Nina: The Soul Siren

August 10, 2016

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  Marifil Nina Girado (born November 1, 1980) or better known as Nina is a Filipino pop/R&B singer-songwriter, record producer and an occasional TV and radio personality.

  In 2002, Nina started her singing career signing under Warner Music Philippines. Meanwhile in the last quarter of the year, Nina released her debut album entitled ‘Heaven’ under Warner Music. Following the release of ‘Heaven’, she received numerous awards from different organizations: ‘2nd Floor’ released as a radio-only single but still entered the charts that allows her to won the Best R&B Song Award on the 16th Annual Awit Awards in 2003; ‘Jealous’ became Nina’s first number one hit for three weeks and won her the Best New Artist on Awit Awards and MTV Pilipinas Music Awards; Her rendition of Steve Perry’s ‘Foolish Heart’ became her second number one single; In October 2003, ‘Heaven’ was re-released when it was awarded double platinum.

  Nina was named as the number one female R&B singer in the country by Philippine Business Excellence Award in 2004. She was also listed as One of the Women to Watch in 2004 by MEGA.

  In 2006, she released her self-titled album which garnered her the most nominations (eight) for the Awit Awards.

  Nina established her music career in the Philippine music scene in 2005, after releasing her third album Nina Live! The live album has earned her the first ever Diamond award for a female OPM artist. In the same year, she held her ‘Nina Live!’ concert at the Araneta Coliseum which became her biggest solo concert to date.

  Since her music career in ’02, Nina has always been compared to Mariah Carey due to her similarity to Carey’s vocal range and musical style.

  Music critics shared their opinions on Nina’s vocal ability. Professional writer-editor Ginnie Faustino-Galgana stated “There is no doubt that Nina is one talented singer. Her vocal range is decidedly wide. Her voice itself has proven itself youthful and adaptable to any beat.”

  Freelance writer Resty Odon said in a review “Nina can afford to do just covers because she has a voice that’s easy to love.” In terms of song selection, he adds “She works the range and volume she sounds best in.”

  The Philippine Music Registry complimented her range and control, saying “Her voice range always amazes people, reaching the highest notes with extreme control and with a sentimental timbre. She renders her songs with emotion and soul, thus made her the Soul Siren.”

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