10 Top Filipino Artists Today: Celebrating the Best of OPM

JB, May 17, 2023 17 min read 9082

10 Top Filipino Artists Today: Celebrating the Best of OPM

Introduction

Alright, folks! Let’s dive into the vibrant world of the Filipino music scene. It’s as colorful as our jeepneys and as diverse as our adobo recipes. From the soulful ballads that make us feel like we’re in a teleserye to the catchy pop tunes that have us dancing like no one’s watching, there’s no denying that Filipino music has a special place in our hearts.

Now, you might be wondering, “How did we come up with this list of the top Filipino artists today?” Well, it’s not as complicated as navigating through EDSA during rush hour, promise! We’ve based our rankings on Spotify and Apple Music plays. Yes, we’ve gone through the digital highways and byways, counting streams and plays. It’s like a musical census, if you will.

So, grab your halo-halo, sit back, and let’s embark on this melodious journey through the top 10 Filipino artists that are currently dominating our playlists and, quite possibly, our hearts.

Artist	Spotify	Apple Music
Ben&Ben	12.5 million	1.3 million
Moira dela Torre	10.2 million	1.2 million
KZ Tandingan	9.2 million	1.1 million
Sarah Geronimo	8.1 million	1 million
James Reid	7 million	900,000
Regine Velasquez	5.2 million	700,000
Jed Madela	4.3 million	600,000
Apl.de.ap	3.4 million	500,000
IV of Spades	2.5 million	400,000
Zack Tabudlo	1.6 million	300,000

Spotify and Apple Music as of April 2023

Ben&Ben

First up on our list of top Filipino artists today is the indie folk band that’s as inseparable as rice and sinigang, Ben&Ben. This nine-member group, led by the Guico twins, Paolo and Miguel, has been serenading us since 2017. They started off as “The Benjamins” but later changed their name to Ben&Ben, which, let’s be honest, has a nice ring to it, like the chime of our neighbor’s sorbetes cart.

Their unique sound? It’s like a warm cup of tsokolate on a rainy day. It’s comforting, familiar, yet somehow always surprising. Their heartfelt lyrics? They’re the kind that make you want to hug your ‘hugot’ out. They’ve got a way with words that can make even the toughest Kuya shed a tear or two.

But don’t just take my word for it. Their music has crossed the seas and reached international ears. They’ve won the Awit Award for Group of the Year in 2019, the MYX Music Award for Favorite Group in 2020, and the Wish 107.5 Music Award for Song of the Year in 2021. They’ve also been featured in various international music festivals, including the Laneway Festival in Singapore and the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

It’s like they’ve hit a musical ‘tres’ in a game of street basketball, and we’re all here cheering for them. So, if you haven’t yet, give Ben&Ben a listen. They’re the ‘kakanin’ in the ‘fiesta’ that is the Filipino music scene.

Here are some of their most popular songs:

Kathang Isip
Maybe The Night
Leaves
Paninindigan Kita
Araw-Araw
Sa Susunod Na Habangbuhay
Upuan
Maybe the Light
Home
Fallin’

They have also released several albums, including:

Limasawa Street (2018)
Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno (2019)
Tides (2020)
Ben&Ben (2022)

Moira dela Torre

Next on our list of top Filipino artists today is the woman who has become the soundtrack to many of our late-night ‘hugot’ sessions, Moira dela Torre. This singer-songwriter, who first charmed us on “The Voice of the Philippines,” has been tugging at our heartstrings since 2014. She’s like the ‘balut’ of the music industry – you might not know what to expect at first, but once you give her a try, you’ll find there’s a lot to love.

Moira’s heartfelt lyrics and emotional vocals are like a comforting bowl of ‘sinigang’ on a rainy day. They’re warm, comforting, and they hit you right in the feels. Whether you’re nursing a broken heart or celebrating a new love, there’s a Moira dela Torre song that perfectly captures what you’re feeling.

But it’s not just us Pinoys who are in love with Moira’s music. She’s also been recognized both locally and internationally for her talent. In 2019, she bagged the Awit Award for Female Artist of the Year, and in 2020, she was nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act. She’s like she’s the ‘lechon’ at the party – everyone wants a piece of her talent. So, if you’re in the mood for some soulful tunes, give Moira dela Torre a listen. She’s the ‘merienda’ you didn’t know you needed in your playlist.

Here are some of her most popular songs:

‘Titibo-Tibo’
‘Malaya’
‘Tagpuan’
‘Ikaw at Ako’
‘Bawat Daan’
‘Paano’
‘Isang Linggo’
‘Unbreakable’
‘Little Things’

She has also released several albums, including:

Moira (2016)
Growing Up (2018)
Patawad (2020)

KZ Tandingan

Moving on, we have another shining star in our list of top Filipino artists today – KZ Tandingan. This powerhouse vocalist, who first wowed us in “The X Factor Philippines,” has been belting out tunes and breaking boundaries since 2012. She’s like the ‘sisig’ of the music industry – sizzling, surprising, and always leaving you wanting more.

