My name is Jolanda, founder of Big Pooch Day. I am musically known as Jolanda Singz. I met Shatonya Davis—known to many as Overweight Pooch and Big Pooch—while we were students at Maryvale High School in Arizona. We connected through our love of music and even made plans to collaborate. Sadly, we never had the opportunity to create that music together, but we remained friends.

When Pooch passed away in 2021, her loss devastated many of the people whose lives she had touched, including me. I wanted to find a meaningful way to honor her life, her music and the memories she left behind. That desire led me to create a tribute song called “Big Pooch Day.”

As the song began circulating on Facebook, one particular lyric became the inspiration for something much bigger:

THE VISION FOR BIG POOCH DAY

My vision is for Big Pooch Day to become a yearly celebration throughout Arizona, with people whose lives were impacted by Pooch celebrating and remembering her in their own communities.

I would also love to see a designated venue bring everyone together for a larger celebration featuring performances from local Arizona artists, food vendors, guest speakers, music, remembrance and much more.

I would like this day to bring people together year after year. Big Pooch made her mark through her music, her personality and the memories she left with the people who knew and loved her.

This movement is about making sure those memories continue, introducing her story to people who may not have known her, and creating a special time to celebrate the Arizona Rap Queen.

My vision is for Big Pooch Day to continue growing through music, community, remembrance and celebration. Whether you knew Big Pooch personally, remember her music, or simply want to support what this movement represents, I invite you to become part of it.

Sign up below to join the Big Pooch Day movement, receive updates, and let me know how you would like to help make Big Pooch Day a yearly Arizona event.