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Maki (singer)

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For other uses, see Maki (disambiguation).

Maki
Maki in 2024
Maki in 2024
Background information
Birth nameRalph William Datoon
Born (1999-11-27) November 27, 1999 (age 24)
OriginQuezon City, Philippines
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2021–present
LabelsTarsier 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]

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

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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

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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.[8]

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.[8] He began appearing on TV shows such as It's Showtime.[10]

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.[11]

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.[12]

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.[8] On August 30, 2024, Maki released a single titled "Namumula" (Blush).[13]

On October 12, 2024, Maki appeared as a guest performer at a concert by the American pop rock group LANY at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.[14]

Artistry

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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.[15][16][unreliable source?]

Accolades

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Award Year Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Awit Awards 2024 Song Of The Year "Saan?" Pending [17]
Best Pop Recording "Saan?" Pending
Myx Music Awards 2024 Breakout Solo Artist of the Year Maki Pending [18]
Song of the Year "Dilaw" Pending
Artist of the Year Maki Pending
Music Video of the Year "Dilaw" Pending
PMPC Star Awards for Music 2024 Song of the Year "Saan" Nominated [19][20]
Male Pop Artist of the Year "Saan" Won
Wish Music Awards 2024 Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year "Dilaw" Pending [21]
Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year "Sikulo" (with Angela Ken and Nhiko) Pending
Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year Maki Pending

Discography

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Extended play

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List of extended plays with selected details
Title Album Details Ref.
Tanong [22]

Singles

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List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and associated albums
Title Year Peak chart positions Album Ref.
PHL
[23]
"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) 		— [24]
"Saan?" 2023 16 Tanong [25]
"Bakit?" — [26]
"Saan? (Live at the Cozy Cove)" — Non-album singles [27]
"HBD" 2024 — [28]
"Balse Ng Gabi (Remix)"
(with Cesca) 		— StarPop: The Remixes Volume 2. [29]
"Sikulo"
(with Angela Ken and Nhiko) 		— Non-album singles [30]
"Dilaw" 1 [31]
"Namumula" 40 Non-album singles [13]

References

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  1. ^ Mitchell, Courtney (February 21, 2024). "5 Artists You Should Know: Philippines". Daily Rind. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  2. ^ Bonoan, Christian (July 31, 2023). "Maki Goes Viral With Songs "Saan?" and "Bakit?"". MYX Global. Archived from the original on May 26, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  3. ^ Saulog, Gabriel (June 11, 2024). "Maki Makes His Global Spotify Chart Debut With "Dilaw"". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  4. ^ "Maki's New Single "Dilaw" Debuts at #200 on Global Spotify Chart". Zeen Magazine. June 11, 2024. Archived from the original on June 26, 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. Archived from the original on July 3, 2024. 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. Archived from the original on August 17, 2024. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Vibas, Danny (July 7, 2024). "Maki: Alternative pop superstar". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on August 23, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d Felipe, MJ (June 5, 2024). "Past rejections inspired 'Dilaw' hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  9. ^ Choa, Kane Errol (September 28, 2023). "Star Music artist Maki's 'Saan' spawns countless TikTok videos". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  10. ^ Choa, Kane Errol (September 28, 2023). "Star Music artist Maki's 'Saan' spawns countless TikTok videos". Philippine Star. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  11. ^ Lion's Den (April 1, 2023). "Maki Delivers Nostalgic Vibes With New Single 'Saan?'". LionhearTV. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  12. ^ Felipe, MJ (June 5, 2024). "Past rejections inspired 'Dilaw' hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Maki releases music video for new single 'Namumula'". ABS-CBN News. August 30, 2024. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  14. ^ "The story behind Maki's surprise guesting at LANY concert". ABS-CBN News. October 14, 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  15. ^ Lion's Den (April 1, 2023). "Maki Delivers Nostalgic Vibes With New Single 'Saan?'". LionhearTV. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  16. ^ Domingo, Danielle (July 5, 2023). "Listen to the Follow Up Single, "Bakit" by Maki". MYX Global. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ Jessica Ann Evangelista (September 28, 2024). "BINI, SB19 among nominees in comebacking MYX Music Awards". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 6, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  19. ^ Josh Mercado (October 2, 2024). "BINI, SB19, Juan Karlos among nominees at 16th Star Awards for Music". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on October 2, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
  20. ^ Addie Cuadra (October 28, 2024). "OPM celebrated in 16th PMPC Star Awards for Music". ABS-CBN. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  21. ^ "The 10th Wish Music Awards Official List of Nominees". Wish 107.5. October 30, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  22. ^ Bonoan, Christian (September 21, 2023). "Maki Releases 'Tanong' EP". Myx Global. Archived from the original on August 22, 2024. Retrieved August 22, 2024.
  23. ^ "Philippines Hot 100 (Week of September 14, 2024)". Billboard Philippines. September 11, 2024. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  24. ^ "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.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ "Saan? (Live at the Cozy Cove) [Live] by Maki". Apple Music. November 17, 2023. Archived from the original on August 25, 2024. Retrieved August 25, 2024.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ 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.
  30. ^ "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.
  31. ^ 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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