For singer-songwriter Maki, what began as a bedroom hobby has turned into a full-fledged music career. With over six million monthly listeners on Spotify, more than 444,000 Instagram followers, and 1.1 million TikTok fans, Maki has established himself as one of today’s most sought-after artists in OPM.
Maki’s journey began with small singing competitions, but it was during the pandemic that he truly found his audience. Spending most of his time at home, he began uploading covers and original songs. “I used to have no confidence in putting myself out there on the internet. When I realized that this was my dream, naisip ko na people needed to see this in me, especially during the pandemic when everyone was relying on the internet. After uploading a lot, nakita ko na nagkaka-engagement na ako. Then I started singing my original songs and posting them online, and dun na talaga nag-thrive yung music ko,” he recalled.
Talking about the kind of music he makes, he said, “I’m a creative person, but I want to be a person who listens to my fans as well. It’s 50/50. I get to make songs that I really like and songs that my fans can resonate with.”
Signed under Tarsier Records, Maki’s songs such as “Dilaw“ and “Namumula” garnered millions of views on YouTube. He also joined Silent Sanctuary on a U.S. tour and is now preparing for his first solo concert, Kolorcoaster, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 7.
READ: Here’s how to secure tickets for Maki’s KOLORCOASTER The Concert on November 7
Having been featured in a PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid campaign alongside content creators Ninong Ry and Suzzysaur, Maki said being consistently present online helped people recognize his potential. “Kapag nakikita ng mga tao na you’re always uploading and showing up, they will appreciate you and see your potential.”
“Being present online also gave me the confidence to build myself up and to express more of myself as an artist and as a person,” Maki added.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I feel like day-one Maki would be so stoked and so amazed at how everything went into place kasi it took him a lot of years to muster up all this confidence.”
READ: Maki excited to direct his Kolorcoaster concert: ‘Never akong nauubusan ng surprises!’
“Para sa akin, success means giving my heart to what I do. I know that my heart will always lead me to success,” Maki shared.