Kean Edward Uson Cipriano (born June 11, 1987) is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actor, music video director, and musician. He first gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Callalily, and is the founder of the independent record label O/C Records.[1] As an actor, Cipriano is known for his performances in the acclaimed films Ang Babae sa Septic Tank(2011) and Bar Boys (2017).
He has received several accolades throughout his career, including a FAMAS Award, PMPC Star Awards for both music and film, and an Eddys Award.[2][3]
Early life and education
Kean Edward Uson Cipriano was born on June 11, 1987, in Pasig, Metro Manila. He has two younger brothers, Keno and Keano. He completed his high school education at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong. Cipriano later studied at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music[4] and also pursued business administration at the Entrepreneurs School of Asia.[5]
Career
2005–2009: Early career and rise to fame
Cipriano first appeared on ABS-CBN's noontime show Magandang Tanghali Bayan, where he won the “Luv Idol” segment alongside Trixie Cacho.
In 2005, Cipriano became the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Callalily, which rose to prominence with the release of their debut album Destination XYZ in 2006. The band gained mainstream popularity in the mid-2000s with hit singles such as "Magbalik,"[6] "Stars," and "Pansamantala," which received significant airplay on local music channels like MYX.
2010–2015: Acting breakthrough and continued success
In 2010, Cipriano made his acting debut in the TV5 youth-oriented series BFGF, opposite Alex Gonzaga,[7] followed by a role in the sitcom Hapi Together.[8]
In 2011, he starred in the critically acclaimed independent film Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,[9] portraying Rainier, an ambitious director. He also appeared in the blockbuster comedy The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin and the horror film San Lazaro. Later that year, he reunited with Gonzaga for the TV5 drama series P.S. I Love You.[10] Cipriano continued performing with Callalily during this period, with the band signing a co-management contract with Viva Artists Agency.[11]
In 2013, Cipriano and Dee appeared as contestants on Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal, where they won the ₱1 million briefcase.[14] On June, Cipriano was announced as one of the interpreters, alongside Banda ni Kleggy, for the song "Space," written by Raffy Calicdan, at the second Philippine Popular Music Festival.[15]
In 2015, he collaborated with Nadine Lustre to interpret "Sa Ibang Mundo," a song written by Mark Villar and an entry in the 4th Philippine Popular Music Festival. Later that year, he joined the second season of Your Face Sounds Familiar as a celebrity contestant.
2016-2020: O/C Records and artistic evolution
In 2017, Cipriano played Joshua, one of the titular characters in Bar Boys, which would eventually become a modern cult-classic film.[16] He also had supporting roles in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry All of You and Seven Sundays.[17][18]
In 2018, Cipriano and Ortaleza co-founded O/C Records, an independent label collaborating with Viva Records. The company's lineup of artist/band roster includes former IV of Spades vocalist Unique Salonga.[19] The following year, he released his debut solo single "Eye Contact".[20]
2021-2025: Departure from Callalily and further acclaim
In May 2021, Cipriano released his debut solo album titled Childlike.[21] He shared that he wrote, produced, and recorded the entire album by himself.[22] He described the album as a reflection of his personal musical identity, saying he did not feel the need to return to his established sound and instead aimed to present what he considers his own version of pop culture and artistic roots.[23]
In a 2022 interview, Cipriano confirmed his departure from Callalily, citing creative and personal differences with the band.[24] He expressed his intention to focus on solo projects and the further development of O/C Records.[25] That same year, he released his first solo song since leaving the band, titled "Tayuman."[26] The acoustic-ballad kundiman alternative track’s title is a double entendre, referring both to Tayuman, a train station in Manila, and to a phrase meaning “If it’s ever us.”[27] He followed up this single with "Paano na Tayo" before performing at his Pulso concert alongside Adie and Salonga.[28]
In 2025, Cipriano confirmed that he would reprise his role as Joshua in the sequel Bar Boys: Afterschool.[31]
Personal life
In October 2015, Cipriano confirmed his relationship with actress Chynna Ortaleza during an appearance on Tonight with Boy Abunda.[32] The couple announced their marriage on New Year's Eve the same year.[33][34] They welcomed their daughter in 2016.[35]
On March 17, 2016, Cipriano's father, Edgie Cipriano, passed away due to cardiac arrest.[36][37]
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