Hip-hopping with Chelo A.

MANILA, Philippines - With the popularity of hip-hop dance group The Philippine All Stars, you wouldn’t expect that one of its members will walk away and completely bid the group goodbye. But Chelo Aestrid has reasons for choosing to go solo. Her passion for music is strongly pulling her away from the dance scene to concentrate more on singing and songwriting. 

Watching her perform onstage recently for the launch of her Love, Life and D’Light album with the support of ALV Talent Circuit, Inc., which manages her career and Jay-R’s Homeworkz Records, was a delight. The lyrics are complemented with thumping beats enough to let loose and move to a groove. The sample “set” was short but sweet, leaving you wanting for more. No wonder, Chelo’s long-time friend Jay-R can’t help but blurt out superlatives when he ascended onstage to share how Chelo’s artistry has improved.

 “…I’ve seen her grow because we went to high school together and ever since then, I’ve seen her artistry get better and better and I’m just so amazed at how she’d become,” Jay-R said. “That’s why I want her as my first artist under Homeworkz Records and as president, I will do everything for people to know her more. We will show her talent to the Philippines and to the world.”

With her strong image, you wouldn’t think the Cebuana singer will come up with an album featuring songs that speak about pride in being Pinoy, inspiring thoughts every music aficionado can live by, and faith. She, too, has a distinct look and style far different from other local acts we usually see onstage. Her “extraordinary image” visibly reflects her fashionista character. In fact, her own clothing line BY: Chelo + G well represents her fashion statement. Her retail store Capital G is opening soon at the third floor of Robinsons Galleria.

“I get easily bored, so I keep on experimenting with my hair and the things I wear,” offered Chelo, whose hair is shaved on one side and colored gold while the other side is long and black.

But the outrageous look doesn’t mean Chelo would indubitably not make for a good role model. Truth is, she can act and speak several languages having studied abroad. She initially went to college with Architecture as her course and eventually shifted to Business Management which she completed with honors in London’s Middlesex University.

Below, Chelo tells more about going solo and her liking for hip-hop:

You used to be a part of Philippine All Stars?

Performing with Homeworkz Records president Jay-R

“Yes. I left the group a year ago to pursue music but they’re still my family and I still keep in touch with them. We (continue to) support each other in everything that we do.”

Does it mean you have totally turned your back on dancing?

“Not totally turning back because as you can see I still dance. It just didn’t work for me to do two things at the same time. Dance rehearsals were tough and tight then and it’s not fair to them or for me to try to get the best of both worlds.”

Among the music genres, what attracted you to hip-hop?

“Growing up, it’s my favorite genre in the States. I started dancing hip-hop then I tried jazz but I like hip-hop more so I infused songs with hip-hop beats and it worked out well. But now there is a fusion of different styles so I would say I am also into R&B and hip-hop with fusion of house, electronic and rock.”

Who are your musical influences?

“I love James Brown, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey and locally, my super idol is Gary Valenciano. They really helped me find my voice.”

Your songs speak about pride of being Pinoy, what inspired you to write them?

“In 2007, I went to San Diego with the All Stars and Q-York was also there. We met some children who at first glance you would think they’re a happy group then we found out that they all had suicidal tendencies under a mentoring program. I learned that Filipino teenagers there had the highest suicidal rate then because they have nothing to grasp as Filipinos. Thus, we were inspired to write songs for my singles like Mainit, Time to Shine with Q-York. Now, it’s Pinays Rise to give them some kind of voice. I want to give something we can call our own.”

Just like apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas.

“Yeah. He’s also someone who’s really giving us something to be proud of.”

Have you met apl?

“In 2008, I sang as back-up vocals for him in MYX Music Awards. He’s also done shows with All Stars and Q-York. I’m not sure if he remembers me now but it was a very enriching encounter because it’s nice to see that a Filipino made it as well in hip-hop.”

Are you planning to write pure Tagalog songs?

“I think that’s gonna be an evolution of my songwriting. I grew up in the States so I write songs in English. There are songs in Taglish. In the future, gagalingan ko sa Tagalog.”

(Love, Life and D’Light is distributed by Universal Records).