At just 11 years old, local singer, songwriter, and voice actor Jo-Hannah Atchison is already turning heads with her voice and heart. The Grade 6 student from Yellow Quill School returned to the Country 93.1 studio this week to debut her first original song, 'Threads of Our Love,' and to talk about an exciting month filled with performances and a Nova Star award nomination.
Jo-Hannah has had a busy summer performing at local events like Concerts in the Park, the Portage Exhibition, and open mic nights. But it's what's ahead that's got her especially excited and maybe just a little nervous.
She'll be performing with Song Catchers at the Herman Prior Centre on September 21.
"I'm really excited for it. A little nervous, but really excited," she said with a smile.
But that’s not all, Jo-Hannah is also nominated for a Nova Star Award in Toronto on September 27, for her voice acting role as Sadie O’Grady in the animated children's series Dino Ranch.
"She's a blind character just like me,” shared Jo-Hannah. "So that's really cool that I got to play a role that I can actually relate to."
Her mother, Samantha Atchison, added, "It's like the Oscars for kids in Toronto. They've got so many different categories, and Johanna's up for Voiceover Animation. We're super proud of her."
The show airs on CBC Gem and Disney Junior, and Jo-Hannah joined the cast in Season 3, starting in Episode 10, called "A Big Friend for Little Sadie."
What made the visit to the studio truly special, however, was the live debut of Jo-Hannah's original song, "Threads of Our Love," a touching tribute to the bond she shares with her father.
"It's about the bond between me and my dad," she explained. "I wrote the chorus, and my dad and I both wrote the guitar chords. My mom helped with the verses. So, this is actually our first original."
Jo-Hannah sang her heartfelt lyrics that moved the entire room:
"Our bond never breaks / We are daughter and dad / We are there for each other through the good and the bad..."
Her performance left no dry eyes in the studio.
Even Jo-Hannah was struck by the moment. "I can't believe one of my originals is on the radio," she said in awe.
Her dad, Doug Atchison, emotional and proud, added, "Extremely proud. It's a beautiful song, and we wrote it together."
With her strong voice, clear talent, and powerful message of representation and love, Jo-Hannah Atchison is making waves far beyond Portage la Prairie.
Catch her next performance at the Herman Prior Centre from 2-4 p.m. on September 21.