KZ’s powerful vocals and versatility are as impressive as a well-executed ‘tinikling’ dance. Whether she’s belting out a soulful ballad or rapping to a hip-hop beat, she always delivers a performance that’s as satisfying as a perfectly ripe mango on a hot summer day.

But don’t just take my word for it. KZ has been recognized both locally and internationally for her talent. In 2018, she bagged the Awit Award for Female Artist of the Year, and in 2022, she was nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act. She’s like she’s the ‘halo-halo’ of the music scene – a delightful mix of different elements that come together to create something truly special. So, if you’re looking for a musical experience that’s as exciting as a ride on a ‘jeepney’, give KZ Tandingan a listen. She’s the ‘fiesta’ in the everyday that is your playlist.

Here are some of her most popular songs:

“Bawat Daan”
“Someday”
“I’m Yours”
“Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako”
“Two Less Lonely People in the World”
“Gabay”
“Catch the Light”
“Upuan”
“Rise Up”
“Never Say Goodbye”

She has also released several albums, including:

KZ Tandingan (2016)
Limitless (2018)
So Far So Good (2020)

Sarah Geronimo

Halfway through our list of top Filipino artists today, we have the Popstar Royalty herself, Sarah Geronimo. This multi-talented artist, who first captured our hearts in “Star for a Night,” has been ruling the music and acting scene like a true ‘barangay’ queen since 2003. She’s like the ‘pancit canton’ of the entertainment industry – versatile, beloved, and always hits the spot.

Sarah’s popularity is as undeniable as the allure of a freshly cooked ‘lechon’. Whether she’s belting out a high note or delivering a dramatic line in a movie, she always manages to captivate her audience. Her achievements in music and acting are as impressive as a ‘parol’ during Christmas – they shine bright and make us all proud.

But it’s not just us Pinoys who are in awe of Sarah’s talent. She’s also been recognized both locally and internationally for her work. In 2016, she bagged the Awit Award for Female Artist of the Year, and in 2023, she was nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act. It’s like she’s the ‘kare-kare’ of the music scene – a classic favorite that never disappoints. So, if you’re looking for a dose of world-class talent, give Sarah Geronimo a listen. She’s the ‘chicharon’ that adds a delightful crunch to your musical feast.

Here are some of her most popular songs:

“Tala”
“Ikot-Ikot”
“Alab”
“Can’t Help Falling in Love”
“Ikaw at Ako”
“Perfect”
“Salamin”
“Tagpuan”
“Forever’s Not Enough”
“I’m Still Here”

She has also released several albums, including:

Popstar: A Dream Come True (2004)
My Name Is Sarah Geronimo (2006)
Perfect (2007)
In Motion (2009)
Your Voice (2011)
Sarah Geronimo (2013)
I Feel Good (2015)
This Is Me (2017)
Tala (2019)
Bloom (2022)

James Reid

Next up on our list of top Filipino artists today is the man who’s as cool as a ‘halo-halo’ on a hot summer day, James Reid. This actor-turned-singer, who first stole our hearts in “Pinoy Big Brother,” has been making waves in the music and modeling scene like a ‘bangka’ cruising through the clear waters of Palawan since 2010. He’s like the ‘adobo’ of the entertainment industry – a delightful mix of different elements that come together to create something truly special.

James’s music career is as exciting as a ‘sabong’ on a Sunday. From catchy pop tunes to soulful R&B tracks, he’s proven that he’s not just a pretty face. And speaking of faces, his modeling career is as sizzling as a ‘liempo’ on a grill. Whether he’s strutting on the runway or posing for a magazine, he always manages to turn heads.

But it’s not just us Pinoys who are captivated by James’s talent. He’s also been recognized both locally and internationally for his work. In 2019, he bagged the Awit Award for Male Artist of the Year, and in 2023, he was nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act. It’s like he’s the ‘sinigang’ of the music scene – a classic favorite that always hits the spot. So, if you’re looking for a dose of talent, good looks, and charisma, give James Reid a listen. He’s the ‘sisig’ that adds a delightful sizzle to your musical feast.

