Singer-songwriter Angela Ken, who made waves on TikTok by posting a snippet of her unfinished original song “Ako Naman Muna,” has been added to ABS-CBN Music’s rich roster of artists and is poised to debut the full studio version of the track on March 5.
ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo discovered the folk-pop artist after her “Ako Naman Muna” video went viral on TikTok, amassing over 1.3 million likes and 21.1K comments at present, with listeners clamoring for the complete song to be released. She was personally contacted by Jonathan who offered her recording and management deals.
“Your support and appreciation to the song has reached all around the country. I want to thank all of you for everything kasi ‘di ko maaabot ‘tong kinahahantungan ko kung hindi dahil sa inyo,” she said on a TikTok announcement video on Valentine’s Day for the song’s release.
The raw and poignant track surely deserves to be heard in full, as it provides comfort while showing vulnerability through its piercing lyrics and Angela’s soothing vocals. Its chorus conveys a message of self-love and self-affirmation but also acknowledges hardships and confusion in its verses.
Indeed, “Ako Naman Muna” is a fitting introduction to the 18-year-old’s musical talents, as her angelic voice and her poetic songwriting combined with minimal instrumental accompaniment shine in her debut single.