A phenomenal performer. A spokesperson. A role model. A multifaceted artist. In one word: Cedrice. This soulful and inspiring entertainer connects with the world by sharing honest stories told through music, social media and speaking platforms. She is a dynamic woman who reminds us that the journey is just as important as the destination. She was featured in a national tour alongside ten artists by the Jameson Whiskey Music Program. She has also acted in many political dramas including “Agnus” Off-Broadway in New York City. Most recently, Cedrice was a semi-finalist on “The Voice,” Season 18, working with three of the four coaches: John Legend, Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson, as well as the legendary James Taylor.

HIRAYA met with Cedrice for an interview and it is safe to say there is an even deeper admiration for this amazing human after chatting for a couple of hours.

Not only is Cedrice a singer and actress, but also an advocate of awareness to Alopecia. Her song “Woman” speaks to sincere and complex questions growing into her womanhood asking her listeners, “What does it mean to be a woman?” and “What does it take to be a woman?” She is an outspoken artist willing to lean into her adversities, sort them out through song, and perform with passion. Cedrice hopes her music will encourage inward reflection and deeper conversations about our identity as a people to allow us to thrive together in a more just and accepting society.

Who are your musical influences? Who did you look up to growing up? 

I grew up listening to the radio pop stars in the 90’s and early 2000’s; Christina Aguilera, TLC, Blackstreet, Britney Spears, SWV, and 3LW. I mainly idolized Christina Aguilera. 

How has being half Filipino affected your artistry?

Now, more than ever my Filipino background has given me fuel to purpose. After being presented on a television show with millions of viewership, I now see how important it is to my people that I express my mind and humanity as a multicultural female artist. My songs speak to my struggles growing into my womanhood and will hopefully help uplift my listeners. I have also been inspired to include Tagalog in my music. I intend to share a little more about my Filipino culture and teach my listeners my mother’s native language. Music is a fun way to teach the world of who we are, both as Pan-Africans and Filipinos. 

What are you most proud of coming from a multi ethnic background?

I am grateful to have people who believe in me from all walks of life. I do not only represent my Filipino people, but also my Black brothers and sisters. I am proud to have been raised in a world where I can share my gifts and continue to be grounded and guided by humble leaders amongst my family and friends.

“Embracing the identity struggle leads to more authenticity.” These were such powerful words from your TEDx talk in San Diego. Can you expound on this for our readers? 

There is so much work to be done inwardly. Sometimes, it becomes too overwhelming and discouraging to face our own faults and insecurities that we search for an option of who we could be out in the world. Unfortunately for our humanity, we get caught up in the new trends on social media, fashion, and marketing that we stray from our uniqueness. This misunderstanding can make us critical of ourselves when we don’t feel up to par with the trends. As we grow older, we then become critical of the world for allowing us to become someone other than our authentic selves. Embracing all that comes with finding who we naturally are allows us to have compassion for other people and prompt us to share with others what we’ve learned about our true selves. 

You’re a singer AND a songwriter. What are some of your favorite lyrics you’ve written so far?

“I am the living proof of what my God can do.” – Woman by Cedrice

“I’m gonna look in the mirror proud to be the image when I see her.” – Woman by Cedrice

“My word is all that I’ve got. I wanna be someone you trust.” – Room to Grow by Cedrice ft. Mark Pelli

Toward the end of “The Voice” Season 18, we went into lockdown. How did you deal with 2020 and what have you learned from it?

The show changed dramatically. I can speak for many of the contestants when I say it was very stressful having to record from home. After the show, the rest of the year was a great challenge for me. I went through a break up, moved to Los Angeles, and spent a lot of time alone performing through virtual platforms. I learned I had no process or practice for this type of lifestyle. While loss and loneliness followed, my goals became more and more clear. Thankfully, my quiet little home in Los Angeles has been a hub of productivity that keeps me focused on my mental health, work, and the things that keep me happy. 

With the artist H.E.R. who is also half Filipina winning a couple of Grammys and an Oscar this year, what does this mean to you as far representation and visibility?

Filipinos have had countless examples of great talent. I am proud to be Filipina because of their resilience, hard work, and the incessant force of support they give to their people. H.E.R is an example of true artistry. She is focused and represents not only being Black and Filipina, but also an example of a true artist. She represents herself with poise and grace defying the pressures of social angst. I hope our sister is proud of herself. She deserves the praise she will continue to receive.

What advice will you give to young girls and everyone in general who are realizing that they are different? 

Being different is how we’re supposed to be. There is nothing wrong with you. Embrace your growth and allow it. Cause no harm and practice loving yourself just as you practice serving others with your time, money, attention, and wisdom. There is no need to pathologize your differences. They are in fact, what will transcend and shift the paradigm of the entire world.

While on “The Voice,” Kelly Clarkson at one point described you “like a goddess.” Can you share your beauty regimen?

I don’t always do this, but I often bring myself to the mirror at the top of the day and wash my face. I moisturize with Vitamin E oil and massage it for about 10-15 minutes. I then lather my body with organic Shae Butter and give my skin the attention a massage therapist or an esthetician would. I say to myself, that I love my skin. I say, “Wow, you’re so beautiful.” I do this at the end of the night too. This is a self soothing practice that keeps my mind right and my skin tight. I didn’t always believe that I was beautiful, but through these small practices, I learned to convince myself of it. Kelly so kindly shouted what I had been trying to see for myself. 

What is your favorite Filipino dish?

Vegetarian pinakbet. Two days after I landed from the Philippines, I gave that Tedx talk in San Diego and I didn’t have a touch of makeup because my skin was the best it has ever been. You know why? I ate pinakbet for two weeks.

What are you working on next? What should your fans look forward to? 

I am currently working on an album to be released soon. I am even thinking about auditioning for “The Voice” again. Should I?

The name of the magazine is “HIRAYA”, a Tagalog word that means fruit of one’s hopes, dreams and aspirations: What do you still hope for, dream of, and aspire to become?

I aspire to be financially free and to use the remainder of my life to share all of the gifts God has generously given to me.

Follow Cedrice on her socials:

Website: cedricemusic.com

Instagram: @mscedrice

YouTube: Ms. Cedrice

Spotify: Cedrice