The singer’s singer
Jed Madela has come a long way from that shy Ilonggo to the acclaimed singer he is now. And as he continues to reap the fruits of his success, he champions young Pinoy talents.
Jed Madela has come a long way from that shy Ilonggo to the acclaimed singer he is now. And as he continues to reap the fruits of his success, he champions young Pinoy talents.
Valentine’s Day sees Jed Madela headline the concert “All About Love” with proceeds going to Ang Mata’y Alagaan Foundation, a non-profit organization serving persons with disabilities (PWDs), especially the visually impaired. In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment, Jed said he wants to be remembered beyond his voice.
Performing to benefit people in need gives him a sense of fulfillment.
“If people would notice, normally ang ’yung mga pakiramdam concerts ko na may nagpe-perform beneficiaries ka talaga,” para sa he mga said. taong “Iba tutulungan motivation and this show na mo, is mas it going gives i-promote to you help more a pa lot encouragement. (ang of people. show). Nakaka-inspire It’s It gives inspiring you na concert, mas galingan lalo na sa ko mga pa para fans.” sa mga taong naka-depende sa
in Metro It is Jed’s Manila first as time he in always about held 10 years concerts to do out-of-the-country a Valentine show or in the provinces. “Ayoko kasi ’yung nahahati ’yung mga tao kasi maraming kasabay kapag Valentine show,” he shared. “Supposedly mayroon akong tour the entire February kaso na-moved siya. Timing naman na lumapit ang Mata (Foundation), tapos timing din na Valentines. So sabi ko, sige mag-Valentine concert tayo. After all, ang purpose naman nito is to earn funds for the foundation.” Jed is hands-on with concert preparations. He even gets suggestions from netizens through social media, so as to involve them in the creative process. “Hindi kasi ako madamot na performer. And nakakatuwa naman ang dami kong nakuhang mga messages,” he disclosed.
While people are used to hearing him belt songs in earthshattering decibels, Jed wants this concert to be more about having fun. “Ang gusto kong maging experience nila pag-uwi (galing sa concert), hindi ’yung ‘Ang galing ni Jed,’ kundi ‘Ang saya ng gabi ko!”’ he said. On the repertoire, Jed said he will tone down his singing so that “’pag narinig ng mga tao ’yung kanta, kikiligin sila at maaalala ’yung magagandang memories.” But how will he make the audience kilig if he himself is loveless for years now, we asked. “I think that’s the magic of being a performer,” he said. “Ang love naman hindi lang sa mag-boyfriend and girlfriend eh. Nandyan ’yung love sa family, sa kaibigan.”
On why fans should choose his concert over the rest, Jed quipped, “Kasi it’s a Jed Madela concert!”
Good point.
Right exposure
Jed’s guest performers are Sarah Faye Bacal, Tim Pavino and some members of the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) Team Philippines.
They’re not front acts, Jed pointed out. The singer always makes sure his guest artists get the exposure they deserve.
“I don’t believe in that (front acts). In fact, I’d never done a show na may front acts,” he related.
“These artists deserve a spot kasi people don’t usually pay attention (sa simula ng show) and ako, I make it a point na maski bago o kilala ka na (sa industriya), you deserve a spot within the show,” he said. “It’s unfair for artists kasi na-experience ko na din yan before. Usually sa time ng front acts, people will be like tatayo muna, magpupunta ng CR. I don’t think they deserve that treatment.”
Jed also gives opportunities to newbies by inviting them to perform with him in corporate shows. He is confident these artists will make it big in the industry soon given their exceptional talents.
More and more
This year marks Jed’s 15th anniversary in the music industry.
To celebrate it, he will release an album and hold a concert by year’s end. “Let’s make this year special,” he said. Jed describes the upcoming album “kick-ass.” It will consist of all-original songs, some of which penned by the singer, himself. He shared the biggest lesson he learned all these years in the industry. To begin with, he said he believes everybody is dispensable. “Kumbaga talagang may darating na mas magaling sayo, na mas bata, na mas maganda ang katawan. Mas pogi, mas mataas ang boses,” he said. Not that he is scared. It’s just a matter of dealing with the changes, Jed noted. Above everything else, the singer-songwriter is grateful he remains relevant. He thanked his loyal fans for supporting him all the way. “I’ve seen a lot of artists come and go (in the industry) and somehow I’m still here. I owe this to my fans. They are very supportive since day one regardless of everything. I’d been through highs and lows in my life but hindi ako tatagal ng ganito kung hindi nila ako minahal at sinuportahan,” he said.
I’ve seen a lot of artists come and go yet somehow I’m still here. I owe this to my fans. They are very supportive since day one regardless of everything.