By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle
There is a new sound playing around the metro. It’s far from the rhythm of the latest craze “emo” or emotional rock but positively a new flavor to the diversity of Filipino music. No doubt, Bossa Nova captures the heart of sentimentalists and even the hard rocking babies. Thanks to new singing sensation, Sitti.
“Jazz-influenced music of Brazilian origin, rhythmically related to the samba” is the simple description for Bossa Nova. Historically it was founded in late 50s by Antonio Carlos Jobim and popularized by João and Astrud Gilberto.
Bringing back the old kind of music and reintroducing it to a new era listeners by a newcomer is quite a risk for any producer. Fortunately, the novel voice and the melodic style of Sitti (Navarro) harmonized with the heart of thousands.
“Nag-start ako sa mga standard jazz, yung mga “As time goes by”, “An Affair to Remember” kasi iyon ang mga nire-request ng mga audience with ages 40 and up,” Sitti said describing how she began as a lounge act. “Doon ako unang na-introduce kay Astrud Gilberto, not knowing na Bossa Nova iyon. Then mga 3 to 4 years ago sabi ng management ko mag-focus daw ako sa Bossa Nova.”
Considering most of the Bossa Nova lyrics are written in foreign languages and with a rather unfamiliar tune, Sitti admits that it was hard to penetrate the local audience. She even heard criticisms saying that her songs were like chanting spells. Nevertheless at this point, the reception is tremendously improving.
October 2005 when Sitti recorded live her first album “Café Bossa” at the function room of Stone House Building in just whole day and Warner Music released it in the market February last year. Months after the launch of the album it failed to have enough media exposure. However, Sitti was informed that the album rated even without prior promotions. The album already got platinum records and her second album “Sitti: Live” is out and also doing well.
“Nakakatuwa talaga! Now, I’m singing not only for myself but for the others, too. Lahat ng gigs namin puno so it’s an opportunity for us to educate the audience on Bossa Nova,” Sitti told Tugtugan.com.
For aficionados, a singer must have a certain soul to effectively interpret Bossa Nova songs. As Sitti shares, the lyrics behind Bossa Nova songs are mellow-dramatic. She cites that her favorite “Chega de Saudade” (No More Longing)”, a Portuguese song composed by Jobim is one great example.
“Lahat nang kinakanta ko na Bossa Nova inaalam ko ang ibig sabihin o kung mayroon siyang history. May kanta pa nga si Astrud na “O Pato” (The Duck), sinusundan lang niya yung steps ng duck. Nakakatuwa dahil biruin mo you find passion in a duck,”
So far, the awareness of Filipinos to Bossa Nova is increasingly ascending. Other w Bossa Nova artists emerged like Sofia (“Sofia, Bossa Latino Lite” under Ivory Records), Pavi (“Bossa Sessions” under Alpha Music) and Raffi Quijano (“Manila Blends” under Viva Records) and Agot Isidro (“The Island” under Holiday Records).
“Tingin ko naging commodity na siya at hindi maiiwasan na maraming maglalabas ng album na Bossa Nova rin ang konsepto. Pero mas maganda na yung mga record buyers they go beyond the usual stuff. They do really listen to music of Astrud and João, iyong mga authentic talaga,” Sitti’s reaction to the commercialization of Bossa Nova.
Indeed, the prime of Bossa Nova has come. It is not just foreign and passé music but an absolute melody for the Filipino music lovers. Sitti, is now aknowledged as the Bossa Nova Queen in the Philippines.
“Ayoko ng title, gusto ko lang na maaala nila na in a way ako ang nagre-introduce ng Bossa Nova. Sana hindi lamang sa Bossa Nova iyong awareness ng mga tao kundi mapunta rin sa standards and jazz. ‘Yun ang ultimate dream ko,”Sitti said.
Sitti is looking forward her major gig at Music Museum on March 16 and 23. She will also be hosting the Pinoy Big Brother season 2 on Studio 23 and will start a twice a month stint in the Sunday noontime show, A.S.A.P.
About Phoebe Dorothy Estelle: Phoebe Dorothy Estelle believes in the power of dreaming and it's smarter to be lucky than lucky to be smart. She's boyish and jolly outside but feminine inside. Has faith to the Divine Providence and an ambivert gal who loves performing arts, anime, interesting stories or people, music,films and ice cream..
March 20th, 2007 at 11:00 am
[…] With bossa nova queen Sitti Navarro, Asia is again hosting PBB. Meanwhile she’s also hosting the “iPBA…Ang Bagong Laro” on ABC 5 where she meets hardcourt personalities and reporting on the latest PBA basketball news. […]
May 11th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Hola, someone could sent me music of this singer. I believe she has an excelent taste for select the music. But I only herad 1 song. I want to listen more, but this kind of music is not in here. its almost impossible get it here.
April 19th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
i really like sitti’s songs! i feel like that im in a very special place… 09184342164
October 30th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I think she is wasting her talent singing with amateur musicians not to mention singing tagalog bossa novas along with Jobim’s bossas.. not the same category.
She needs to start listening to singers like Ana Caram, Eliane Elias etc. before she runs out of cuteness and have to really depend on talent.