Miguel Antonio discovers a gift to be shared.

“My Mom says I have been singing since I could talk. I asked her to let me enter Qifa Idol, my school’s singing  competition in  2010. I passed the auditions and went on to the competition. I sang I Dreamed A Dream, from the musical Les Miserables popularised by Susan Boyle. It is a very hard song. When I sang my first line, the audience reacted by applauding and screaming my name so much it felt like they were giving me the energy to sing. I just let myself go with the energy, feeling that this is where I belong, on stage performing in front of so many people. It was just unexplainable. I sang it so differently at home. That was the day I knew I could really sing. That was the day that changed my life.I asked my Mommy, ‘Why did God give me this gift of  voice?’ She looked puzzled at first, and then explained that perhaps it was because my voice may have a purpose. Then I thought about all the unfortunate people in the world. Perhaps it could help them? I just knew I wanted to give back. So I told her, ‘Mommy, I want to share this gift. I want to sing to reach out and help poor people by performing at fundraising and charity shows,’ which is what I have been doing. I’ve been invited by and performed for many charities since.

It is a great feeling to be able to help. In just one year, I have sung in front of thousands and released my first EP, What Is Christmas To You, which raised money for the MILK (Mainly I  Love Kids) Fund for disadvantaged children and youth. I’m very thankful to be able to do that.”

– Miguel Antonio, 11 years old, student and singer