Batangueño singer Kenaniah is poised to become the next OPM sensation.
At just 19 years old, this singer-songwriter is one of the bright talents signed under O/C Records, led by Kean Cipriano.
But just like many other newbie talents, Kenaniah also started small until his journey took a significant turn.
Navigating the music scene as an indie artist during the pandemic, he never stopped dreaming big.
"Nag-start ako nung pandemic talaga," Kenaniah recalled in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
The interview took place after his performance at the Cosmo Summer Party 2024 in La Union on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Read: Highlights of the Cosmo Summer Party 2024 in La Union
Kenaniah's perseverance paid off when Kean Cipriano discovered his talent on Spotify, leading to a contract with O/C Records.
"Na-discover ako ni Sir Kean Cipriano sa Spotify. Noong 2022, tapos nag-sign na ako sa O/C Records.
"Tapos, ayun, release na ako nang release [ng songs], gig lang nang gig."
Much is expected of Kenaniah, especially since the talents discovered by Kean Cipriano have already made it big in the music scene, including Adie and Unique Salonga.
With such strong backing, the industry and fans alike are eager to see how he will carve out his own niche and make his mark in the world of OPM.
But knowing Adie and Unique's success, Kenaniah doesn't feel pressured to make it big in the OPM scene. Instead, he feels more motivated and inspired to create music.
He said, "To be honest po, hindi. Mas nakaka-ano lang. Mas nakaka-inspire at nakaka-humble lang rin.
"Parang, 'Ah grabe, hindi ko na-expect na...' parang makaka-linyahan ko sila, kumbaga.
"Kasi mga idol ko rin sila, sina Unique, mga ganun.
"Lalo na kung high school parang sila yung Eraserheads sa akin. Hindi ko rin na-expect, ayun nakaka-humble."
KENANIAH ON CREATING MUSIC
Kenaniah has released several singles since joining O/C Records, including "Hindi Ikaw," "Sana Walang Magbago," and "Better Now."
Two of his biggest hits are "Bahala Na," which has garnered over 88 million streams on Spotify, and "Hanggang sa Buwan," which was featured on the official soundtrack of the Viva One series The Rain in España.
When asked to describe his music, Kenaniah said, "Yung sound ko kasi ano siya e, more on alternative pop."
He added, "Pero hindi ko naman siya bina-box yung sarili ko doon. So, hindi ko... Nag-explore pa rin ako ng tunog ngayon. Pero ayun, pop ako."
Like many artists, Kenaniah mentioned that most of his songs are also based on personal experiences.
"Ganun talaga yun. Minsan sa buhay, dumadaan ng bagyo. Doon ko na lang hinuhugot, yun ang puhunan ko."
He added, "Sakto lang, ma-drama lang minsan. Para alam mo yun, may masulat ka. Kailangan e."
Kenaniah also experiences creative blocks. When this happens, he doesn't force the creative juices; instead, he waits for the right time.
"Feeling ko ano, kayaan mo lang. Tapos, try ka lang din minsan. Kung wala talaga, e di huwag mo pilitin.
"Minsan kasi wala talaga akong masulat, e. Minsan pangit. Pag pangit, di ko na tinutuloy. Pero yun, yun lang.
"Try lang. Tapos, pag may inspiration na dumating, galing kay Lord. Gawin ko agad.
Gawin mo agad yung idea mo yan."
Kenaniah is currently promoting his latest single "Lanamantayo" which talks about "situationships," the Gen Z slang for "no label" relationships.
Sharing more about the theme of his new single, Kenaniah said, "About siya sa parang, ano, situationship.
"Parang, yung, it talks about the confusion sa, yun nga, isang undefined relationship."
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