By Anna Valmero
Inquirer.net

TWO music babes—one a classy singer, the other a rock chic—performed at a benefit concert at the Mall of Asia.

Sitti and Kitchie Nadal joined the benefit concert “No Limits” in support of the expansion project of the Alabang New Life Christian Center. The concert, held at the Music Hall in Mall of Asia, aimed to reach out to the youth and inspire them to make a difference at a young age.

When she entered the music scene in 2006, Sitti had a mission: to revive the interest of Filipinos for bossa nova, which is considered a niche market locally. Her bold undertaking produced five albums and earned her the title “Queen of Bossa Nova” in the country.

In October, Sitti released her album “Ngayong Pasko” which she said achieved gold within the same month. Sitti said they tried to experiment with the music of bossa and included a bossa song with swing vibe.

“Bossa nova is a classic music that will always have a place in the hearts of Filipino music lovers,” said Sitti in an interview with Inquirer.net. “Since its introduction over 50 years ago, it has always been part of the local music scene and the strong boom two years ago can attest to that.”

She said her future albums will try to experiment with bossa nova, so it always gives new flavor to the audience. Sitti revealed plans to enroll in dance classes and so she could also dance in future performances.

Meanwhile, Kitchie played Christian-inspired songs with her indie band. Earlier, Kitchie was lead vocalist for local band Mojofly before she went as solo musician.

Right now, she and her indie band is promoting their album although there is not much commercialism involved. “We do not want to come out too strong since the songs are spiritual,” she said in a separate interview.

She said, with the album they want to go wherever the music takes them. She said music, in her case singing, “is a way to show worship The One Above.”

“The music and the songs I sing now reflect the season of my spiritual journey,” said Kitchie. She added that at the time she was writing the album, it was only the Bible that she read.

When asked if Filipinos are ready to enjoy mainstream Christian music, she said the Filipinos are ready for Christianity.

Indie bands Southwind, Lovecore and Jericho Rosales with his band also performed in the benefit concert.