The year Filipino-American act Jay R came out with his debut album Gameface which yielded his signature song “Bakit Pa Ba,” basketball superstar Lebron James was also just in his first season in the NBA. That was 2003.
The christened R&B Prince has been in the music scene for quite a while. King James is by now the NBA’s top scorer of all time. Jay R had likewise been elevated to be “king” of his genre.
The singer-songwriter’s household name status makes his upcoming Twenty Up milestone spectacle worth the watch, given the fact that the artist himself knows he has to give his fans more than they expect him to do.
“Naturally, I’ll be performing my greatest hits, but I’m also eager to incorporate the music that shaped me into the artist I am today,” said the California-born star who lived in the Philippines for 18 years before relocating back to Los Angeles, USA.
For his 20th anniversary concert, Jay R is collaborating with mural artist Dee Jae Paeste who will be seen painting on a large canvas as he delivers his set, which for him is bound to create “a truly immersive experience for my audience.”
Last September, Jay R came out with the song “Blessed” which he said serves as the first single off his 20th anniversary album.
He has a nice take on the big title given to him by the showbiz industry, pointing out, “I take great pride in being recognized as the King of R&B in the Philippines. While there’s a certain pressure to stay current with the evolving times, it’s a challenge that comes with being a great artist. I relish this pressure—it keeps me motivated to constantly create new music and innovative ideas for its promotion, keeping me on my toes.”
Jay R is dropping another track come December 1, something called “Guiding Star” which he dedicates to his late father Gaudencio Sillona Jr. Jay R was born Gaudencio III.
The multi-talented celebrity who also works as record producer, actor, and model decided to fly back to California at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to attend to his father who was battling a severe illness at the time.
He recalled his father’s “unwavering strength” that defied the initial six-months-to-live prognosis and gave them “an additional two years together.”
He shared, “Each day with him felt like an extraordinary gift from above. I have vivid memories of my upbringing, watching my father return from work and head straight to his piano. He’d immerse himself in music, sometimes for hours. When my mother had free time, she’d join him, harmonizing with the tunes he played. I’d often sit in quiet observation, listening to their impromptu performances.”
Asked to elaborate on how he values the Vehnee Saturno-penned “Bakit Pa Ba” which introduced him to Filipinos worldwide, he said, “I adore performing it and never tire of its melody. The moment I heard it, I instinctively knew it was the one. I immediately recorded the song, recognizing its exceptional resonance.”
The Fil-Am community has always been proud of Jay R’s achievements. Co-artists and supporters, especially those with Filipino lineage, look up to him. He related, “To all aspiring artists out there, continual practice is paramount. Talent is a fantastic start, but refining and advancing your craft are essential.”
He added, “In a world filled with countless artists pursuing similar paths, honing your skills is what sets you apart. Study and master the techniques of your admired artists, using these foundations to innovate and craft your own unique style.”
Jay R’s Twenty Up will be held on November 18 (Saturday), with the show to start at 7:00 p.m. at the Garden Grove Amphitheatre (12762 Main Street, Garden Grove, California, 92840). He recently performed at TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) held at Zipper Hall in downtown L.A.