Jayda believes in artistic authenticity over family legacy
When I think of Jayda, one of the first things that comes to mind is her family—she’s the daughter of Dingdong Avanzado, known as the country’s “Prince of Pop,” and Jessa Zaragoza, the “Jukebox Queen of the Philippines.” This background inevitably shapes the public’s initial impressions of her.
But at 21, Jayda has carved out her identity as a singer-songwriter. Most likely surrounded by her parents’ songs, music naturally became a part of her life.
Despite growing up surrounded by the music industry, Jayda’s creative journey took an unexpected turn. Like many Gen Z creatives, she first found her outlet through storytelling—starting with writing One Direction fan fiction on Wattpad, of all things!
“That’s always been something I’ve loved because I’m passionate about storytelling and exploring new ways to convey ideas,” she explained. “Writing fan fiction is where my creative journey truly began.”
Jayda admires the talent within the fan fiction community, noting their ability to write original stories despite using existing characters. “I’m a big fan myself and still enjoy reading fan fiction,” she added.
Eventually, her passion for storytelling intertwined with her family’s rich musical legacy, leading her into songwriting. This journey highlights her unshakable determination to pursue her artistic dreams independently.
Despite industry expectations, Jayda plans to stay true to her values and creative vision.
Recently, Young STAR had the opportunity to chat with Jayda over Zoom, getting to know who she is as an artist beyond her famous parents. Starting her musical journey at just 14, Jayda has undergone a remarkable evolution.
Finding her voice
From her emotionally charged debut single Text to her latest tearful track Right Lover, Wrong Time, the intensely personal quality of her music shows how far she has come as an artist.
Authenticity has always been important to Jayda. Joining her new record label, Republic Records, a year ago marked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to explore previously untapped aspects of herself.
“This is an exciting time in my music career because I can show more of my human side, revealing my core not just as an artist but as a person,” she explained.
As Jayda matures, her songwriting deepens, and she draws heavily from personal experiences. “I started writing songs when I was 12 years old. Fast forward to now, at 21, it feels like I’m navigating a completely different playing field. Mentally, emotionally, and through life experiences, I’m in a different space. That’s the beauty of songwriting—it’s always fresh and evolving. Every day, I’m not the same person I was yesterday.”
For Jayda, IDILY, short for “I’m drunk, I love you,” is a particularly special song from her seven-year repertoire. She went from being a hopeless romantic to having a more thoughtful perspective, as evidenced by the second verse, “I’ll admit I was idealistic / In a sea of flaws, I looked for somethin’ perfect / Never got around to find what I was lookin’ for.”
“Writing IDILY in 2022, I often viewed others through rose-colored glasses, always searching for their best qualities. But maturity has taught me to see people as they truly are. I take pride in how I’ve portrayed this growth through my lyrics,” she shared.
True to self
Growing up in showbiz has its own set of difficulties for Jayda as she navigates public criticism and industry professionals’ expectations and guidance.
However, Jayda refuses to compromise her authenticity—staying true to her passion, herself, and her goals. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized, “Lately, I’ve realized the importance of returning to my roots and remembering why I do what I do. It’s part of my job to stay authentic to my core while being open to new influences and ideas.”
Jayda is inspired by musicians like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, who are renowned for their honesty.
“Taylor Swift has consistently stayed true to her artistic vision. Especially right now, it’s less about what she thinks will sell and more about what’s authentic to her at that particular time, something I aspire to in my own music,” she remarked.
In addition, she finds inspiration in Sheeran’s unique songwriting approach and respects OPM musicians like SB19’s Pablo for their skill and fierceness in lyrics. “Not that naga-aspire ako maging rapper, pero as a writer, I really respect how rappers tie everything together in their lyrics. I hope to attain that level of excellence.”
Beyond being a ‘nepo baby’
Despite her achievements, Jayda often faces misconceptions about her background and is labeled a “nepo baby.”
“The struggle is there; there’s often a misconception that everything comes easy to me just because I come from a showbiz family. Being labeled a ‘nepo baby’ does come with its advantages. My last name carries a certain familiarity which can open doors, but it also brings expectations and misconceptions that I constantly have to navigate,” she shared.
Jayda remains committed to proving herself through hard work, determined not to let her family’s legacy overshadow her accomplishments.
“Whether I like it or not—I don’t mind it—I’ll always be associated with them. That’s always going to be a part of me and a part of my history. Look deeper, and you’ll see someone dedicated to honing her craft as an artist, a storyteller, and yes, a ‘sad girl,’” she said with a smile.
“I don’t write to impress; I write to connect,” she emphasized. “It warms my heart when I read comments like, ‘This spoke to me because I experienced this in my life.’ I want my songs to resonate deeply with people, to become a part of their lives and their experiences.”
As she continues to develop as an artist and young adult, Jayda offered valuable advice to those navigating their own paths while juggling expectations from society and their own goals.
“You have to remember who you are,” she advised. “However, I acknowledge that some people might hear that and think, ‘Well, I don’t know who I am yet.’ That’s the exciting part: you get to decide who you turn out to be. As my dad always says, ‘You have to play with the hand you’re dealt.’”
“In life, things don’t always go as planned,” she continued. “There are bumps along the way, and you may not always get everything you want. The best thing you could do is to stay committed to your goals and work with what you have.”
Jayda also encouraged internalization by reconnecting with hobbies and interests from before external influences took over. “One exercise I find helpful is going back to what I enjoyed before anyone else or any other factors came into my life,” she suggested. “This can ignite something within you that may help you get through whatever you’re getting through.”
When it comes to overcoming personal obstacles or navigating her artistic career, Jayda never wavers from her dedication to authenticity. Her music strikes a chord with listeners, embracing the intricacies of life through relatable narratives and profound emotional depth.
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Jayda’s latest single Right Lover, Wrong Time is out now on major streaming platforms via Republic Records Philippines.
