Spotlight on Jannah Bocatiya

Jannah Bocatiya. Image: courtesy of artist

It is often said that a thousand miles begins with a single step. That is how I would like to describe the long journey to stardom of 19-year-old artist-singer-performer Jannah Bocatiya — a journey that has not always been “bump-free” — but one she has patiently and tediously trekked ever since she was a little girl. She has managed magnificently to hurdle challenges and trials.

This being the case, Jannah Bocatiya has caught the attention of numerous icons and popular OPM artists with her vocal prowess, old-fashioned work ethic, and exceptional display of good moral character. She certainly possesses the attributes needed to go far in her chosen profession.

I have to say that if ever there was a checklist of what it takes for one person to become a bona fide star in our local music industry, it seems that Jannah Bocatiya has already ticked off most of what’s on the list as she is now beginning to enjoy the fruits of her labor.

The young artists we have now are proof that we do not have to wait much longer for the new generation to finally make their presence felt. The future stars of OPM are already here, waiting in the wings, and indeed, one by one, they are making their appearances into the mainstream awareness of listeners, casual fans, music critics, music intellectuals, and music aficionados. Jannah Bocatiya is one of them. Her time has finally come.

Jannah Bocatiya. Image: courtesy of artist

I am thrilled that I am able to conduct a proper interview with Jannah Bocatiya. Here it is:

Tell me what song quickly comes to your mind which perfectly encapsulates your life’s journey, thus far.

“A Million Dreams.” I think this song fits perfectly with my life’s journey so far because the meaning of the song is the power of positive thinking, faith and believing in your dreams. I have achieved some of the things I’ve prayed and wished for and I am beyond grateful for everything I have right now but I know, I am still far from achieving what I truly desire and dream about. The journey that I have right now is just the beginning and just like the song, my dreams will keep me awake and will push me through to keep going.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

I want to have healing power. Especially with this trying time of the pandemic, if I have that
superpower, I’ll be able to heal the world and put it back to what it used to be.

What were a number of your childhood desires or dreams? Are you able to say that some of those are slowly coming to pass for you now? Which ones?

My childhood dreams are still the same as what my dreams are now. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a successful businesswoman and of course, to pursue a career with my passion, singing, and have the world hear my music. I can say that both are slowly becoming a reality. I am currently studying BSBA in Marketing Management and I know it’s a great opportunity and a stepping stone in achieving my dream of becoming a businesswoman. As for my singing, I’m also starting to build my career with it since I am signed with one of the biggest entertainment companies here in the country which I will be forever grateful for. I may be still far from those dreams of mine, but I’m very happy to see a glimpse of what I have always wanted to achieve.

If you could live in a book, TV show, or movie, what would it be?

I would pick any movie of the “Men in Black” film series. I’ve always been fascinated with extraterrestrial
beings and the mysteries of the universe so to live in one of those movies will be really
interesting.

If you could relive any moment or event in your life, what would that be? And what moment or event was that which you wish you would never want to experience again?

I don’t think I have any moment or event in my life that I want to relive. As for a moment that I
don’t want to experience again, it’s when I lost myself. When I started to get anxiety and depression. I thank God and I pray to him to never put me in that situation ever again because it’s a really dark place and no one deserves to experience that. Not me, not you, no one.

If you could bring one fictional character to life, who would it be and why?

Maybe The Genie from “Aladdin.” It would be nice to be granted three wishes haha.

What’s your greatest achievement so far and how has it shaped you?

Maybe loving myself wholeheartedly. This is something I’ve struggled with all my life so to be able to say that I love and accept myself the way it is, is really a big achievement. I haven’t perfected
yet but I am happy that I am becoming a better person every single day.

Would you rather be a jack of many trades or a master of one?

I don’t think I can be one of the two because I think it’s better for me to be myself and develop what I know and want first. If something interests me, then that’s the time I’ll explore it.

What are the qualities you have which you feel set you apart from all the other young and talented local singers/artists we have now?

I think my desire to grow as an artist and my passion to give the best and inspiring music.

What are your long-term career goals?

Right now, what’s important for me is to release at least some of my own song compositions. To
be able to share my own music.

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