[2026] Overview of Popular Filipino Artists and Singer-Songwriters
Suddenly, but have you all been checking out music from Asia outside of Japan?
Many of you might say, “Well, maybe just K-pop…,” but in fact, whether it’s indie rock, hip-hop, or pop, Asia is home to countless amazing artists!
This time, we’re focusing on the music scene in the Philippines, a country with deep ties to Japan.
We’ll be introducing not only legendary singers but also plenty of young Gen Z artists born from the late ’90s to the 2000s.
Whether you usually keep up mainly with English-language music or you only listen to Japanese music, we hope this article gives you a feel for what’s happening in Filipino music right now!
- Recommended ballads for men: classic songs about love, encouragement, and youth.
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- [2026] Recommended Indonesian Artists Collection
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 20s: Ranking [2026]
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Popular Mexican Artists: A Recommended Singers Roundup
- Popular Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [2026] A roundup of the best UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!
[2026] Summary of Popular Filipino Artists and Singer-Songwriters (11–20)
ayawsyd hartha
Sid Hartha, originally from the Philippines, is active as a folk-pop and singer-songwriter artist.
Her debut single, released in June 2019, drew attention for its socially conscious lyrics and her clear, transparent vocals.
Hartha, who became interested in music at the age of 12, has created many songs that reflect self-reflection and awareness of social issues, with lyrics that are personal yet carry universal messages.
Signed with Sony Music Philippines, she has been expanding her musical activities and is also active in live performances and music festivals.
She is a standout artist highly recommended for those who resonate with socially aware lyrics.
WELCOME2DTQHev Abi
Hev Abi, a rapper-singer from the Philippines, is gaining attention for his unique style that fuses hip-hop and trap.
Since his 2020 debut, his distinctive sound has quickly risen in popularity, culminating in the remarkable feat of landing eight songs on the charts in 2023.
Influenced by Memphis rap while incorporating modern trap elements, his music is marked by lyrics that weave in love for his hometown of Quezon City and personal experiences.
His versatility also shines in his self-produced work.
Rooted in street culture, his music is highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the fresh pulse of the Philippine hip-hop scene.
sa panaginipSHANNi
Shanni is a gifted singer-songwriter from the Philippines who blends city pop, jazz, synth-pop, and funk.
In October 2023, she made a striking debut on the music scene with her first single released by Sony Music Entertainment.
Hailing from Metro Manila, she grew up in a family of musicians and has been strongly influenced by renowned artists in her own family, including her brother, father, and cousins.
Her music, nostalgic yet infused with contemporary elements, offers listeners a profound emotional resonance.
Her constant pursuit of new challenges embodies her passion for self-expression through music.
All eyes are on her as she continues to bring a fresh breeze to the Philippine music scene.
Time For YouRico Blanco
Rico Blanco, a shining star of the Filipino music scene who debuted in 1994 as a member of Rivermaya and released numerous hit songs.
He began his solo career in 2008, and his musical versatility—ranging from alternative rock to folktronica—has earned him many awards.
The track he released in August 2014 is a masterpiece that fully showcases his talent.
Passionate about social causes and charity, Rico’s music is perfect for anyone who wants to understand the Philippines today.
Entertain MeYlona Garcia
Ilona Garcia is a Filipino-Australian singer-songwriter who is widely active as an actress and television personality.
She came into the spotlight in 2015 on ABS-CBN’s reality show Pinoy Big Brother, and later appeared in TV dramas.
In 2018, her talent was highly recognized when she won Wish Young Artist of the Year at the Wish 107.5 Music Awards.
Since 2020, she has signed with Paradise Rising, a label under 88rising, and has been building her career in the United States, including appearances at the Head in the Clouds Music Festival.
Blending pop and R&B, her music is drawing attention as that of a new-generation artist who conveys the charm of the Philippines while maintaining a global perspective.
HanggangWency Cornejo
If you ask what love song they like, most Filipinos would undoubtedly choose this one.
The lyrics carry a passionate message of love—a beautiful song that could move anyone with a loved one to tears, with its vow to love you until the day God takes me to heaven.
[2026] Compilation of Popular Filipino Artists and Singer-Songwriters (21–30)
Me and YouNadine Lustre
Nadine Lustre is a multitalented entertainer whom the Philippines is proud of.
Born in 1993, she debuted in 2009 with the girl group Pop Girls and later launched a solo career.
The tracks from her self-titled EP released in 2014 became major hits, earning her the Titanium Award from Australia’s digital radio station SBS PopAsia.
While rooted in pop and R&B, she has recently been exploring drill and experimental sounds.
In 2020, she released the album Wildest Dreams, featuring songs themed around self-love and empowerment.
Beyond music, Nadine also thrives as an actress, embodying the very essence of what’s current in the Philippine entertainment scene.