Saweetie tells aspiring Filipino artists abroad: 'Embrace the Filipino culture'
Grammy-nominated rapper and global fashion icon Saweetie is currently in Manila to bring her unique blend of music and style at the FIBA World Cup Draw to be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight, April 29, 2023.
At a press conference held on Friday, the Filipino-American music artist said she immediately agreed to the invitation to perform in her mom's homeland.
“I was like, 'Absolutely. Count me in.' It was a no-brainer for me,” Saweetie said.
During the Q&A, the “Icy Girl” singer proudly talked about her Filipino heritage. According to Saweetie, it's important to hold on to it especially since she works in an industry where there's not a lot of Filipinos.
“The Filipino culture is in my DNA, it's in my roots,” she said. “I'm proud of where I came from and who I am, and my mom, her brothers and sisters, my lolo and lola. I was raised in a traditional household. I am proud of that. It actually made me become who I am today. I think it's important for me to represent that especially in the industry where you don't see many Filipinos,” she said.
Born Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, Saweetie grew up in two different cultures as her mom, Trinidad Valentine, is a Filipino-Chinese; while her dad, Johnny Harper, is an African-American.
The 29-year-old singer recalled her life growing up in a multicultural family, “There's a term cold switching because I came from two different families. As a little girl, it's really frustrating. But I think that as I get older, I get to reflect. It taught me that no two groups are the same, but you have to respect the morals and values of two cultures.”
She also noted, “It was a big advantage for me. It didn't limit how I viewed the world. So, I'm really grateful to have experienced two cultures that are important to me.”
Of course, she mentioned her mom, who seemed to be a typical Pinay mother.
She mentioned, “You know, as a child she was really hard on me. But, you know, I'm really happy that she was really strict. I feel like because she really cared about my future and made me into the woman I am today. I really love her. That was tough love, but now that I am older, I already understand.”
Speaking of the advantages of being a Filipino, Saweetie said it has helped her reach out to fellow Pinoy communities easily.
She related, “One thing about Filipinos, if they find out that you're a Filipino, they'll love you. So, I'm really proud to be a Filipino. Every time I travel to different cities, there's like a Filipino tita or nanay who cooks me pansit and brings it to my show. They'll be like, 'I know you're a Filipino, we love you here.'”
Saweetie has truly become one of the inspirations of aspiring Filipino music artists who want to make it big abroad, especially in America. So when asked for advice, she replied, “My advice to upcoming Filipino artists is to embrace the Filipino culture.
“I feel like sometimes, when Filipinos come to America, they have to embrace American culture. But what makes us so special, where we come from. I love that my mom taught me some of the core values when I was a little girl and that stayed with me.
“I think that we should all be proud of where we came from because if it wasn't the homeland we're not going to be what we are today and that's what makes us unique.”
MEANWHILE, GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT SAWEETIE IN THIS GALLERY:
