Maki (singer) explained

Maki
Landscape:yes
Birth Name:Ralph William Datoon
Birth Date:27 November 1999
Origin:Quezon City, Philippines
Years Active:2021–present
Label: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]

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

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 during an audition at the age of 15 during which he was treated poorly and may have faced inappropriate behavior.[7]

Datoon graduated from New Era University with a degree in communications.

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.

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. Initially, the plan was to give him some exposure as an indie artist, but he eventually signed with the label. 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. On August 30, 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]

On August 2, 2024, Tarsier Records announced that Maki would be holding his first solo concert, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City in November.[15] Titled "Maki-Concert", the concert was originally scheduled on November 29, but was extended to November 30 after tickets for the first day sold out within four hours of their release. The tickets for the second day were also sold out.[16] On November 25, Tarsier Records announced the inclusion of Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel, Angela Ken, Cesca, Sitti, and Nameless Kids as guest performers at the concert.[17] A regional tour is also scheduled in Cebu City, Baguio and Cagayan de Oro in January and February 2025.[18] The concert proceeded with renditions of Maki's original songs and collaborations as well as covers of Kitchie Nadal, Taylor Swift, LANY, and Rey Valera. He also performed his upcoming song "Bughaw" (Blue), and performed parts of another upcoming single, "Itim Na Ulap" (Black Cloud).[19]

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.[20]

Accolades

AwardYearCategoryRecipient(s)Result
Awit Awards2024Song Of The Year"Saan?"[21]
Best Pop Recording "Saan?"
Myx Music Awards2024Breakout Solo Artist of the Year Maki[22] [23]
"Dilaw"
Artist of the Year Maki
Music Video of the Year "Dilaw"
PMPC Star Awards for Music2024Song of the Year"Saan" [24] [25]
Male Pop Artist of the Year "Saan"
P-pop Awards2024Artist of the YearMaki[26]
Song of the Year"Dilaw"
Music Video of the Year"Dilaw"
Production Design in a Music Video"Namumula"
Breakthrough Artist of the YearMaki
Solo Artist of the YearMaki
Wish Music Awards2024Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year"Dilaw"[27]
Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year"Sikulo" (with Angela Ken and Nhiko)
Wish Breakthrough Artist of the YearMaki

Discography

Extended play

Title! scope="col" style="width:18em;"
Album Details
Tanong
  • Released: September 22, 2023
(PH) 		[28]

Singles

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsAlbum
PHL
[29]
"Halaga"2021—
"Para Sa Buwan" 2022—
"Thinkin' Bout Your Smile"
—
"Better"
—
"Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw (R&B Version)"
—[30]
"Saan?"202316Tanong[31]
"Bakit?"—[32]
"Saan? (Live at the Cozy Cove)"—[33]
"HBD"2024—[34]
"Balse Ng Gabi (Remix)"
—StarPop: The Remixes Volume 2.[35]
"Sikulo"
—[36]
"Dilaw"1[37]
"Kurba"—[38]
"Namumula"40
"Bughaw"—[39]

Filmography

Music videos

TitleYearDirector(s)
"Saan?" (with Karina Bautista)2023Kashka Gaddi[40]
"Dilaw" (with Maloi of Bini)2024Jaydee Alberto
Maki		[41]
"Namumula" (with Jannah Chua)Kerbs Balagtas[42]

