'Singing and songwriting are my life': Meet the young champion of ACMF 2024

According to her parents, even while still in the womb, Mohini would kick whenever music played. By the time she was less than a year old, she had already started singing. She later learned to compose songs and play various musical instruments.

Eight-year-old Savannah Mohini Cruz admitted that music has become an integral part of her life. She is determined to do everything she can to share it and bring joy to others. Credit: JR Cruz

Key Points

• Savannah Mohini Cruz, or simply Mohini, is a talented singer-songwriter who also plays various musical instruments.
• She performs alongside buskers in Sydney's CBD, excels academically, and enjoys playing golf. Her parents, JR and Janna Cruz, are her greatest supporters.
• The Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF), a not-for-profit organization founded in 2002 by renowned Australian singer-songwriter Don Spencer, aims to inspire, support, and provide opportunities for young Australians through music.

The family of young Savannah Mohini Cruz, better known as Mohini to her listeners, has only been in Sydney for just over a year.

JR and Janna Cruz shared that they wholeheartedly support their only child, Mohini, as they want nothing more than to see her happy and fulfill her dreams. Credit: JR Cruz

According to her parents, JR and Janna Cruz, both originally from Bulacan, their only child, Mohini, showed a love for music even before she was born. They noticed that she would kick in response to particular songs and cry loudly.

This musical inclination was also observed by people they met in Saudi Arabia, where JR previously worked as a senior accountant for a major company, while Janna was a teacher.

Mohini inherited her love for music from her mother, Janna Cruz, who also became her mentor in songwriting and playing various musical instruments. Credit: Savannah Mohini/Facebook

Mohini’s parents shared that even before she turned one, she already loved singing. This prompted them to enroll her in voice coaching, where she eventually learned to compose her own songs.

Her mother, Janna, has been hands-on in teaching her musical instruments, and according to JR, Mohini inherited her love for music from her mom.

Mohini was crowned champion in the K2 category of the National Singing-Songwriting Competition and Spontaneous Songwriting by the Australian Children's Music Foundation in 2024.

Her winning song is titled 'Bad Bullies'.

According to her parents, it was eight-year-old Mohini’s idea to start busking in Sydney’s CBD. All the earnings she makes are being saved to help her achieve her dreams. Credit: JR Cruz

Apart from her musical talents, Mohini also excels academically. It was her idea to start busking in Sydney's CBD, a venture that has captivated many passersby.

Her parents are saving all of her earnings to secure a bright future for her.

Mohini has already performed at various Filipino events in Sydney, and she dreams of holding her own concert one day. Credit: JR Cruz

Mohini dreams of finishing her education and holding her own concert someday.

Her parents, JR and Janna, are dedicated to helping her achieve these goals.

"Our prayer to God is for Mohini to be guided in all her life decisions, to find happiness, and to reach her dreams. We are here to support her in whatever she chooses."