Here are some of his most popular songs:

“The Breakup Playlist”
“Cool Down”
“Bawat Daan”
“Ikot-Ikot”
“Closer”
“Hiwaga”
“Palm Dreams”
“Hello 2.0”
“So Far So Good”
“I’m In Love”

He has also released several albums, including:

Reid Alert (2013)
James Reid (2015)
Palm Dreams (2017)
So Far So Good (2020)

Regine Velasquez

On the seventh spot of our top Filipino artists today, we have the Songbird herself, Regine Velasquez. This legendary singer, who has been hitting high notes as effortlessly as a ‘manong’ flips ‘balut’ in the wee hours of the night, has been serenading us since the 1980s. She’s like the ‘lumpia’ of the music industry – a classic favorite that never goes out of style.

Regine’s status as one of the greatest singers in the Philippines is as undeniable as the charm of a ‘kalesa’ ride in Intramuros. Her powerful vocals and emotional performances have touched the hearts of millions, making her a true icon in the industry. She’s the ‘pancit’ at every ‘fiesta’ – a staple that everyone looks forward to.

But it’s not just us Pinoys who are in awe of Regine’s talent. She’s also been recognized both locally and internationally for her work. She’s won the Awit Award for Female Artist of the Year a record 17 times, and she was also named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine in 2000. It’s like she’s the ‘lechon’ of the music scene – always the star of the show. So, if you’re looking for a dose of world-class talent, give Regine Velasquez a listen. She’s the ‘bibingka’ that adds a sweet touch to your musical feast.

Here are some of her most popular songs:

“Sana Maulit Muli”
“Dahil Sa Iyo”
“Ikaw”
“Forever”
“Umiibig”
“Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka”
“Sa Aking Paglisan”
“On My Own”
“How Will I Know”
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”

She has also released several albums, including:

Regine (1987)
Promise (1989)
My Only Love (1991)
Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 (1993)
R2K (1995)
Tell Me When (1997)
Retro (1999)
Infinity (2001)
Simply Regine (2003)
Love 2004 (2004)
Inspired (2006)
R3volution (2008)
Regine Velasquez: The Platinum Collection (2010)
Journey (2012)
25th Anniversary: The Journey Continues (2014)
Limitless (2018)
So Far So Good (2020)

Jed Madela

Next on our list of top Filipino artists today is the man with a voice as smooth as ‘leche flan’, Jed Madela. This world-class singer, who first wowed us in “Star in a Million,” has been hitting high notes and melting hearts like a ‘kakanin’ vendor at a ‘fiesta’ since 2003. He’s like the ‘kare-kare’ of the music industry – rich, complex, and always satisfying.

Jed’s powerful vocals and wide range of musical styles are as impressive as a ‘barong tagalog’ on a special occasion. Whether he’s belting out a ballad or crooning a love song, he always delivers a performance that’s as satisfying as a perfectly cooked ‘sinigang’.

But don’t just take my word for it. Jed has been recognized both locally and internationally for his talent. In 2014, he bagged the Awit Award for Male Artist of the Year, and he was also nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act in 2023. It’s like he’s the ‘pancit’ of the music scene – a classic favorite that never disappoints. So, if you’re looking for a musical experience that’s as comforting as a bowl of ‘arroz caldo’ on a rainy day, give Jed Madela a listen. He’s the ‘pandesal’ that adds a delightful touch to your musical breakfast.

Here are some of his most popular songs:

“Ikaw”
“Ngayon at Kailanman”
“I’m Yours”
“Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak”
“Perfect”
“Salamin”
“Tagpuan”
“Tala”
“Ikot-Ikot”
“Alab”

He has also released several albums, including:

Jed Madela (2003)
I’ll Be There (2004)
Perfect (2006)
Salamin (2008)
Tagpuan (2010)
Tala (2013)
Ikot-Ikot (2016)
Alab (2019)

Apl.de.ap

Penultimate on our list of top Filipino artists today is the man who’s as cool as a ‘sorbetes’ on a hot summer day, Apl.de.ap. This Filipino-American rapper and singer, who first made us groove with the Black Eyed Peas, has been making waves in the music scene like a ‘banca’ cruising through the clear waters of Boracay since the 1990s. He’s like the ‘sisig’ of the music industry – sizzling, surprising, and always leaving you wanting more.

Apl.de.ap’s role in the Black Eyed Peas and his solo career are as exciting as a ‘fiesta’ in the province. From catchy hip-hop tunes to soulful tracks that highlight his Filipino roots, he’s proven that he’s not just a member of a band, but a standout artist in his own right. He’s the ‘balut’ at every ‘inuman’ – a unique treat that everyone loves.

But it’s not just us Pinoys who are captivated by Apl.de.ap’s talent. He’s also been recognized both locally and internationally for his work. He has won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award and a MTV Europe Music Award. His energetic performances and positive messages about Filipino culture are like a ‘parol’ during Christmas – they shine bright and make us all proud. So, if you’re looking for a dose of world-class talent, Pinoy pride, and a good time, give Apl.de.ap a listen. He’s the ‘lechon’ that adds a delightful crunch to your musical feast.

