SAHARA Marks Her Debut as a Solo Artist with OPM song ‘Dahil Ba Sa Kanya‘
With her amazing voice, impeccable talent and dedication to excellence, International Recording Artist Sahara, is a force to be reckoned with. Based in Las Vegas, USA, she is poised to be OPM’s newest singing sensation.
The singer, renowned locally as the American Anthem Diva and the official singer for minor league NASCAR events, is full of admiration to OPM artists like Jaya, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Kyla, and Charice.
She expressed excitement to launch her solo career out of her lifelong love of OPM and Filipino culture saying, “I want to be among the greatest singers in the world singing the most beautiful music in the world – for me that’s the Philippines. And OPM, of course. But more so, the quality of the vocalists and musicians. Even in Las Vegas many of the best musicians are Filipinos, and I’m blessed to be close to them and work with them. I also consider Filipina vocalist to be some of the best in the world, and I want to challenge myself and be among them.”
Her cover of “Dahil Ba Sa Kanya” officially marked her debut as a solo artist. It’s a phenomenal take on the Jaya hit original. Sahara’s unique, incredible delivery is soulful and resonates with many. You ache along with her voice as she delivers the lines “Dahil nga ba sa kanya / Nakalimutan mo aking sinta / Ang sabi mo noon hanggang wakas / Tayong dal’wa ay magsasama / Dahil nga ba sa kanya / Naririto ako’t nag-iisa / Pag-ibig mo sa akin ba’y naglaho na.”
The passionate singer recently spoke with Jayson Paor about her upcoming solo project, her love for OPM, and more.
Have you always wanted to be a singer/performer? If not, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was very young, I first wanted to be a veterinarian, but as I got older I knew I wanted to sing and make music.
But just before I went into music full-time I earned my credentials to be an ultrasound technician for OB/Gyn and Echo (hearts).
What first got you into music? And who encouraged you to try your hand at music/singing/performing?
I fell in love with music very early, I can even remember being 2 years old and rocking out to my parents music. A normal day for me growing up would be listening to the radio, CDs, music videos, etc for 8-10 hours.
To be honest, I never really had anyone to truly encourage me to pursue my gift until I met my husband. We went to karaoke about 6 years ago, and as soon as he heard me sing he got me vocal lessons for my birthday (just a few days later). And music is all I’ve been doing every day since then.
How will you describe your musical and artistic style (your creative process)? [And] Would you say there’s a huge difference from being part of a duo to being a solo recording artist?
I would say my musical style is very eclectic and very passionate. I love so many different genres of music, and the cultures they come from, it’s very difficult for me to limit myself to just one and say “I’m this kind of artist.” But OPM changed that.
As an artist, I always focus on the emotions of the chords, melody and lyrics. Even when I sing in a foreign language I make sure I understand not just the words, but also the idioms of the culture they come from.
It’s not too different being a solo artist because the other half of NeonDuet (my husband Michael), is also my co-producer and manager. Being a duet probably helped us learn to better work together to make my solo career possible. And of course we had to merge our influences. Being a solo artist is new and exciting, although I’m not used to being the center of attention.
What songs do you like to listen to? Who are your favorite artists?
That’s hard too hard to answer. I listen to so many different artists and kinds of music, and my tastes change every day. I can say I especially love dance music and love ballads in languages from around the world.
Why chose Philippines to launch your solo career?
OPM, of course! But more so, the quality of the vocalists and musicians. Even in Las Vegas many of the best musicians are Filipino, and I’m blessed to be close to them and work with them. I also consider Filipina vocalist to be some of the best in the world, and I want to challenge myself and be among them.
What made you fall in love with the Philippines? Is it our culture? The food? The people?
Yes, yes, and yes. [Smiles.]
I’m half Native Mexican and grew up with a Latino family, and I found a lot of similarities between Pinoy and Mexican culture. I also have a special affinity for Southeast Asian food and culture, as well as tropical environments.
