THERE’S a fresh face entering the local music scene in the Philippines — young professional singer Sofi Fermazi.

The 17-year-old, dubbed by the media as the “Darling of Cover Songs,” showcases her singing prowess through a number of covers in her YouTube account. Among the popular ones include “Binibini” by Zack Tabuldo, “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran, “Same Ground” by Kitchie Nadal, and “Pretty Savage” by Blackpink.

“Ever since I was a kid, this has always been my dream. When I got discovered, I thought maybe ito na yung para sa akin and ito na yung dapat kong tahakin because I have the chance to prove na kaya kong makipagsabayan like those who wanted to make a name for themselves. I believe everyone starts equally regardless of status or even gender. It’s all about passion that’s why I want to do my best,” Fermazi, who started singing at 6 year old, said in a digital media conference.

Fermazi is one of the new pool of artists of MPJ Entertainment of filmmaker, producer, and actor Perry Escaño. According to him, he saw something in Fermazi when she joined his acting workshop and learned that she also sings well.

“She’s a very talented artist and she’s able to juggle both her studies and her music. Sofi is unique in her own way, has a beautiful voice and I see a great future ahead of her. Sayang kung hindi natin siya i-mold into a new singer. I think she can compete with others and become an international artist someday kasi hindi lang siya magaling kumanta, but magaling kumanta in Tagalog, English and even Korean,” Escaño shared.

Apart from being handled by Escaño, Fermazi also had the privilege to be a protégé of OPM icon Ima Castro.

“Back then, my mom wanted me to enroll for broadway singing because she wants to expand my knowledge on different genres. Meron pong training center na nagtuturo si coach Ima

before. In-enroll niya ako and doon po akong natuto mag broadway songs. It was a privilege for me to be under her care,” Fermazi recalled. Recently, the young lady did a solo production number at the 2022 Asia Pacific Luminare Awards (for celebrity awardees), held at Okada Manila and during the Presidential Campaign season, Fermazi also sang the Tagalog version of “Hero” by Bonnie Tyler, a jingle song of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno who went viral online.

Looking ahead, she will be will be launching her album soon. To be released by Star Music, the album entitled “Rain Inside Us” is currently in the works, three songs of which she will be collaborating with various artists from ABS-CBN. Aside from that, Fermazi will also be part of “Fun Nights Only,” a Kumu entertainment show streamed every Saturday night.