Television shows

Concerts

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 5 Artists You Should Know: Philippines . Mitchell . Courtney . February 21, 2024 . Daily Rind . July 3, 2024 . August 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240822105826/https://www.dailyrindblog.com/5-artists-you-should-know-philippines/ . live .
  2. Web site: Maki Goes Viral With Songs "Saan?" and "Bakit?" . Bonoan . Christian . July 31, 2023 . MYX Global . July 3, 2024 . May 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240526171059/https://myx.global/maki-viralspotifycharts/ . live .
  3. Web site: Maki Makes His Global Spotify Chart Debut With "Dilaw" . Saulog . Gabriel . June 11, 2024 . Billboard Philippines . July 3, 2024 . June 12, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240612184623/https://billboardphilippines.com/market/industry-news/maki-makes-his-global-spotify-chart-debut-with-dilaw/ . live .
  4. Web site: Maki's New Single "Dilaw" Debuts at #200 on Global Spotify Chart . June 11, 2024 . Zeen Magazine . July 3, 2024 . June 26, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240626124430/https://zeenmag.com/makis-new-single-dilaw-debuts-at-200-on-global-spotify-chart/ . live .
  5. Web site: Maki Becomes First Artist to Hit No. 1 on Billboard Philippines Hot 100 . Basbas . Francheska Judine . July 3, 2024 . Billboard Philippines . July 3, 2024 . July 3, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240703092551/https://billboardphilippines.com/market/chart-beat/maki-dilaw-becomes-first-artist-to-hit-no-1-on-billboard-philippines-hot-100-bini-sabrina-carpenter-2024/ . live .
  6. Web site: 2023-02-01 . Tarsier Records artists mark 2022 wins; introduces fresh music this year . 2024-08-17 . ABS-CBN CORPORATE . English, Tagalog . August 17, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240817012024/https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2023/2/1/tarsier-records-milestones?lang=en . live .
  7. Web site: Vibas . Danny . 2024-07-07 . Maki: Alternative pop superstar . 2024-08-25 . Daily Tribune . en . August 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240823085133/https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2024/07/28/maki-alternative-pop-superstar . live .
  8. Web site: Felipe . MJ . 2024-06-05 . Past rejections inspired 'Dilaw' hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream . 2024-08-22 . ABS-CBN News . August 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240822144531/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/6/5/past-rejections-inspired-dilaw-hitmaker-maki-to-fulfill-dream-1850 . live .
  9. Web site: Choa . Kane Errol . September 28, 2023 . Star Music artist Maki's 'Saan' spawns countless TikTok videos . July 4, 2024 . Philippine Star . October 7, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241007075855/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/09/28/2299438/star-music-artist-makis-saan-spawns-countless-tiktok-videos . live .
  10. Web site: Star Music artist Maki's 'Saan' spawns countless TikTok videos . Choa . Kane Errol . September 28, 2023 . Philippine Star . July 4, 2024 . August 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240822105825/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/09/28/2299438/star-music-artist-makis-saan-spawns-countless-tiktok-videos . live .
  11. Web site: Lion's Den . 2023-03-31 . Maki Delivers Nostalgic Vibes With New Single 'Saan?' . 2024-12-04 . ABS-CBN Corporate.
  12. Web site: Felipe . MJ . 2024-06-05 . Past rejections inspired 'Dilaw' hitmaker Maki to fulfill dream . 2024-08-22 . ABS-CBN News . August 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240822144531/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/6/5/past-rejections-inspired-dilaw-hitmaker-maki-to-fulfill-dream-1850 . live .
  13. Web site: 2024-08-30 . Maki releases music video for new single 'Namumula' . 2024-08-30 . ABS-CBN News.
  14. Web site: 2024-10-14 . The story behind Maki's surprise guesting at LANY concert . 2024-10-14 . ABS-CBN News.
  15. Web site: 2024-08-05. Maki To Hold First Solo Concert This November . 2024-11-24. Billboard Philippines.
  16. Web site: 2024-08-29. Tickets for Day 2 of Maki's concert sold out . 2024-11-24 . ABS-CBN .
  17. Web site: 2024-11-25 . Special guests on Maki's concert revealed . 2024-11-26 . ABS-CBN .
  18. Web site: 2024-11-29 . Maki To Hold Solo Concerts In Cebu, Baguio, And Cagayan De Oro In 2025 . 2024-11-29 . Billboard Philippines . November 30, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241130002407/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/maki-to-hold-solo-concerts-in-cebu-baguio-and-cagayan-de-oro-tour-january-february-2025/ . live .
  19. Web site: 2024-11-30 . CONCERT RECAP: Maki makes fans feel at home with heartfelt songs, new track teasers at first concert . 2024-11-30 . ABS-CBN .
  20. Web site: Listen to the Follow Up Single, "Bakit" by Maki . Domingo . Danielle . July 5, 2023 . MYX Global . July 5, 2023 . July 6, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230706113525/https://myx.global/maki-bakit/ . live .
  21. Web site: Go . Mayks . August 19, 2024 . SB19, BINI, Lola Amour, And More Lead Awit Awards 2024 Nominations . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240819182052/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/sb19-bini-lola-amour-and-more-lead-awit-awards-2024-nominations-full-list/ . August 19, 2024 . August 23, 2024 . Billboard Philippines.
