Among the most remarkable accomplishments that an artist can get is making it on a global scale. And sure, it’s an honor to perform in your homeland, in front of your own people. However, making it big outside of your community creates a sense of pride that is irreplaceable.
In the past couple of years, Filipinos have established their spot in the world arena, taking the global music and film industry by storm. And their international awards are clear proof of their growing success.
Today, there isn’t a person among the younger population unacquainted with at least some of the following artists’ names.
Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper, also professionally famous as Saweetie, often makes the headlines on our Filipino entertainment channel. The female rapper is born in California but has Filipino and Chinese roots. In her teenage years, she expressed herself through writing poetry, and today she does it through the meanest rap verses.
A graduate of USC, she became famous for her catchy tunes like “My Type” and “Icy Girl.” Her hit song “Best Friend put her on the Grammy 2022 list for Best New Artist and Rap Song, together with fellow pop breakthrough Doja Cat.
Born to a Filipina mother, Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, known by the stage name H.E.R., is a musical sensation. “I Can’t Breathe” is the song that won her the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement.
She is climbing the success ladder at the speed of light and has collaborated with many well-known artists. Her collaboration with Sweetie on the song, “Closer” made them realize that their voices and styles blend perfectly together—as different as they sound.
Filipino artists like Olivia Rodrigo are breaking records and rewriting musical history. This romantic musician beat Mariah Carey and BTS, and her “Driver’s License” is one of the longest-running number one worldwide hits in music history. LA-raised and a lover of Filipino food, she respects and honors the Filipino traditions inherited from her father.
Olivia’s hard work and dedication brought her four nominations at the 2022 Grammys in the top categories. The young female population considers her a leading role model for Asian-Americans.
Kristine Zhenie Lobrigas Tandingan-Monterde may not ring a bell, but the name KZ Tandingan does. In 2012, she won the first season of the X Factor Philippines and became one of the most famous Filipina rappers and singers.
Her clean high notes caught the attention of many in the music industry. Disney noticed her talent and offered her to sing “Gabay” in the film “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Jessie J was also impressed by KZ’s talent when they competed against each other in Singer 2018.
Jess Connelly is an independent contemporary artist from Manilla that rose to the top thanks to her R&B-inspired sound. The Generation T honoree has performed both at the Wanderland Festival and Wonderfruit Festival in Thailand.
Opening for Kehlani and Chance the Rapper in Manila, this Filipina music icon has also shared the stage with Noodles, Kehlani’s DJ that included visits to Mercy Lounge in New York and the legendary House of Blues in San Diego.
MYX Global is a Filipino platform that helps you stay informed on current events from around the globe. We celebrate Filipino filmmakers and artists by bringing you the latest news in the international entertainment industry.
