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07/28/2011
Did you know that Marié Digby fans have formed a community called Digbyholics? Despite having achieved success in the entertainment industry, Marié still believes that the online medium currently being used to showcase today’s talents is ideal in this day and age of technology, which is why she’s glad to be a part of country’s first live streaming online concert hosted by Chikka, creators of the popular Chikka Text Messenger.
Marié Digby, who rose to online stardom because of her simple yet remarkable music covers from Rihanna, Maroon 5, Usher and Lady Gaga, among others, is now a recording artist who has amassed hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world since she first started posting videos on YouTube in 2007.
“People from all over the world now spend more time on their computer,” says Marié Digby. “That’s where they find their music, that’s where they listen to music, and that’s where they interact with the musicians. The Internet really levels the playing field and it gives everybody with a voice or someone that has something to say a chance to be heard.”
This new media experience is called Chikka Live, and it has enabled artists such as teen pop artists Krissy and Ericka, Filipino-American singer/songwriter A.J. Rafael, Australia-based R&B artist Christian Joseph, Pinoy Big Brother sensations James Reid and Bret Jackson, World Championships of Performing Arts winner Aria Clemente and many more to communicate with their fans through the Chikka Text Messenger during each Chikka Live online performance also available on the company’s official Web site, www.chikka.com.
“The support for Chikka Live has been immense,” says Chito Bustamante, Chikka chief executive officer. “This project has been about gathering the Filipinos from around the globe to celebrate and enjoy the music of talented and emerging online Filipino artists.”
“Furthermore, Chikka became a virtual backstage pass for online fans who sent free text messages to their idols, on the set, and off the set even after the live stream,” said Bustamante.
Aside from Marié, the Chikka Live Independence Day special also featured country pop duo Krissy and Ericka, the talented Lamar Brothers, and the trio acoustic group 3 A.M.
The episode was opened by Krissy and Ericka’s remarkable cover of local pop songs and was followed by Lamar brothers’ rendition of some foreign hits. Meanwhile, Marié Digby performed her hit single “Say it Again,” followed by a duet with Krissy. The two sang Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” the song that made Marié “viral” online. 3 A.M. on the other hand played original songs and covered some foreign acts.
Meanwhile, DJ and Michael Lamar of Lamar Brothers, who are also venturing on acoustic performances in TV shows, said that they feel more relaxed in performing in Chikka Live’s online concert concept, where people who watched the show can input their reactions on the performances instantaneously.
“It’s great because we actually get immediate feedback from fans, it’s a way to make you better as a performer and as an artist,” said DJ Lamar.
On the other hand, best friends Kyle Amor, Mica Caldito and James Torres of the acoustic group 3 A.M., who already released their self-titled album from Star Records, said that performing on Chikka Live feels more personal for them since interactions with their fans allow them to know both sides better.
“It’s a great way to reach out to fans because a lot of people are on the Internet. This way, they get to see how we usually are when we’re together, and not just when we’re performing,” Mica said.
Aside from being able to interact and chat with their favorite online artists, fans also had a chance to win a guitar signed by Marié Digby. Although hundreds of fans vied for the highly coveted guitar, it was a lucky Digby fan named Ron de las Armas who won the autographed guitar.
Aside from Chikka Live, Chikka is also working on making Chikka accessible across all platforms. Their instant messaging app is now available on the iPhone and on Android phones, and they’re in the process of developing an app for BlackBerry users.
Since 2001, the proudly Pinoy instant messaging app has been one of the most preferred instant messaging applications by the Filipino community both locally and globally because of its ability to combine the convenience of sending a free text message online with the personal warmth of receiving a text message on one’s mobile phone. It has brought millions of families and friends closer and will continue to do so with its upcoming projects and services.