Meet Jadis Camila Díaz Campos | Singer-songwriter, playwright & performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jadis Camila Díaz Campos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jadis Camila, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because storytelling through music has always felt like my truest form of expression. From the time I wrote my first songs as a child, I realized that music gave me a way to make sense of the world — to turn emotions and experiences into something beautiful and relatable.
Ever since I started writing songs, I felt an unstoppable need to give life to the stories unraveling in my mind — stories that could move people’s hearts, inspire them, and make them feel seen. Songwriting became my first medium because it was the most immediate way to express those narratives, but the storyteller in me always longed for more expansive worlds and deeper character journeys.
That passion for storytelling led me down many unexpected paths. I studied International Relations to broaden my understanding of the world, but my heart always pulled me toward the arts. I joined Cuba’s emblematic children’s musical theater company, La Colmenita, where I learned the power of collaborative creation and the transformative magic of theater. Later, I moved to Korea to earn my M.A. in Musicology at K-Arts, seeking to refine my craft and explore new cultural perspectives.
But my real journey as a storyteller began when I was introduced to the world of Broadway-style musicals. Something I could only dream about, coming from a small town in Cuba. Witnessing those productions in South Korea — both live and through streaming like Hamilton — opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of musical theater. It showed me that I didn’t need formal composition training to bring my vision to life. I just needed the courage to tell my stories and the determination to develop my voice.
Today, I create because I want my work to reflect the many cultural influences and personal experiences that shaped me — my Cuban roots, my time in Korea, and my love for storytelling in all its forms. Through music and theater, I want to build worlds that inspire, challenge, and comfort people. I want to tell stories of hope, resilience, and self-discovery — because I believe art has the power to change hearts and, maybe, even the world.
But more than anything, I pursued this path because it makes me happy. Whether I’m writing a heartfelt ballad, a playful duet, or a theatrical piece, there’s no greater joy than seeing a story I’ve created resonate with someone else. That connection — the magic that happens when a listener feels seen or understood through my music — is what keeps me going.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is, at its core, a reflection of my life — a fusion of cultures, emotions, and stories that shape who I am. As a Cuban-born singer-songwriter, playwright, and performer, I’ve always been driven by the need to tell stories that move people’s hearts. My music and my writing are a blend of my Latin roots, my experiences living and studying in South Korea, and the global influences I’ve embraced along the way. What sets me apart is this rare cultural perspective and my ability to weave diverse sounds and storytelling styles into something both personal and universal.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come despite the challenges. I started writing songs when I was 12 and performing at 15, becoming one of the youngest members of Cuba’s songwriters’ association. But I always knew I wanted more — to grow beyond what was expected and explore new creative frontiers. Growing up in Guantánamo, a small town in Cuba, presented its own set of challenges. Opportunities in the arts were limited, and one of the reasons I chose to study International Relations was that it allowed me to move to Havana, the capital, where I knew there would be more opportunities for growth and artistic development.

That desire led me to study International Relations at university, a decision influenced by my parents who wanted me to have a backup plan. But even while pursuing this degree, my heart remained in the arts. I kept writing music and performing, determined to nurture my creative voice alongside my academic journey.

After graduating, I joined La Colmenita, Cuba’s emblematic children’s musical theater company, even though it didn’t align with my bachelor’s profile. I knew it would help me grow as an artist — and it was there that I had my first opportunity as a playwright. Through this experience, I discovered my love for theater and the power of collaboration in bringing stories to life.

In 2020, I became the first Cuban student at Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) and, two years later, its first Cuban graduate. This experience shaped me deeply, giving me the opportunity to collaborate with artists from all over the world and push my creative boundaries. While seeing Broadway-style productions live in Korea was an incredible source of inspiration, what truly changed my world was watching the streaming version of Hamilton. It shattered my preconceived notions of what musical theater could be and made me realize that I didn’t need formal composition training to bring my vision to life. That moment sparked a dream I hadn’t dared voice before — to become a musical theater writer.

But my journey hasn’t been easy. Moving to a new country, adapting to a different language and culture, and finding my artistic voice in an unfamiliar environment required resilience and faith. What kept me going was my belief in the stories I had to tell — and the support of people who believed in me even when I doubted myself. My parents have always been my biggest champions, taking me to every class, rehearsal, and workshop when I was young and encouraging me to pursue my dreams even when they thought it might just be a phase. Their unconditional love and support gave me the confidence to keep going.

I also owe so much to the friends who saw my potential before I did. One friend, in particular, pushed me to explore musical theater writing when it wasn’t even a possibility in my mind. She became one of the first readers and critics of everything I wrote, helping me shape my ideas and refine my voice. Having people who believe in your vision is invaluable, and I carry their encouragement with me in every step of my journey.

Through it all, I’ve learned that the path of an artist requires patience, courage, and an unshakable belief in your own voice. There were times when opportunities felt out of reach and doors remained closed, but I kept creating because it’s the only way I know how to exist. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about recognition — it’s about the impact your work has on others and the growth you experience along the way.

Today, I’m excited about the projects I’m developing — musicals like “Typecast,” which explores self-determination through the journey of supporting characters fighting for free will, and “1886,” a story of young revolutionaries shaping their own destinies. These works reflect my passion for storytelling, my love for music, and my commitment to creating art that inspires and empowers.

What I want the world to know about me and my work is that every song I write and every story I tell comes from a place of honesty and hope. My art is my way of making sense of the world, bridging cultures, and connecting with people through shared emotions and dreams. And as I continue this journey, I hope to keep creating work that not only entertains but also uplifts and inspires — because I truly believe that storytelling has the power to change lives.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. They have always been the wind beneath my wings and my safe harbor in every storm. From the moment I was a little girl and said I wanted to pursue music, they supported my decision wholeheartedly. They took me to guitar classes, chorus rehearsals, art school, and every workshop imaginable — always pushing me to follow my dreams and believe in myself.
As an adult, I learned that in the beginning, they thought my passion for music might just be a phase. But even while believing it might pass, they still stood by me every step of the way. The incredible thing is they never let me feel their doubt. I always felt 100% understood, seen, and supported — and I thank them every day for that unwavering love and faith.
When it comes to my journey into musical theater writing, I have to give a special shoutout to the friend who told me I could do it — at a time when it wasn’t even a possibility in my mind. She’s been one of the first readers and critics of everything I write, always offering insight and encouragement. Everyone needs someone like her in their corner. And like her, my very first reader, audience, and supporter who believed in what I have to bring to the table like nobody else. Their belief in me fuels my own, and I wouldn’t be here without them.

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Image Credits
Phot by Agnes Lee