When one encounters the videos of Sofi Fermazi, the immediate reaction to it is always “stop, look and listen.”
What made Fernazi worth one’s while is obviously apparent – the undeniable X factor, the innocence, and sweetness of her voice and yes, she can be the millennial to carry the title of “the face that refreshes.”
On her YouTube channel and Facebook page, in all the song choices of Fermazi, she has a natural manner of bringing out and telling its stories and all its subtexts become clearer. The pop ditties she interprets hook the listeners and all crave for more. No wonder the “Darling of Cover Songs” branding fits her perfectly.
The young miss of seventeen seasons and her relative inexperience in life and romance that gives all the angst and drama needed by a singer, her interpreting anthems of local and international artists are never wanting of all the feels.
Two of the most shared and viewed Fermezi covers are “Bituin Walang Ningning”, Sharon Cuneta’s signature pop anthem, and “Ikaw”, considered by many as Yeng Constatino’s biggest musical hits. Her interpretation of the songs gives it a more melancholic feel and pull. You know that her singing is not all cerebral, she puts a lot of heart into them.
Her American Top 40 singing idols include Ed Sheeran, Cristina Perry, Coldplay, Adele, and Justine Bieber. Aside from the Megastar and Constantino, Moira Dela Torre, Ben and Ben, Kitchie Nadal, and Sarah Gernomimo are her Philippine music idols.
Her love affair with singing started, she relates: “I had the opportunity, or shall I say the privilege to be a protégé of OPM icon Ms. Ima Castro who taught me and let me fall in love with Broadway and musical theater songs. We all know that Ms. Castro was one of the Filipina artists who gave life to the role of Kim in Ms. Saigon, the role originally performed by Ms. Lea Salonga. My mentorship with her, I will be forever grateful for. It was a master class, I must say.”
“I know that every word and line in a song tells a story. And I want to tell the stories of songs so that people who listen to them will appreciate them more,” says Sofi on why she loves singing. “All songs carry a special memory to the one who wrote and it has a different impact on the people who hears them.”
She adds: “Singing also lets me touch base with my emotions. It makes me realize situations that I have yet to experience. It makes me appreciate the things that I have. It makes me look forward to the kilig and all the feel-good stuff. You know, despite my age, I know how to put myself in the shoes of the inspiration behind the song.”
Her edge, she modestly asserts: “I think it is my unique vocal tone. And, my emotional commitment to the words of the composer. Gusto ko talaga what are the emotions that are in the song, the audiences feel it when I sing.”
Fermezi is currently a grade 11 student at Golden Acres High School. She is articulate and speaks English and Filipino well. She exudes confidence and her charms grow on you.
Aside from her cover songs, the things we can expect from Sofi are: “I will be part of Fun Nights Only, a Kumu entertainment show streamed every Saturday night. We are also choosing the songs that will be part of my first studio album which will be released by Star Music.”
In the nearest future what Fermezi wants to realize: “I want to try acting as well. Giving life to a character I believe is challenging and exhilarating at the same time.”
“I am a fan of Donny Pangilinan, and if the universe permits, it will be a dream come true to have him as a leading man, in my music video perhaps or in a movie,” answers Sofi when asked who she wants to work with. “I think is a good actor. And yes, one big DonBelle fan here.”
With her refreshing looks and distinctive singing voice, there is no doubt that Sofi Fermazi is a most welcome and talented addition to the ever-growing population of young bloods that make Philippine Tinsel Town exciting.
Fermazi is just one of the new pool of artists of MPJ Entertainment of filmmaker, producer, and actor Perry Escaño. For Inquiries, please email