Dutch jazz vocalist also sings in French, Chinese and soon, Filipino?
Internationally acclaimed Dutch singer Laura Fygi has developed such a liking for her Asian fans, her latest album contains Chinese language songs.
Now that she is in the Philippines for a couple of performances, Laura herself mentioned the possibility of recording songs with Filipino lyrics.
"If there is a Philippine company willing to make that happen, who knows you'll be able to hear me sing in Filipino," said the veteran solo artist who
began her career as member of the very popular girl group in the Netherlands called Centerfold.
Performing at top hotel
Fygi is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. tonight (June 24) at the ballroom of the Fairmont Raffles Hotel in Makati Avenue.
Called A Magical Night with Laura Fygi, the concert featuring as guests Filipino singers Jacqui Magno, Jeannie Tiongco, and Richard Merk.
This is not the first Manila visit of the jazz singer. She was in Manila 18 years ago—an experience she describes as "lovely with a lot of temperament."
She observed how Filipinos love emotional, recognizable songs.
Loyal fans
She related, "Fans in Asia are very loyal. There was this particular Taiwanese who'd come up to me each time to ask for autograph, carrying the same white
jacket along for me to write on."
The Amsterdam-born, Uruguay-raised talent certainly knows how to give back, with her 13th album entitled "Flower" having four songs she sings in Chinese.
Asked if singing in another language is a challenge, Laura replied, "It's not really much of a change. The lyrics just need to be right and has a story
which I can put my soul into."
Pinoy link
Aside from Dutch, English and Chinese, Laura sings in French and Spanish, too.
Laura counts Japan and Singapore as among her most memorable stints. In Tokyo, she performed in front of high-profile Japanese personalities, and in
Singapore in 2009, she was the lead the musical "Victor/Victoria."
She remembers being paired with Filipino actor Jake Macapagal during her Singapore theater run. "That's my one link with Filipinos. We had a bed scene!"
she revealed.
Benefit show
After her Raffles show, Laura is doing a benefit show at Wil's Events Place in Quezon City to raise money for the CMB (Crispina Martinez-Belen) Scholarship
Foundation, which helps poor students finish their studies.
That "affordable" show is set on June 27.
"I like to interact with people and I could play for four hours," Fygi explained, "I'm not someone who does the show and leave the building. I'm popular
because of them and I'll make sure everyone will have a great time."
