You could say that music is in Roberta Battaglia’s blood. Her dad is a well-known musician in Vaughan and both her grandfather and great-grandfather are music teachers in Italy. She started singing with her father, Alessandro, when she was two and a half, and she hasn’t stopped since. “It’s because of him that I’m where I am and doing what I do,” says Roberta. When people hear her sing they’re always surprised, says Gabriella, Roberta’s mother. Recently Roberta performed at the 2018 Mayor’s Gala and the CHIN Picnic, and when she was only four years old, she performed on the CHIN Picnic Showcase Stage with Pupo. “I really like to encourage people, especially kids my age,” says Roberta. “Whatever dream they have they can achieve it; never stop dreaming, never stop believing in yourself.” In the future, Roberta hopes to become a professional singer and even sing at the Super Bowl.

Whether she’s singing Katy Perry, Michael Jackson or even Etta James, you can hear the passion in her voice. “When I see smiles on [the audience members’] faces it makes my heart so happy,” she says. At eight years old, not only is she incredibly talented, but she also recognizes the value in giving back to the community. Currently, she is selling bracelets to raise money for SickKids.

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Photos By carlos a. pinto