She was named after the country singer Shania Twain, but 15-year-old Shaniah Rollo, who first captivated the hearts of millions when she sang a riveting rendition of “True Colors” on Ireland’s Got Talent two years ago, admitted that she’s not familiar with the best-selling female artist in country music history.
“My mom is a fan of Shania, but I didn’t grow up listening to her songs. I’m not familiar with the records she’s made,” the teen singer told Manila Standard in an interview.
This amazing young girl grew up listening to the music of Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. And just like girls her age, she also adores Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish and Jimin of BTS.
Born in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, it was apparent that she was born to live up to her name’s deeper meaning, “God’s gracious gift,” as she began to exhibit her fascination for music at a very young age.
Shaniah’s parents are both musicians who worked in Vietnam and in South Korea, which explains why she can sing in Korean. Her sister Mia Kyarra Rollo, who used to do covers and backup vocals for Universal Records, also teaches her to sing.
Just like any child prodigy, her musicality became evident even before she was a year old—she started to sing different genres, and eventually, played with various musical instruments and wrote her own songs.
After her stint in Ireland’s Got Talent in 2018 where she was adjudged semi-finalist, she made waves at 2018 Ireland Junior Eurovision Song Contest where she sang an original Irish Gaelic.
“I’m a shy person, so it was really difficult for me to sing in front of a crowd. Before Got Talent, I have never competed in any kind of singing competition, especially that I’m not a belter. I have a different style as a singer,” she related.
“Back then, I would hold on to my mother’s arms whenever I had to sing. I needed her by my side all the time. Then, I realized, I need to overcome my being shy since becoming a singer and performer is my dream,” she carried on.
Opportunity started knocking on her door. Shania was invited and interviewed to join the ABS-CBN Pinoy Big Brother Teens. Then August last year, she appeared as guest on the network’s iWant ASAP.
“Her phenomenal talent is meant to be heard,” said Rosabella Jao-Arribas who founded RJA Productions LLC to handle deserving talents.
“Shaniah’s voice is meant to create a ripple effect in the music industry worldwide. I’m simply here to help make that happen,” Rosabella added and acknowledged her composer friend, Nathaniel Cabanero, who is also based in Ireland, as the person instrumental to this rare discovery.
Shania was in town to promote her single. Entitled “Too Young” and released in February on different music platform, she considers having her own song is a dream come true for a timid girl who had to compose herself every time she steps on a stage to perform.
Written by Arnie Mendaros, the song gives a scenario where the young daughter is put in a dilemma if she wants to follow her desires as a teenage girl or follow her mother’s advice not to rush anything in life because of her tender age.