When it comes to skill and talent, Filipinos have always been the talk of the town—and for good reason! Filipino talent goes far beyond looks and charisma. It’s about the creativity, determination, and skills that Filipinos bring to the table, which often leave a lasting impression on viewers. Even without fame or a massive following, they can walk into a room and immediately turn heads, proving they are forces to be reckoned with.
If you're on the lookout for fresh faces and rising stars, these up-and-coming Filipino Gen Z artists are worth keeping your eye on. Not only are they making waves on local television, but several of them are also gaining international recognition, showcasing the depth and diversity of Filipino talent on a global stage. These young Filipinos are proving that the next generation has what it takes to leave a lasting legacy.
LIST: 7 Promising Filipino Gen Z Artists
1. Lesha Liton
If you haven't heard of Lesha and her self-composed music, then you're missing out! Do yourself a favor and search her up on your preferred music platform—you won’t regret it. Many of us first discovered her on TikTok, where she creates incredible music mixes, turning them into masterpieces in just a few hours.
An artist under Careless Music, Lesha is adored for her dark pop and punk music, paired with thought-provoking lyrics that capture deep emotions and real-world experiences.
Lesha has already garnered impressive recognition, including nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female Artist at the New Hue Awards (2023). Her journey is just beginning, and it’s clear she’s destined for big things!
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2. Akira Morishita
Akira Morishita is known the lead vocalist of the popular boy group BGYO. The Filipino-Japanese artist is a promising Gen Z talent with a multidimensional skill set. Beyond his success as a singer and songwriter, Akira's versatility shines through his acting career, having starred in several Filipino indie films before making it big in the music scene.
3. Zae
Zae, a talented singer-rapper, is making waves with her empowering lyrics. What sets her apart is how her music resonates with Filipinos. A passionate advocate for women empowerment, Zae consistently champions this cause through her songs, proving she’s someone you should watch out for.
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4. Sofia Laforteza
You’ve likely seen her viral photo with BINI's Aiah, but Sofia Laforteza is quickly becoming a household name herself! At just 20 years old, the Filipino singer is making waves after debuting as a member of the international girl group KATSEYE.
Her journey began on the Korean show The Debut: Dream Academy, where she stood out among 120,000 aspiring trainees. You can also watch the group's documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE on Netflix!
5. Aljon Mendoza
Singing, acting, dancing, you name it—Aljon Mendoza excels in every aspect of performance! Recently, he starred alongside Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia in the hit movie Un/Happy For You, solidifying his reputation as a multi-talented artist.
However, Aljon's journey to stardom began even earlier; he was a former teen housemate on Pinoy Big Brother 8. He also showcased his talent in the Camp StarHunt. Now, he’s taking his artistry to new heights with his debut single, Panghabang-Baby, which dropped last Friday, September 27.
6. AIKA
English renditions of Filipino music have never sounded so accurate and so good, and much of that is thanks to the incredible talent of AIKA! She first garnered attention on TikTok, where she creates English versions of popular OPM songs, instantly charming netizens with her unique interpretations.
AIKA is not just a talented cover artist; she is also a gifted songwriter, using her angelic voice to bring her original compositions to life. Her lyrics often explore themes of love and relationships, reflecting both the joys and challenges they entail. This year, she made waves with her debut single, Leave A Message, marking just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career in music.
7. Atasha Muhlach
Atasha Muhlach has undoubtedly shown that her talent extends far beyond the recognition she received from her famous parents in the entertainment industry. Atasha began her career in commercials, quickly making a name for herself with her stage presence and versatility. Last year, she took a significant leap in her music career with the release of her solo single Pasuyo under Viva Records.
ICYDK, Atasha also graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom.
