The final installment in our “Face to Face” series takes a unique turn, deviating from the literal face-to-face format. In this episode, four members of the Believe Philippines team paid a visit to the home of local rap icon Nik Makino. The discussion delved into his burgeoning career and recent triumphs.
While many might be unaware, the hip-hop genre has thrived in the Philippines since the release of Francis Magalona’s “Yo” album in 1990. Describing the Philippine hip-hop scene as mature would be no exaggeration, with local acts exploring various sub-genres that have evolved alongside hip-hop’s rich history, from boom-bap to gangsta rap. Multiple generations of artists have left their mark, and the current wave, deeply rooted in hip-hop culture, is poised to introduce Filipino hip-hop to a global audience. Nik Makino stands out as one of the trailblazers of this new generation.
Active in the scene since 2011, Nik Makino initially gained recognition through a series of mixtapes and EPs. However, he catapulted to viral fame with his hits “Lexi” and “Neneng B,” accumulating an impressive 95 million
In addition to distribution, marketing, and promotion services, Believe AS will soon launch its latest imprint, designed to serve independent artists with long-term campaign commitments and global development strategies.
Through AS, Believe aspires to be a comprehensive one-stop shop for artists, offering dedicated attention, a macro-approach to audience-building, essential data management, social media strategies, and tailored resources for each release. The goal is to provide artists with a personalized experience, ensuring efficiency in their work and professional advancement through the support of a passionate and experienced team.
Believe’s strong partnerships with digital platforms set Artist Services apart, showcasing its proficiency in fostering artists’ growth through a blend of technology, data, innovation, and digital marketing expertise.
Nik Makino, a local Filipino artist renowned for hits like “Neneng B” and “Lexi,” became the first artist to partner with Waheed Jaralla, Head of Believe AS Philippines. Nik shares in an interview how Believe AS supported his rebranding, album conceptualization, and music production, culminating in the successful release of his debut full album, HYPE ONE’S.
Believe enhanced the visibility of Nik’s releases through strong connections with digital platforms, enabling him to sell his music on Spotify and promote the streaming app. The company also played a pivotal role in creating playlist covers, showcasing promotional materials on billboards, and guiding Nik’s social media presence across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
With hits such as “Aye Mami,” “Bouncy Head,” “Censored,” and the latest album, HYPE ONE’S, Nik Makino has emerged as a promising figure in the Filipino hip-hop music scene.
For deeper insights into how Believe transformed and accelerated Nik Makino’s music career, explore the latest Face to Face episode featuring the Believe AS team. Come January 2024, Believe will officially launch its new imprint under Artist Services, further empowering and safeguarding aspiring music artists in the digital era.
To delve into Believe’s latest products and services, visit https://www.believe.com/.