Jaya recalls ‘scary’ turning point in her career

Jaya (left) and her late mom, Elizabeth Ramsey

After three decades in the biz, Jaya still has what it takes to keep the audience clamoring for more. Join the country’s Queen of Soul in her 30th anniversary concert, “Jaya: At Her Finest,” tomorrow, 8 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila. Her special guests are Pilita Corrales, Regine Velasquez, Jay-R, KZ and Ogie Alcasid.

Many singers sound alike. But Jaya has such a distinct style that sets her apart from the rest. Jaya na Jaya, hindi gaya-gaya. (It’s so Jaya. Not a copycat.)

Here’s my chat with Jaya:

What was the turning point in your career?  When our variety show, “Sunday All Stars,” was canceled. That made me lose hope and realize that I may never be able to have decent work after that. I got stuck doing bit parts in soap operas, and that was scary.

Any embarrassing moment onstage? When I was a dancer for Mama Beth (Ramsey) in 1982, the bottom part of my costume came off because another dancer stepped on it. So my panty was exposed. I exited immediately.

When you look back at your struggling years, what stands out in your memory? It was hard when Mama and I moved to the US and not having assistance from my siblings. We ended up living in small garage rooms in different cities. But God was always with us. We never became homeless.

What was the toughest part of stepping out of your mom’s shadow? When I ran away from home, I wasn’t planning on singing, but it was God’s plan. That’s why the transition was quite smooth. Things just fell into place. I got my own identity when I became Jaya.

No one knew at that point who I was because my audience was composed of Americans. But it did help that I had learned from her because I learned from the best.

If you could only sing one song, what would it be?  “His Eye is On the Sparrow.” It reminds me that no matter what happens, God is always watching over me.

If you could relive one moment with your mom, what would it be? When I had my first major concert at Folks Arts Theater in 1996. That was when she was truly proud of me. She even sang with me. She said that it was a dream come true for her. It was for me, too.

Aside from singing, what do you wish you could be good at? Playing the guitar, piano and drums.

What song can’t you sing? 

I can’t really do opera but, hey, if someone can teach and train me, who knows?

If your mom were still around, what song would you sing with her in your concert?  “Proud Mary.”

If your life story inspired a song, what would the title be? And who would you want to sing it? “Tibay.” I would love for either Erik Santos or Gary Valenciano to sing it.