Karencitta

Last updated
Karencitta
Born
Karen Ann Cabrera [1]

(1995-10-05) October 5, 1995 (age 29)
Sydney, Australia
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • actress
Years active2017–present
Notable workCebuana
SpouseDarrell S. Caballero (m. 2021)

Karen Ann Cabrera (born October 5, 1995), professionally known as Karencitta, is a Filipino singer, songwriter and actress from Cebu. She gained prominence with her viral hit "Cebuana" in 2017.

Contents

Early life and education

Karencitta was born in Sydney, Australia, to Filipino parents who worked as caregivers. In 2000, her family moved to Lorega, Cebu City, where she was raised. [2] [3] She was separated from her parents for over a decade during her childhood. She attended the CIE British School in Cebu before relocating to the United States, where she lived in various parts of Los Angeles, including Torrance and Carson. In Los Angeles, she pursued higher education and was enrolled at Penn State University, working towards a doctorate degree.

Career

Career beginnings

Karencitta's foray into the entertainment industry began with small acting roles in American television series such as Grey's Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and Superstore. She also worked various jobs in Hollywood while honing her craft as a musician and performer . Her early musical influences include Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and XXXTentacion, which shaped her eclectic style blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B. [3] [4]

Breakthrough with "Cebuana"

In 2017, Karencitta released "Cebuana," a song that became an instant hit, garnering over a million views on YouTube within 24 hours. The track, which features a mix of English and Cebuano lyrics, pays homage to her roots and the Sinulog Festival. Produced in collaboration with Austrian producer Tc-5 and Grammy Award-winning producer Jon Ingoldsby, "Cebuana" topped Spotify Philippines' Viral 50 chart and earned her the Best Regional Recording award at the 2018 Awit Awards. [5] [6]

Personal life

Karencitta is married to Darrell S. Caballero, with whom she collaborates on various philanthropic projects through their foundation. [7]

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNotesSource
2014 How to Get Away with Murder Law Student [8]
2014 Grey's Anatomy [8]
2015 Superstore Actress

Film

YearTitleRoleNotesSource
2019IndakKC [9]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetails
Cebuana Persuasion
  • Released: 2018
  • Format: CD
  • Label: Viva
CITTA
  • Released: 2025
  • Format: Digital Download
  • Label: Lorega Amo Records

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearSalesCertificationsAlbum
"Fckroun" [10] 2017
"Cebuana"2017Cebuana Persuasion
"No Apology (Wala Akong Paki)"2017Cebuana Persuasion
Revirginized: Official Soundtrack
"1LOVE"
(featuring Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash)		2018
"BamBamBam" [11] 2017Cebuana Persuasion
"No Apologies" [12] 2019
"BOOM!"2023

Awards and nominations

YearWorkAwardCategoryResultSource
2018 "Cebuana" Myx Music Awards 2018 Music Video of the Year [a] Nominated [13]
2018New Artist of the YearNominated [13]
2018Cebu Siloy Music AwardsBest Song of the YearWon [14] [15]
2018Best Vocal Performance — FemaleWon [14]
2018 Awit Awards Best Regional RecordingWon [16] [17]
2019"No Apologies"Cebu Siloy Music AwardsBest Regional RecordingNominated [12]

Notes

  1. ↑ Shared with Paul Martin.

References

  1. ↑ Gil, Baby A. (9 February 2018). "Meet Karencitta, the Cebuana". Sounds Familiar. The Philippine Star . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "CHITchat with Karencitta by Chito Samontina". YouTube . February 9, 2025. Retrieved June 9, 2025.
  3. 1 2 NewHoustonMusicOutlet (2019-01-01). "Why 2019 Is The Year For Cebuana Pop Sensation Karencitta". New Houston Music Outlet. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  4. ↑ "Karencitta recalls doing a movie with Zac Efron, Taylor Lautner before becoming an international singer-songwriter". PEP.ph. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  5. ↑ admin (2018-01-21). "From Lorega to L.A. Cebuana Comes Home". SunStar. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  6. ↑ Chandra Pepino (February 11, 2018). "Meet Karencitta, The Artist Behind The Hit Song 'Cebuana'". Cosmopolitan Philippines. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  7. ↑ "Foundation". Karencitta Studio. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
  8. 1 2 Rule, Karla (9 November 2015). "11 Signs You're Watching a Shonda Rhimes Show". PopSugar . Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  9. ↑ Padayhag, Michelle Joy (31 January 2019). "Karencitta to be Part of Upcoming Dance Musical Movie 'Indak'". Cebu Daily News . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  10. ↑ Lopez, Monica R. (16 January 2018). "Karencitta: The Cebuana You Need". SunStar . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  11. ↑ Libby, Gresheen Gift M. (17 October 2019). "Karencitta Says She Will 'Quit Music' If…". Cebu Daily News . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  12. 1 2 Libre, Mel (9 May 2019). "Cebu Siloy Music Awards Winners". Seriously Now. SunStar . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  13. 1 2 Padayhag, Michelle Joy (1 March 2018). "Karencitta Nominated at the MYX Music Awards 2018". Cebu Daily News . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  14. 1 2 Libre, Mel (19 May 2018). "Siloy Winners". Seriously Now. SunStar . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  15. ↑ Libre, Mel (16 May 2020). "The Siloy of Cebu". Seriously Now. SunStar . Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  16. ↑ "KZ, Gloc-9, IV of Spades Win Top Prizes at 31st Awit Awards". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 19 October 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  17. ↑ "Karencitta". Viva Communications . Retrieved 6 November 2021.


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