Another Filipino singing talent is making waves abroad, capturing the hearts of Londoners with his showcase of vocal prowess and authenticity as a performer.
Marvin Velasquez is an artist-to-watch. He used to be a regular of reality singing competitions and now he is making a name for himself through the showcase of power vocals delivered soothingly in bossa nova style.
The pride of Nueva Ecija recently did a series of well-applauded appearances in various locations in London, England. The special leg was made possible after he collaborated with London-based Side Projects Productions for his first digital recording releases.
A down-to-earth fellow with a disarming smile, Marvin excitedly shared, “In a way I’m carrying the flag of our country each time I go on stage on a foreign stage. I’ve been to a lot of places and it makes me glad that Filipino talents like me are appreciated by people abroad, including our compatriots.”
A loving family man, Marvin is back in Manila to appear in an anticipated ensemble concert entitled Musikahan Noon At Ngayon Concierto happening on Dec. 8 at the Music Museum in San Juan City. The concert will feature The Boyfriends, Male Rigor of VST&Co. fame, YouTube sensation Zendee, The Voice Kids 2nd Season champ Ella Nympha, among other remarkable acts.
His distinctly big voice is behind the songs “Tabing Dagat”, “Kay Bathalang Mahal,” and “Mambo, Samba, Cha-cha”, all written and arranged by London-based Erasmo Mallillin and his brother Jun whose brilliant track record included scoring hits for the Boyfriends.
As Marvin’s star rises, he is fast becoming a sought-after name on the gig scene. He had also been tapped to host and perform at The Pinoy Rock Legends Rock & Roll Christmas at Teatrino in Promenade Greenhills on Dec. 13. This show will showcase iconic Pinoy rockstars Gary Perez, Resty Fabunan of Maria Cafra, and Jun Mallillin of Abrakadabra who’s behind the now-classic “Bote’t Dyaryo.”
Meanwhile, the Filipino communities in foreign countries often find him delightfully surprising with his unassuming stage presence that delivers a voice to hear for. By invitation, he has performed in Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, and London. The last stop, produced by London companies Side Projects Prod, managed by music expert Port Mallillin, and Simply C, saw him perform alongside The Boyfriends.
Marvin will fly to Hongkong and Macau for a number of scheduled performances from Dec. 17 to 27.
“Hopefully I am giving justice to the bossa nova genre which to me is a type of music that more and more people are embracing,” he said humbly considering that music insiders are already christening him “Bossa Nova Prince.”