The new recording artist teams up with 6cyclemind’s Rye Sarmiento and Gracenote’s Jazz Jorge for a track reminiscent of ‘90s and early 2000s alternative rock
Filipino newcomer Kenan marks his debut as a recording artist with the release of “Sabi Mo” under Sony Music Entertainment.
Best known today as a professional volleyball trainer and coach at the National University (NU), Kenan’s deep love for music eventually opened the door to a career he once thought was out of reach.
His first official single, “Sabi Mo,” captures the struggles of moving on after promises of forever are broken. Drawing from his own past experiences with heartbreak, Kenan poured his emotion into the track. He reveals. “I was lost in the moment because it brought back memories, both good andbad. That experience gave me the courage to deliver the song with honesty and vulnerability, while still making it my own.”
Produced by Rye Sarmiento (6cyclemind), the song transforms frustration into catharsis, delivering a powerful sing-along that feels like both a nostalgic and refreshing material. Originally written as an acoustic piece, “Sabi Mo” grew into something unexpectedly bigger during pre-production, evolving with a fuller arrangement inspired by the sound of ‘90s and early 2000s pop-rock.
“We wanted to veer away from the current mold of heartbreak songs with mellow and stripped-down tendencies,” Kenan shares. “For Sabi Mo, we went for a raunchier, more rock-out sound. There’s more oomph and spunk to it, but without losing the emotional sentiment of the lyrics. Balance is somehow the key.”
Adding to the track’s dynamic energy are Jazz Jorge of Gracenote, Jape Bongat, and Ernie Bañares of Kiss n’ Tell, who brought their talent and expertise to the recording. The synergy between Kenan and his collaborators was pivotal in shaping the song’s final form.
“During pre-prod, it felt like we were just feeding off each other’s vibe,” Kenan recalls. “Our chemistry is obviously inescapable, but the song naturally took shape—thanks to our individual and collaborative strengths. I’m proud of the outcome.”
Kenan’s “Sabi Mo” is now available on all major streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
About Kenan
Kenan is a Filipino alternative pop artist currently signed under Sony Music Entertainment. Born and raised in Quezon City, the solo newcomer grew up surrounded by music that would eventually shape his sound and artistry. From his father strumming worship songs and Gary Granada tunes on guitar to car rides filled with The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, and Paul Simon, his early memories are painted vividly with nostalgic pop and rock songs from the past.
His older brother also introduced him to the ‘90s alt-rock scene, particularly with artists such as Eraserheads, Rivermaya, The Dawn, Oasis, Green Day, and Foo Fighters blasting off their speakers in their younger years. The wide spectrum of influences continues to echo in his brand of heartfelt, genre-bending music, solidified even further by his love for performing.
As a newly signed recording artist, Kenan describes his sound as light, soothing, and deeply emotional. His work gravitates toward evocative arrangements that highlight the sincerity and raw beauty of his voice.
About Sony Music Entertainment
At Sony Music Entertainment, we honor the creative journey. Our creators shape movements, culture, communities, and even history. And we’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from establishing the first-ever music label to inventing the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time. Today, we work in more than 100 countries, supporting a diverse and distinctive roster of talented creators at every level and on every stage. Situated at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to emerging products and platforms, embrace new business models, and employ breakthrough tools—all to support the creative community’s experimentation, risk-taking, and growth. And we form deep, trusted, cause-based partnerships to uplift and empower communities around the world. Sony Music Entertainment is part of the global Sony family.
Source: Nyou