Maki (singer)

Last updated

Maki
Birth nameRalph William Datoon
Born (1999-11-27) November 27, 1999 (age 24)
Origin Quezon City, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2021–present
Labels Tarsier Records

Ralph William Datoon (born November 27, 1999), professionally known as Maki, is a Filipino singer and songwriter from Quezon City. [1] He first gained attention with his viral songs "Saan?" and "Bakit?" from his debut EP Tanong, released on September 22, 2023, both of which saw significant success on Spotify. [2]

Contents

In 2024, Maki reached mainstream popularity with his single "Dilaw", which charted on the global Spotify chart, making it the third Filipino song to do so. [3] [4] The song also became the first number-one track on Billboard Philippines ' relaunched Philippines Hot 100 chart. [5] Maki is currently signed with Tarsier Records. [6]

Early life and education

Ralph William Datoon was born on November 27, 1999. He began writing R&B songs during his high school years and independently auditioned at various recording companies. In a media interview, he recalled being traumatized by the treatment he received during an audition at the age of 15, he was treated poorly and may have faced inappropriate behavior. The experience upset him, and he quietly cried on the jeepney ride home. He did not tell his family about it because he had kept his dream of becoming a singer-songwriter a secret from them. [7]

During his high school, he struggled to find his direction as a singer, eventually deciding that a career in music might not be for him. This led him to shift his focus towards his college, ultimately graduating from New Era University with a degree in communications. [7]

Career

Maki auditioned for the first season of the reality TV singing competition The Voice Teens . [8] Early in his career, he left the music scene as he was about to graduate from college, planning to step back from his career as a musician. [9] However, a friend discovered his demo tape, which ended up with an A&R representative at Tarsier Records, catching the label's attention.[ citation needed ]

During his career, he adopted the name "Maki". He mentioned in an interview that he personally chose "Maki" as his stage name, though neither he nor Tarsier Records executives, including Jonathan Manalo and Rox Liquigan, have provided a detailed explanation for the choice. The name "Maki", which has androgynous connotations, is relatively common in Japan as both a first name and a surname, and is also widely recognized in Japanese cuisine, particularly with the dish California maki. [7] Initially, the plan was to give him some exposure as an indie artist, but he eventually signed with the label. [10] He began appearing on TV shows such as It's Showtime . [11]

Maki also performed at gigs and busking events to promote his music. His debut single, "Halaga" (Worth), was released on December 17, 2021, under Tarsier Records. In 2023, he released "Saan?" (Where?), a song for people struggling to express feelings of separation anxiety. He initially teased the song on TikTok by posting a series of snippets, which went viral and garnered over 500,000 views. [12]

He released his debut EP, Tanong (Question), on September 22, 2023, featuring the tracks "Saan?", and "Bakit?" (Why?). Maki described the songs on the album as questions directed at people who are no longer in his life, missed opportunities, and reflections on himself. The tracks originated as journal entries that eventually became a collection of songs reflecting his personal journey. [13]

Maki gained widespread recognition in 2024 with the release of his song "Dilaw" (Yellow). The song topped local Spotify and Billboard charts and even made its way onto the global Spotify chart. It became the third OPM song in history to achieve this, following Juan Karlos' "Ere" and gins&melodies' "Babaero" featuring Hev Abi. The school-themed music video for "Dilaw" featured Maloi Ricalde, the main vocalist of the P-Pop girl group Bini. Maki shared that the song had been in his vault since August 2023, waiting for the right moment to be released. [14] On August 30, 2024, Maki released a single titled "Namumula" (Blush). [15]

Artistry

Maki cites musical influences such as Mariah Carey, The 1975, Michael Buble, Beabadoobee, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. He often writes songs from a child-like perspective, aiming to create music that makes people feel understood, with melodies that evoke good memories, peace, and calmness. [16] [17]

Accolades

In 2024, Maki's song "Saan?" was nominated for the Song of the Year and Best Pop Recording category in the Awit Awards. [18]

Discography

Extended play

List of extended plays with selected details
TitleAlbum DetailsRef.
Tanong [19]

