SABAHAN pop princess Mary Grace Jane Penserga, 25, has been as busy as a bee since winning TV3’s Calpis Soda One In A Million (CSOIAM) early this year.
She worked with world-class musician Belle Sisoski in Kuching in May to film a festive Gawai and Kaamatan music video for Pepsi there.
“The song was recorded in Kuala Lumpur and the whole process took four days,” said Mary Grace.
“I’ve always wanted to collaborate with a world class musician like Belle.”
Mary Grace performed at insurance provider Etiqa’s annual dinner and sang a duet with CSOIAM runner-up Kai Deva.
“I shared the stage with Indonesian singer Andmesh at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu, and it was an honour to sing with an international artiste for the first time.
“I also sang my first single ‘Titik Mula’ at the Semporna Regatta Festival.”
Mary Grace will work on the soundtrack for a joint Malaysian-Indonesian drama which was recorded in KL a few months ago.
“At ‘Anugerah Melodi’ I once again sang with Kai, this time it was ‘Lagu Untukmu’ by Meet Uncle Hussain.”
At Indonesian pop legend Datuk Seri Rossa’s most recent concert, Mary Grace sang her songs with Kai and another CSOIAM runner-up Zazzleen Zulkifli.
“I also sang with Indonesia’s Ade Govinda at the Asean Summit in KL and performed ‘Alamak Raya Lagi’ by De Fam at the recent Dapur By McDonald’s in Kuching,” she said.
Mary Grace’s most important activity is promoting her debut single ‘Titik Mula’ written and composed by Shazee and Audi Mok, recorded during the last week of CSOIAM.
“It is a personal song which marks the beginning of my singing career. It reflects my experience and journey into showbiz and is about confidence and courage.”
Mary Grace is also preparing for some concerts and an album with about 10 songs, including a duet with Ade.
“Two songs have been completed thus far.”
She would love to work on soundtracks because it would make her songs memorable.
“I take after Adira Suhaimi, my ardent supporter. She happens to be the first Sabahan star to congratulate me after I won.”
Mary Grace would love to star in musicals as she grew up watching them.
“I especially love ‘Wicked’, ‘Magika’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Lion King’.”
Now that she is a celebrity, Mary Grace admits that she has less personal freedom, but it is perfectly okay with her.
“True, people meet me in town and want to take photos, but it’s a good sign that I’m loved and recognised.”
Mary Grace’s tight schedule, fortunately, do not keep her away from her loved ones and childhood friends.
“I still have lots of time to meet my mother, sister, relatives and close friends.”
As she matures musically, Mary Grace plans to write songs like two of her role models, Marsha Milan Londoh and Stacy Anam.
“By writing my own music, I can put my own experiences and stories into music. In this way, I can express myself better,” she said.
The tragedy of her father’s murder when she was 9 will be a black mark in her life. Thankfully, she has overcome it and gained strength through her resilient mother, and the support of all her loved ones.
“Music inspired me to go on, and music is what bonded me with my late father.
“I strongly believe that he would always have wanted to see her become a successful singer.
“To keep his memory alive, I have worked very hard to become one.”
While she loves entertainment, Mary Grace is vocal about humanitarian issues.
She is worried about bullying in schools, in particular the tragic death of Sabahan school girl Zara Qairina Mahathir.
“Ragging in boarding schools must end. Too many tragedies have taken place,” said Mary Grace.
She is glad that Malaysians are going all out against bullying.
“Malaysians and people around the world must not lose their humanity. No child deserves such a tragic fate!”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