Here are some of his most popular songs:

“Bebot”
“The Way I Are”
“Pump It”
“I Gotta Feeling”
“Alive”
“Don’t Stop the Party”
“Girl Like Me”
“Meet Me Halfway”
“Just Can’t Get Enough”
“Boom Boom Pow”

He has also released several albums, including:

Elephunk (2003)
Monkey Business (2005)
The E.N.D. (2009)
Renegotiations: The Remixes (2010)
Masters of the Sun Vol. 1 (2015)
Waves (2018)

IV of Spades

Rounding off our list of top Filipino artists today is the band that’s as funky as a jeepney ride through Manila, IV of Spades. This indie pop band, which has been making us groove since 2014, is like the ‘taho’ vendor in the morning – a delightful surprise that always brightens up your day.

IV of Spades’ unique sound and catchy melodies are as refreshing as a ‘buko’ juice on a hot day. They’ve got a way with tunes that can make you dance like no one’s watching, even if you’re just in your ‘bahay kubo’.

But don’t just take my word for it. IV of Spades has been recognized both locally and internationally for their talent. They’ve won the Awit Award for Group of the Year in 2019, and they were also nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act in 2023. It’s like they’ve hit a musical ‘tres’ in a game of street basketball, and we’re all here cheering for them. So, if you haven’t yet, give IV of Spades a listen. They’re the ‘chicharon’ in the ‘fiesta’ that is the Filipino music scene.

Here are some of their most popular songs:

“Mundo”
“Hey Barbara”
“Ilaw”
“In My Prison”
“Hey Jupiter”
“Dalawang Letra”
“Where Have You Been My Disco?”
“The One That Got Away”
“Where’s My Money?”
“Hey Stranger”

They have also released several albums, including:

Clover (2017)
iD (2019)
Clap Clap Clap (2022)

Zack Tabudlo

Last but definitely not least on our list of top Filipino artists today is the young talent that’s as refreshing as a ‘sago’t gulaman’ on a hot day, Zack Tabudlo. This singer-songwriter, who first charmed us on “The Voice Kids,” has been serenading us with his smooth vocals and romantic lyrics since 2014. He’s like the ‘pancit malabon’ of the music industry – a delightful mix of different elements that come together to create something truly special.

Zack’s smooth vocals and romantic lyrics are like a ‘harana’ under the moonlight. They’re sweet, heartfelt, and they hit you right in the feels. Whether you’re nursing a broken heart or celebrating a new love, there’s a Zack Tabudlo song that perfectly captures what you’re feeling.

But it’s not just us Pinoys who are in love with Zack’s music. He’s also been recognized both locally and internationally for his talent. In 2022, he bagged the Awit Award for Male Artist of the Year, and he was also nominated for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act in 2023. It’s like he’s the ‘leche flan’ at the party – everyone wants a piece of his talent. So, if you’re in the mood for some soulful tunes, give Zack Tabudlo a listen. He’s the ‘merienda’ you didn’t know you needed in your playlist.

Here are some of his most popular songs:

“Nakakabaliw”
“Sana’y Di Nalang”
“Binibini”
“Ikaw at Ako”
“Hindi Kita Malilimutan”
“Para Sa’yo”
“Stay”
“Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig”
“Parang Kailan Lang”
“Ngayon at Kailanman”

He has also released several albums, including:

Zack Tabudlo (2019)
Stay (2020)
I Belong to the Zoo (2022)

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Our melodious journey through the top Filipino artists today has come to an end. It’s been as exciting as a ‘fiesta’ in the province, as diverse as a ‘palengke’ on a Saturday, and as satisfying as a ‘boodle fight’ with the barkada.

Whether you’re a fan of indie folk, pop, R&B, or hip-hop, there’s a Filipino artist on this list that’s sure to tickle your musical taste buds. So, why not give these artists a listen? Who knows, you might just find your new favorite song, or better yet, your new favorite artist.

Remember, supporting local artists is like supporting our own ‘kababayan’. It’s a way of celebrating our culture, our talent, and our ‘Pinoy pride’. So, let’s continue to stream their songs, attend their concerts, and spread the word about their music. After all, Filipino music is like our ‘adobo’ – it’s diverse, it’s flavorful, and it’s definitely worth sharing.

So, until our next musical adventure, keep those speakers blasting, those earphones plugged, and those playlists updated. Because in the vibrant world of Filipino music, there’s always a new song to discover, a new artist to love, and a new beat to dance to.

Mabuhay ang OPM! Mabuhay ang musikang Pilipino!

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Salamat, and happy listening!