An 11-year-old Filipino based in the UAE has achieved remarkable success by securing multiple awards at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) 2024 held in the United States. Zairah Alexine Kerr Ragat’s accomplishments at the prestigious international competition, which took place from June 28 to July 7, brought together thousands of performers from over 70 countries, competing in various categories including singing, dancing, acting, modeling, and more.
Zairah emerged as a standout performer, clinching the coveted Junior Grand Finalist Gold medal. Her impressive vocal abilities also earned her the Gold medal in both the Vocals Gospel and Vocals Broadway with self-accompaniment categories, where she was also named the Division Champion. In addition to her vocal prowess, Zairah showcased her modeling skills, winning the Silver medal in the Modeling Formal category.
Reflecting on her achievements, Zairah shared with The Global Filipino Magazine her excitement and gratitude in an interview.
“Winning multiple medals fills me with immense joy and satisfaction, knowing that all the extensive preparations and relentless efforts I have put in have truly paid off. It is incredibly rewarding to see that the hard work, dedication, and countless hours of training were worth it, and this achievement validates all the sacrifices made along the way,” she said.
Zairah, who is currently a grade 6 student at GEMS Winchester School Dubai, has successfully balanced her studies with her passion for performing.
“By adhering to a regular practice schedule and doing any assigned schoolwork, I successfully prioritize both,” she explained.
Her dedication to her craft is evident in her rigorous preparation for the WCOPA event.
“In preparation for the WCOPA competition, I diligently practice my songs every day to ensure my performance is flawless. I have attended every training session, fully engaging in the exercises and feedback provided to refine my skills. Additionally, I have made a conscious effort to avoid eating sweets, maintaining a disciplined diet to keep my voice and energy levels at their best,” she added.
When asked about the award she values the most, Zairah highlighted the Broadway Vocal with Self Accompaniment award.
“The Broadway Vocal with Self Accompaniment award is the one that I value the most out of all the accolades I have earned. I had the opportunity to showcase my singing and piano-playing talents simultaneously,” she shared.
Zairah’s journey has been supported by her family and a dedicated team.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, especially my mom and dad, for giving me the support and motivation I needed throughout this journey. Their unwavering support, cheering encouragement, and heartwarming belief in me have been instrumental in boosting my confidence. They have always been there to lift my spirits and remind me of my potential, making every step of this journey worthwhile,” she said.
She also extended special thanks to her vocal coach, whose guidance has been pivotal in her development.
Looking ahead, Zairah is determined to continue pursuing her dreams in both education and performing.
“Regarding my education, I am committed to pushing myself to study harder and achieve my dreams. In terms of my musical career, I will continuously work on developing my skills, exploring new opportunities, and embracing new experiences to further my passion,” she concluded.
