The Soul Siren brings ‘Only Nina’ concert to Cebu
If you ask a millennial, some will likely own CDs of singer Nina’s albums, specifically her 2005 hit “Nina Live.” Her soulful voice defined a generation’s taste in Original Pinoy Music (OPM), earning her the title of Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren.
So when Gen Z recognized Nina as their folks’ favorite artist, she felt happy that fans were sharing her music taste to their kids.
“I don’t have a hard time connecting with younger people because their parents are the ones who are passing on my new music to their children,” said Nina during a press conference at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, the same venue for her concert here next month.
“I get amazed when I meet younger people. They tell me that I am their mom or dad’s favorite. It feels good that the younger generation knows my music as well, so thank you to the parents for sharing my music with your children!”
Having a daughter who is now of the age where she’s acquired her own music taste, Nina said she was relieved that motherhood didn’t impact her singing voice.
“Fortunately for me, I didn’t get the chance to experience the change in my voice which I am thankful for because I hear a lot of stories about how when you become a mom your voice changes and becomes deeper,” she shared. “I am thankful to God that it’s still there. I can still sing and belt it out.”
It’s been 11 years since Nina put out new material, with her latest album “All Good” released in 2013.
“I want to make my new album nice and something everyone can enjoy. We’re taking it one day at a time and getting all the resources,” said Nina, who prefers to release her upcoming music as an independent artist after previously being signed under Warner Music Philippines, Universal Records, and Viva.
She’s not sure what her next album will sound like, but has considered a sequel to “Nina Live.” Regardless, she hopes to collaborate with the likes of Zack Tabudlo, Arthur Nery, or Ben&Ben if she were to work with newer artists.
Nina has also thought of re-releasing her past albums in their remastered versions, including “Nina Live”, which would include vinyl and other physical formats if possible.
- Only Nina -
Nina will return to Cebu on February 9 for her “Only Nina” concert at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront in Lahug. This comes after her sold-out concert of the same name at SM Aura Premiere’s Samsung Hall last November.
Of the concert’s title, she explained, “There are a lot of interpretations. One would suggest it’s because my stage name has no last name. Or
Only Nina can do this concert in Manila. Only NiNa can do this concert in Cebu. It has different interpretations for me. It has a different interpretation for the producers and promoters, so it depends. There’s no wrong answer here.”
Asked how she manages to still be active in the industry even after 24 years, Nina said, “I always cherish my talent and what God has given me. I really take care of it and I want to share it with everybody. That’s why I am still here because I enjoy singing for everyone.”
Even though the Cebu show is billed as a pre-Valentine’s concert, Nina assured that the setlist will contain songs for everybody to relate to regardless of their relationship status.
“Expect to hear a lot of love songs, and maybe songs for single people and the brokenhearted as well. I believe that Valentine’s is not only for couples but also for the single and broken-hearted. I will be singing some of the songs from my previous albums, as well as new songs that we prepared for everybody.”
The concert is produced by Vera Group in collaboration with District One, a bar in Taguig where Nina often performs. As the main attraction, her monthly gigs are always sold out, which led to the bar’s management expanding their business as a concert organizer.
The Cebu show is directed by John Prats with musical direction by Ivan Lee Espinosa. “It’s an ease to work with Direk John because whatever creative juices you have, it will come out. Whatever you request, like lighting, he will do it and execute it very nicely,” she said.
She conditioned herself to perform in the 4,000-capacity Waterfront ballroom after being the guest performer for the Danish rock band Michael Learns to Rock.
“I am prepared to perform in a bigger venue. The difference was just that I was a guest. Now, I am the main act. I am excited to sing for the Cebuanos because I felt the love from them when I was a guest artist for Michael Learns to Rock,” said Nina.
Even on a big stage, she likes to be close to the crowd regardless of the venue’s capacity.
“I make it to a point to be intimate with the people there even if it’s a bigger venue. It doesn’t matter to me actually. There’s no difference for me if it’s bigger or smaller. I want to get closer to the people I am singing to. Big or small, I still want to be close to everyone.”