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Soulful singer Chlea Maria Trinidad is chasing her dreams by signing on with a popular recording company to develop her talent and launch her first single.
The 13-year-old student from the Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) was first discovered by Mohammed Ghuloom, a Bahraini record producer known as DJ Outlaw of Outlaw Productions, when she performed a jaw-dropping rendition of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing during a talent competition in December last year.
The little lady with a big voice not only won the title of Seef Junior Superstar but also secured a two-year record contract with Outlaw Productions.
Chlea, from Gudaibiya, said: “Singing is my passion. I started when I was four. I used to watch Whitney Houston’s videos and Demi Lovato and think ‘I want to do that’.
“To win the competition was awesome and overwhelming but to sign a record deal is simply unbelievable. I am so excited to be working with DJ Outlaw in developing my voice and finding my sound.
“I can’t wait to sing my first single and then perform at major concerts one day.”
Her love for music stems from her parents, Carlos, a surveyor, mother Myelne, a receptionist, and brother Chlemark, 17, a university student. The family sings karaoke together, which she says has brought them closer.
Her mum is thrilled with her achievement. Myelne said: “We are so overwhelmed and she has made us extremely proud. She is the first ever real singer in our entire family, from both sides, who has received an offer and signed a real contract from a real production establishment.
“And the best part is she can do something she loves and it will not affect her studies.”
Chlea practices in the studio located in Riffa every day after school and on weekends after she has finished her homework.
DJ Outlaw, who has signed on superstars such as Bahraini rapper Hussam Aseem aka Flipp or Flipperachi and Venezuelan-Lebanese singer Coco Beat, is impressed by Chlea’s hard work, dedication and determination to succeed, especially at such a young age.
He said: “She’s a smart kid and has huge potential to be a star. She has an amazing voice with a wide range. With a bit of practice we will make her a superstar.
“The music industry is a tough market and needs a lot of hard work but that’s why my team are here. Aside from the recording studio and professional artists she will be around, we will be putting her through a development programme to progress her as an artist. So, in two years she will be ready to appear at big shows.”
Chlea has been performing covers of popular songs such as Let it Go from Disney movie Frozen and she will be tackling songs from Bruno Mars and Alicia Keys.
Her next step is to produce an original single later this year which will be available on iTunes.
For further details, follow Chlea on Instagram @Chleamusic and @DJOutlaw or visit www.djoutlaw.com
