The Philippines boasts a vibrant and diverse musical heritage that reflects the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Influenced by a blend of indigenous, Spanish, American, and Asian traditions, Filipino music spans a wide spectrum of genres and styles. Traditional music often features indigenous instruments like the kulintang, while folk music captures the essence of rural life and storytelling. Whether it’s the rhythmic beats of Tinikling or the soulful sounds of Kundiman, the Philippines’ musical background is a testament to its cultural diversity and the resilience of its artistic expressions.
In our ongoing series 5 Artists You Should Know, we introduce local artists from regions all over the world. We’re very excited to share these five rising artists in the Philippines that showcase the country’s diversity and global growth: Jolianne, Maki, I Belong to the Zero, Teys, & BINI.
Jolianne
Jolianne, the emerging R&B-pop sensation from Cebu City, captivates listeners with her velvety voice, distinct melodies and emotionally charged lyrics. Her journey began in 2015, at age 11, on The Voice Kids (Philippines), and she has since shared stages with major acts like Air Supply, Stephen Bishop and Michael Learns to Rock. In 2020, Jolianne’s four released singles garnered over 1.5 million streams on Spotify, earning her 100,000 monthly listeners and a contract with Careless at just 17 years old.
Committed to her craft, Jolianne explores diverse sounds and showcases a versatility that keeps her music fresh. With a desire to connect globally, she hopes her songs resonate and leave a lasting impact on a diverse audience – inviting listeners into her musical journey with each heartfelt note.
City: Cebu City
Follow on Instagram: @joliannesalvado
Maki
Maki stands out as one of the most promising new artists in the current music scene. The alternative-pop singer-songwriter consistently shares his unique, child-like perspective on life through his music. The lead track from his debut EP, titled “Saan,” has surpassed over 40 million streams on Spotify and earned placements in multiple major playlists. Notably, his singles “Saan?” and “Kailan?” achieved mass chart success in the Philippines, securing spots on both Spotify Viral and Top charts, including a noteworthy position on the Global Viral 50. Maki has now taken his EP on tour, performing in various regions of the Philippines.
City: Quezon City
Follow on Instagram: @clfrnia_maki
I Belong to the Zoo
I Belong to the Zoo originated as the solo folk project of singer-songwriter and musician Argee Guerrero. The I Belong to the Zoo project then evolved into a Filipino indie pop rock band following the success of their first album. Guerrero would further explain later on, that the decision to transition into playing in a band is because he didn’t want to perform solo anymore.
The current I Belong to the Zoo lineup features Guerrero on vocals and guitars, along with Owyong on drums, Simon Clariza on guitars, Lee De Veyra on guitars, and Kristoff Medina on bass. The band’s latest album, Kapiling, deviates from their debut, adopting more of a pop rock sound. The band members note the addition of three guitars, an unconventional choice for any band, and that while the instrumentation has changed, the depth and emotional resonance of their music remain intact. Despite the evolution throughout I Belong to the Zero’s sound, Guerrero’s distinctive voice continues to be the standout feature and connecting tissue.
City: Manila
Follow on Instagram: @ibelongtothezoo
Teys
Teys, a Filipino artist, rapper, and TikToker, is a prominent member of the Filipino rap collective 404. Hailing from Vigan, Philippines, Teys gained widespread recognition with his hit song “LWKY,” propelling him to fame and solidifying his presence in the Filipino rap scene. The track achieved impressive rankings on Spotify, including #1 in Kalye Hip-Hop, #24 in Top 50 Philippines, #4 in Viral 50 Philippines, and #78 in Viral Global.
City: Vigan
Follow on Instagram: @aint_t3ys
BINI
BINI is a Filipino girl group affiliated with ABS-CBN Music, consisting of eight members: Aiah, Colet, Gwen, Maloi, Stacey, Jhoanna, Mikha, and Sheena. Their debut album, Born To Win, released in October 2021, made waves on iTunes charts across various regions, securing a spot in the Top 15 on iTunes Philippines. The group’s track “Na Na Na” has amassed over 500 thousand views on TikTok, while their latest release, “Pantropiko,” entered the Viral Chart on Spotify Philippines.
Recognized as a MTV Asia Spotlight Artist, BINI also earned a spot in Spotify’s RADAR Artist program, receiving notable acclaim as representatives for Southeast Asia. Their achievements extended to a feature in Rolling Stone, showcasing their growing prominence in the worldwide music scene.
City: Cebu; Bohol; Batangas; Bicol; Nueva Vizcaya; Manila; Laguna; Isabela
Follow on Instagram: @bini_ph
