Why 2019 Is The Year For Cebuana Pop Sensation Karencitta
Karen Ann “Karencitta” Cabrera A.K.A. Karedad
New Houston Music Outlet speaks with international sensation, Karencitta in our latest interview. Glamorously popularizing her home island of Cebu City, Philippines with her viral song, ‘Cebuana’, she spends time between Hollywood and pursuing her doctorate at Penn State University. In our chat we delve into her story and grind into the entertainment industry.
What is your best ‘elevator speech’?
I’m Karencitta and I only make hit records.
Tell us a little about the different places you are from/have lived.
I was raised in Lorega, which sits in the heart of Cebu City in the Philippines. It’s known to be a notorious neighborhood. Lorega molded me to be tough and street smart.
After I graduated High School in CIE British School, I always lived in transit around Los Angeles, Torrance, Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Westchester, Carson, etc. L.A. is cut throat however, I’m beyond thankful I got to live there for a couple years; it made me feel psychologically-equipped hence, I could beat any adversity that came my way. My favorite will always be Cebu though. I plan on getting married, raising my future kids and retiring there.
What was it like when you were growing up?
I was separated from my parents for more than 10 years, which is my whole childhood and teenage life. Despite the distance, I was an obedient daughter and sister; I never broke the rules; and apparently, I never had a rebellious stage in my life. I was instilled with Christian values and I was taught that education was my main tunnel to success. My parents were immensely strict and traditional when it came to dating. They didn’t give me freedom. So, I never had a boyfriend. I sacrificed my teenage life to be Karencitta. Unlike my friends, I wasn’t out clubbing, drinking, smoking and having fun.
My parents’ guidance had the biggest impact to my success today. Young Karen was either in school or making music. Either those two.
Did you have any role-models or inspirations growing up?
My main music influencers are Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, Beyonce, Xxxtentacion and Kendrick Lamar. When it comes to the anatomy of the art, I look up to Michael Jackson — I respect him and his work ethic. I admire Beyoncé for her energy plus she’s sexy and intelligent at the same time. What blows me away from her is how athletic she is. On stage, she’s running + singing + twerking + dancing + rapping. She is the best performer of our era. Kendrick Lamar for his creativity, lyricism, work ethic and steelo. Bob Marley for the impact he made through his songs and what he stands for; he believed that he could cure racism by injecting music into people’s lives. I love Xxxtentacion too. Favorite rapper and most impactful Artist TODAY.
In an interview you talked about your brother and his past troubles and how he had a huge impact on you especially early in your career. Tell us a little about this. How has your brother influenced your career? How does what he does now impact you?
My brother used to be an active Crip member. That was a long time ago. He introduced me to the Hip-Hop game, made me listen to 2Pac, Biggie, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Eminem, Snoop, 50 Cent, etc. and the early 2000s r&b vibe. I was surrounded by those tunes all day, everyday. Now, my brother is my business partner. From day one or let’s say when I was an adolescent, my brother brainwashed me by always reminding me with “Karencitta, you’re gonna be a star one day”. I always laughed at that. He claimed it long before I realized my potential.
While you make awesome pop music, and Spotify can attest to this, you also make great hip-hop/ reggae music ( So Help Me God LP). Tell us how you got into rapping.
No one taught me how to rap. No one told me to rap, as well. I started rapping because it was my way of expressing sadness and anger. During my teenage years, I felt depressed for the most part because I didn’t have my parents living with me. I was a complete outsider and I couldn’t find anyone I could relate to, except music. I didn’t live a normal life and I subconsciously told my story through music.
I was part of the “YouTube Era” around the year 2009— started uploading covers then, I’d remix other well-known artists’ songs and that’s how I started writing; if the original song was sung from a male perspective, I would re-write the lyrics from a female perspective.
You express yourself in a lot of different ways. For example, music and acting. What drives you to pursue so many talents?
At first, they were all hobbies. It was organically fun from the start. When profit and potential came into the picture, I decided to drop out of college and pursue music / acting.
Tell us how you landed a movie role in Hollywood. What was your experience starring in Omri Dorani’s ‘Funny Man’?
That was my first leading role Hollywood film. It’s one of those unforgettable moments. I fought hard and tedious for that role. Audition after audition after call-backs. I also loved that everyday I got to work with my Director, Omri Dorani— I was a sponge and embodied him in any way possible. He influenced my leadership. Filming around Los Angeles was the best. It was so fun. I remember all shooting days like it was yesterday. Would love to relive it.
What advice do you have for someone who may want to follow in your footsteps and do movies? What advice could you share to save them from any headache?
No matter what, just have fun. Positivity is the way for effectivity.
You’ve been putting out hard-hitting pop tracks like ‘Cebuana’. Can you tell us what your mind state was while making it?
I was very hands-on. I’m very meticulous with my craft. For the music video, I am the executive producer, director, casting director and songwriter. Pre-production was 4 days only. I did that on purpose because I work better under pressure with high adrenaline.
My goal was to amplify Original Pinoy Music (OPM) on an international scale. And since I am a fully-pledged Cebuana, it only made sense to me that I give gratitude to my roots. The Sinulog Festival inspired me. That’s why I released the record 2 months before Sinulog. Initially, I wanted to create a song for Cebuana’s to chant. In the Cebuano dialect, the word “Sinulog” means “graceful dance.” It’s a January festival and the big parade in Cebu and is held the third Sunday of that month. I think the word “grace” encapsulates the word “Cebuana” too. While creating the record, I had Senyor Sto. Nino’s statue in front of me in my recording studio because I wanted to create a record that was marketable for the Sinulog Festival. Spiritual approach.
Tell us about the No Apology song/movement and what you wish to accomplish with this song.
“No Apology (Wala Akong Paki)” is more than a song. It’s a movement. The depression and suicidal rates are mind-boggling to me. As a responsible Artist, I’m obliged to shower the world with positivity. The movement aims to help build self-awareness and the song aims to encourage society to never apologize for who they truly are.
Congrats! We heard that you recently went back to school to get your PhD. I am sure your parents are proud. What is it like being in the university while juggling movies, shows, and studio time? Plus, you recently signed to Capitol. Is it a balancing act and how are you dealing with it?
Thank you! Yes, I study in Penn State University. I want to be a Doctor.
I’m a hustler. Through discipline and dedication, I always get what I want. Studying in school makes me feel like a normal person. I strive for neutrality despite the show business and glamour life.
What new things are you working on in 2019?
My Album, “Cebuana Persuasion”, will release early 2019.
Be on the look out for this rising star in 2019 and get connected today: