Inspiring Lives Magazine Winter 2017: Issue 3 | Page 43

Musician Profile :

SABRINA de MATTEO

By Jess Branas

It ’ s been almost 20 years since I ’ ve heard the intoxicating sound of a live salsa band . Those nights of perfection — among other dancers who were dressed to the nines and ready to dance the night away — were like a scene out of a movie . Gracing the stage , surrounded by an array of percussion and horns , was the most beautiful face , hypnotizing the crowd with a voice as luscious as the Spanish that rolled off her tongue .

That was Sabrina de Matteo then , and today she continues to entice audiences as the lead singer of No Bad Juju . This is a woman who wasn ’ t made only for the stage , but she was also made to inspire . I had the chance to speak with de Matteo to uncover her passions , her journey , and how she uses her story to motivate all of us .
You have had — and continue to have — such a presence with your music , and No Bad Juju is amazing . Starting at age three , how did your passion for performing begin to manifest ?
I was a really rambunctious child . And I actually was the one to choose the piano . I started gravitating to it when I was 2 . Then my mom bought me one when I was three . I learned all the classical composers like Beethoven and Mozart , and it was just in me . I know a lot of parents have their children pick an instrument , which I think is brilliant . I think all children should have musical outlets or creative outlets . It was a way for me to express myself and emotions like happiness and sadness .
Growing up as an only child , this was a perfect fit for de Matteo . As she entered into adolescence , she “ had a bit of a troubled childhood ” where she “ suffered with abuse and from trauma .” At this time , music took a back seat .
“ When you are not happy with yourself and things are happening to you , you stop doing that which brings you joy . I lost my passion for music until I was about sixteen when I became the backup for Guaracha . This opportunity to perform gave me the experience of doing it , and making money by doing what I love was intoxicating . I realized I had talent and found something that gave me joy when so little in my life did . So the passion for music I once had returned .”
Being on stage since the age of sixteen — how was it to know and how did it feel , knowing that you brought so many different people together ?
I was addicted to that power , addicted to the feeling of bringing joy to myself and others . When we are young , we may feel that we aren ’ t heard or seen by others or our elders . It felt great to be seen and heard . It was empowering .
Did being a component of Latin bands also strengthen an appreciation for who you were culturally ?
Yes . I ’ m Peruvian . I was raised to be very proud of my culture . My mom used to make me dance all the traditional Peruvian dances at festivals . Dancing created my joy . I loved salsa , and I loved watching people dance salsa , knowing that we all had fun on both sides of the stage . This carried over because , through the performing , I was led to my first adventure in fitness : Zumba .
The Pittsburgh community was certainly grateful for the return of de Matteo ’ s passion . As she graced us with her talent , she was truly a part of many of our families . All the while , continuing through high school and delving into more acting , by senior year , de Matteo won a Gene Kelly Award , giving her a scholarship that led her to Point Park University .
“ I had no real plans for the future . I didn ’ t know if I was good at anything . I figured that if I have this talent I should do something with it . I continued to sing with Guaracha , then Orquesta Tropical . I was also getting jobs through Docherty Talent and Modeling Agency . These things didn ’ t fall in my lap . I had to work hard , and I had to hustle . I had to , at
WINTER 2017 INSPIRING LIVES 43