Jocelyn Enriquez: Filipino Music Pioneer Returns
Manage episode 484040533 series 3654041
Thirty years after breaking barriers as one of the first Filipino-Americans to chart on Billboard, freestyle music icon Jocelyn Enriquez sits down for an intimate conversation about her remarkable journey through the music industry and beyond.
The conversation begins with nostalgic reflections on how her music impacted a generation of fans, particularly in the Filipino-American community where representation was scarce in the 90s mainstream music scene. With warmth and humor, Jocelyn shares the story of her transition from Bay Area beginnings to San Antonio, Texas—a decision made when she thought she was leaving music behind to focus on raising her family. "We wanted to have four kids and it was like, at that time I wasn't singing, so it was like, okay, we need a slower pace," she explains, describing her "quiet exit" from the industry.
What follows is a fascinating glimpse into how life circumstances led her back to performing nearly a decade later. After a local TV station tracked her down for a "where are they now" feature around 2015, Jocelyn found herself reluctantly stepping back into the spotlight—only to discover a whole new generation of fans alongside those who had treasured her music for decades. Today, she performs alongside fellow freestyle legends in venues across the world, approaching her craft with renewed purpose: "I love what I do now because it's not about me, it's about how the music can impact people."
The conversation delves into the technological revolution that transformed the music industry during her hiatus—from analog recording techniques to digital production and social media promotion—while touching on meaningful personal topics like parenting philosophy, Filipino cultural traditions, and her dream of eventually retiring to the Philippines with her husband to pursue ministry work. Exciting news about upcoming projects rounds out the episode, including a live album, re-releases of her early work, and previously unreleased tracks that fans have been waiting years to hear.
Whether you grew up breaking dance to "Do You Miss Me" or you're discovering Jocelyn Enriquez for the first time, this heartfelt conversation offers both nostalgia and inspiration from an artist who continues to bridge generations through music. Follow Jocelyn on all social platforms and streaming services to stay connected with her ongoing musical journey.
• Growing up in the Bay Area before transitioning to San Diego and eventually settling in San Antonio, Texas
• Finding balance between motherhood and music, including her decision to step back from performing when her children were young
• The unexpected return to music in 2015-2016 after a local TV station featured her in a "where are they now" segment
• Performing with freestyle legends like Cynthia, Johnny O, Lisa Lisa, and Stevie B in concerts around the world
• The significant technological changes in the music industry from analog recording to digital production and social media
• Pride in her Filipino-American heritage and being one of the first Filipino-Americans to chart on Billboard
• Balancing music with her involvement in church ministry alongside her husband
• Upcoming projects including a live album, re-releases of her early work, and previously unreleased singles
• Dreams of eventually retiring to Batangas in the Philippines to continue ministry work
• Reflections on parenting four children while maintaining her musical legacy
Find Jocelyn Enriquez on all streaming platforms, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook as Jocelyn Enriquez Official.
Chapters
1. Meeting Filipino Music Icon Jocelyn Enriquez (00:00:00)
2. From Bay Area to Texas Life (00:05:42)
3. Filipino Food and Cultural Connections (00:12:02)
4. Stepping Away from the Music Scene (00:17:07)
5. Rediscovering Music Career After Family (00:22:29)
6. Parenting Philosophy and Discipline Methods (00:28:11)
7. Music Industry: Then vs Now (00:33:49)
8. Dreams of Retiring in the Philippines (00:42:27)
9. Upcoming Projects and New Releases (00:47:13)
10. Final Thoughts and Where To Connect (00:53:03)
70 episodes