Singles

List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and associated albums
TitleYearPeak chart positionsAlbumRef.
PHL
[20]
"Halaga"2021—Non-album singles
"Para Sa Buwan"2022—
"Thinkin' Bout Your Smile"
(with Gessie)		—
"Better"
(with KaixAaron)		—
"Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw (R&B Version)"
(with Moophs)		— [21]
"Saan?"202316Tanong [22]
"Bakit?"— [23]
"Saan? (Live at the Cozy Cove)"—Non-album singles [24]
"HBD"2024— [25]
"Balse Ng Gabi (Remix)"
(with Cesca)		—StarPop: The Remixes Volume 2. [26]
"Sikulo"
(with Angela Ken and Nhiko)		—Non-album singles [27]
"Dilaw"1 [28]
"Namumula"40Non-album singles [15]

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References

  1. ↑ Mitchell, Courtney (February 21, 2024). "5 Artists You Should Know: Philippines". Daily Rind. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  2. ↑ Bonoan, Christian (July 31, 2023). "Maki Goes Viral With Songs "Saan?" and "Bakit?"". MYX Global. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  3. ↑ Saulog, Gabriel (June 11, 2024). "Maki Makes His Global Spotify Chart Debut With "Dilaw"". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Maki's New Single "Dilaw" Debuts at #200 on Global Spotify Chart". Zeen Magazine. June 11, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  5. ↑ Basbas, Francheska Judine (July 3, 2024). "Maki Becomes First Artist to Hit No. 1 on Billboard Philippines Hot 100". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Tarsier Records artists mark 2022 wins; introduces fresh music this year". ABS-CBN CORPORATE (in English and Tagalog). February 1, 2023. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 Vibas, Danny (July 7, 2024). "Maki: Alternative pop superstar". Daily Tribune. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  8. ↑ Felipe, MJ (June 5, 2024). "Past rejections inspired 'Dilaw' hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  9. ↑ Choa, Kane Errol (September 28, 2023). "Star Music artist Maki's 'Saan' spawns countless TikTok videos". Philippine Star. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  10. ↑ Felipe, MJ (June 5, 2024). "Past rejections inspired 'Dilaw' hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  11. ↑ Choa, Kane Errol (September 28, 2023). "Star Music artist Maki's 'Saan' spawns countless TikTok videos". Philippine Star. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  12. ↑ Lion's Den (April 1, 2023). "Maki Delivers Nostalgic Vibes With New Single 'Saan?'". LionhearTV. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  13. ↑ Felipe, MJ (June 5, 2024). "Past rejections inspired 'Dilaw' hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  14. ↑ Mallorca, Hannah (June 26, 2024). "Maki gets real on 'Dilaw,' BINI Maloi, K-pop 'alternate universe' fanfics". Inquirer.net. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  15. 1 2 "Maki releases music video for new single 'Namumula'". ABS-CBN News. August 30, 2024. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  16. ↑ Lion's Den (April 1, 2023). "Maki Delivers Nostalgic Vibes With New Single 'Saan?'". LionhearTV. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  17. ↑ Domingo, Danielle (July 5, 2023). "Listen to the Follow Up Single, "Bakit" by Maki". MYX Global. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  18. ↑ Go, Mayks (August 19, 2024). "SB19, BINI, Lola Amour, And More Lead Awit Awards 2024 Nominations". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  19. ↑ Bonoan, Christian (September 21, 2023). "Maki Releases 'Tanong' EP". Myx Global. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  20. ↑ "Philippines Hot 100 (Week of September 14, 2024)". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  21. ↑ "Maki serves own R&B spin to viral hit "Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw"". ABS-CBN Newsroom. November 24, 2022. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  22. ↑ Domingo, Danielle (April 6, 2023). "Check Out Tarsier Records Artist, Maki's Newest Track, "Saan"". Myx Global. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  23. ↑ Domingo, Danielle (July 5, 2023). "Listen to the Follow Up Single, "Bakit" by Maki". Myx Global. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  24. ↑ "Saan? (Live at the Cozy Cove) [Live] by Maki". Apple Music . November 17, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  25. ↑ Bonoan, Christian (January 11, 2024). "Maki drops another heartbreaking single 'HBD'". Myx Global. Archived from the original on March 16, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  26. ↑ Canlas, Dianne (January 14, 2024). "Vice Ganda, Belle, Maymay, bumida sa remix album". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on February 1, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  27. ↑ "Maki, Angela, Nhiko drop song collab 'Sikulo'". The Philippine Star . March 23, 2024. Archived from the original on April 2, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  28. ↑ Go, Mayks (May 24, 2024). "Maki Releases "Dilaw", Premieres Music Video With BINI's Maloi". Billboard Philippines . Archived from the original on August 23, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
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