I met my first Filipino friends in junior high school, and they were so open, friendly and fun. And of course, they introduced to me to the food, and I instantly fell in love. Did I mention I love food?
Since then I’ve always had Filipino friends. And Las Vegas has a large PhilAm and 1st generation Pinoy community, especially in the music business.
So between my friends, my family, and my interests, I find a lot to love about Pinoy culture.
Congratulations! The song “Dahil ba Sa Kanya” officially marks your world debut as a solo artist. How do you feel?
Amazed. Shocked. Blessed. Mostly blessed. [Smiles.]
By the way, how did you discover the song “Dahil Ba Sa Kanya” originally performed by Jaya. What made you fall in love with the song (and eventually decided to put your own spin/version)?
I was watching a travel video on YouTube, and the song was playing in the background as the host was walking down the street. I used Shazam to find the song and artist.
It’s hard to describe, I just felt something deep inside my heart. A pain, a longing. Something truly lost. Not to mention Jaya’s soulful rendition. And when I read the translation, I understood why I felt that way. A song that can communicate its story without understanding the words is a true piece of art, and I knew one day I would sing it – not just to myself – but to the world.
Does singing OPM (Filipino music) song/s been a dream of yours? What other OPM songs do you enjoy listening/singing to? Any cute/fun story you want to share with us?
Although I was always familiar with OPM, and artists like Regine, Kyla and Charice, learning Dahil Ba Sa Kanya made me truly fall in love with OPM and Tagalog. The language is such an integral part of the music. So much meaning and emotion in so few words. It’s truly beautiful.
I can’t get enough of Sayang na Sayang by Aegis. I listen to it at least once a day and I always get chills. And I have a large variety of artists in my playlists. Too hard to choose just a few.
When we met the composer of DBSK – Freddie Saturno – over Zoom to ask his permission to cover it, he told us the song was based on a true story. And I loved it even more.
Being a world-class, classically-trained singer, would you say singing Tagalog (OPM) song is/are easier to learn and sing (or it’s very challenging) compared to other foreign (language) songs? [And] What makes singing/performing Tagalog songs so special/different for you?
Definitely harder. There a several sounds that aren’t common in other languages. Especially the “ng” sound in words like “Tanging.”
Why I love singing in Tagalog: Passion. So much passion. A single word can express so much joy or sorrow, and as an emotional artist it’s very fulfilling.
To be honest, the passion in OPM is missing in so much of modern Western music. The world could learn something from OPM. I can’t imagine singing anything else.
What is your message to everyone who has been supporting your music journey since your NeonDuet days – and now as a solo recording artist? Especially to all your Filipino fans/supporters?
Salamat and thank you! We have some fans who have followed for years even when we were only posting karaoke videos, and their support has meant everything. And then there were only a handful of people who heard me sing in Tagalog live for the first time, and it was their reaction that gave me the confidence and courage to record it. They changed my life.
More so, we feel like the fans we have – and I hope my future fans – believe in the power of music. No matter what language or genre it is.
Please tell us more about your dance single “(We Can Be) As One”?
It’s no secret there’s a lot of division in American society right now, and other societies in the world. And the song was made during the first 3 months of the pandemic when people were feeling more and more alienated from one another. Our song is a message from the heart that we can’t really succeed unless we work together. That can be a family, a community, or a whole country.
Finally, what do you wish to achieve in your music career?
To inspire love, hope and belief as best I can. Music gave me those things when I needed them the most. If I can bring those emotions to just a few people – or inspire someone who has talent to never give up – it will be a dream come true.
Fast Fun Facts
Interests/Hobbies: Karaoke, anime, memes, international cuisine, cooking, world culture and languages, travel, fitness, video games, and my cat Black Jack.
First song you ever learned to sing: “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
Favorite memory involving music: Twirling in circles as a toddler while my mom was cleaning and listening to 80s music.
Do you play any other instrument/s: Piano and Ukulele
Biggest musical influence: Celine Dion
Sahara’s debut single “Dahil Ba Sa Kanya” is now available on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and other digital streaming platforms worldwide.
