigeonholed into a category. I’m ready where this journey would take me, musically. I look forward to creating something that is original and unique.”
“Do It” is described as a suave R&B jam that tackles the beauty of taking bolder steps in love.
Elha seems to know this by heart. She has found love in a current boyfriend, her first.
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INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE: Elha started joining school competitions at the age of 7, when she won a rotary competition on Amaranth.
She has released a studio album, Elha, with best-selling songs "Susunduin,” "Emotions,” and "Love on Top.”
Following her The Voice Kids winning, the young singer from Kamuning, Quezon City has appeared on international music programs, including Steve Harvey's Little Big Shots where she performed Sia's "Chandelier" and the French counterpart of the top-rating franchise.
From being a powerhouse belter, she wants to be an all-around young performer. She’s currently studying dance.
“Do It” is now out on all digital platforms worldwide.
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MUSIC NOTES: Elha Nympha can rest assured that Original Pilipino Music is alive and well.
Current top notchers on music charts are Ben & Ben, Moira de la Torre, Shanti Dope.
On You Tube and online platforms, breakout Pinoy stars are rappers Abra and Ex-Battalion. They rack up views by the millions on You Tube.
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BEN & BEN has a new single, Inevitable, offering an invigorating sense of calm.
Written by Paolo Benjamin (lead vocals and acoustic guitars) during a random afternoon run on the beach, a solitary moment spent with nature, Inevitable captures the nature of fate, and how our actions lead us to some better place destined for us (his words).
Inevitable is no doubt inspired by recent events triggered by this year-old pandemic. Notice how such a tragedy has signaled our return to nature (literally in farms, mountains and seas, the great outdoors), and back to basics (we are always in our house clothes, gardening, praying).
From these, we draw our sense of calm and thanksgiving to God.