  22. Web site: Jessica Ann Evangelista . BINI, SB19 among nominees in comebacking MYX Music Awards . September 28, 2024 . Philippine Daily Inquirer . September 28, 2024 . October 6, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241006030050/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/578800/bini-sb19-among-nominees-in-comebacking-myx-music-awards . live .
  23. Web site: Acebuche . Yoniel . 2024-11-21 . List: Winners of MYX Music Awards 2024 . 2024-11-21 . Philstar Life . The Philippine Star.
  24. Web site: Josh Mercado . BINI, SB19, Juan Karlos among nominees at 16th Star Awards for Music . October 2, 2024 . ABS-CBN . October 2, 2024 . October 2, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241002112006/https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/2024/10/2/bini-sb19-juan-karlos-among-nominees-at-16th-star-awards-for-music-1745 . live .
  25. Web site: Addie Cuadra . OPM celebrated in 16th PMPC Star Awards for Music . October 28, 2024 . ABS-CBN . October 28, 2024 .
  26. Web site: December 3, 2024 . PPOP Music Awards 2024: Here's the list of official nominees . December 3, 2024 . . en.
  27. News: October 30, 2024 . The 10th Wish Music Awards Official List of Nominees. October 31, 2024 . Wish 107.5.
  28. Web site: Bonoan . Christian . September 21, 2023 . Maki Releases 'Tanong' EP . August 22, 2024 . Myx Global . en-US . August 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240822120254/https://myx.global/maki-releases-tanong-ep/ . live .
  29. Web site: Philippines Hot 100 (Week of September 14, 2024) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240912095451/https://billboardphilippines.com/chart/philippines-hot-100/09-14-2024/ . September 12, 2024 . September 15, 2024 . . September 11, 2024 . en-PH.
  30. Web site: November 24, 2022 . Maki serves own R&B spin to viral hit "Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230327034339/https://www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom/news-releases/2022/11/24/maki-rnb-version-gusto-ko-nang-bumitaw?lang=en . March 27, 2023 . August 25, 2024 . ABS-CBN Newsroom.
  31. Web site: Domingo . Danielle . April 6, 2023 . Check Out Tarsier Records Artist, Maki's Newest Track, "Saan" . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207133909/https://myx.global/maki-saan/ . December 7, 2023 . August 25, 2024 . Myx Global . en-US.
  32. Web site: Domingo . Danielle . July 5, 2023 . Listen to the Follow Up Single, "Bakit" by Maki . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240822105828/https://myx.global/maki-bakit/ . August 22, 2024 . August 25, 2024 . Myx Global . en-US.
  33. Web site: November 17, 2023 . Saan? (Live at the Cozy Cove) [Live] by Maki ]. August 25, 2024 . . August 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240825041621/https://music.apple.com/ph/song/saan-live-at-the-cozy-cove-live/1716296260 . live .
  34. Web site: Bonoan . Christian . January 11, 2024 . Maki drops another heartbreaking single 'HBD' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240316233234/https://myx.global/maki-drops-new-song-hbd/ . March 16, 2024 . August 25, 2024 . Myx Global . en.
  35. Web site: Canlas . Dianne . January 14, 2024 . Vice Ganda, Belle, Maymay, bumida sa remix album . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240201024531/https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2024/01/14/2325691/vice-ganda-belle-maymay-bumida-sa-remix-album . February 1, 2024 . August 25, 2024 . The Philippine Star.
  36. Web site: March 23, 2024 . Maki, Angela, Nhiko drop song collab 'Sikulo' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240402092636/https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2024/03/23/2342700/maki-angela-nhiko-drop-song-collab-sikulo . April 2, 2024 . August 25, 2024 . The Philippine Star.
  37. Web site: Go . Mayks . May 24, 2024 . Maki Releases "Dilaw", Premieres Music Video With BINI's Maloi . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240823034458/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/maki-releases-new-single-dilaw-with-music-video-featuring-binis-maloi-2024/ . August 23, 2024 . August 25, 2024 . . en-US.
  38. Web site: Saulog . Gabriel . 2024-07-19 . Maki and Moira To Perform PhilPop Himig Handog 2024 Entries . 2024-12-04 . . en-US.
  39. Web site: Saulog . Gabriel . 2024-12-02 . Maki Drops Surprise New Single "Bughaw" – Listen . 2024-12-04 . . en-US.
  40. Web site: April 26, 2023 . Maki takes a scenic trip down memory lane in "Saan?" music . November 24, 2024 . ABS-CBN.
  41. News: Hannah Mallorca . 2024-06-26 . Maki gets real on 'Dilaw,' BINI Maloi, K-pop 'alternate universe' fanfics . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240627083234/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/563525/maki-gets-real-on-dilaw-bini-maloi-k-pop-alternate-universe-fanfics . June 27, 2024 . 2024-07-26 . Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  42. Web site: 2024-08-30 . Maki releases music video for new single 'Namumula' . 2024-08-30 . ABS-CBN News.
  43. Web site: 'Tao Po' : Mga up and down sa karera ng singer-songwriter na si Maki . October 5, 2024. ABS-CBN. November 24, 2024.
  44. Web site: 2024-12-03 . Maki turns emotional in Day 2 of concert . 2024-12-03 . ABS-CBN News.

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