Why singer-songwriter Maki is a hit with the Gen Z

CEBU, Philippines — Even though Maki’s appearances in Cebu seem to come with prior inclement weather, his fans here have been lucky to see him twice this month.

As one of the headliners of the Fusion x Cebu Festival on October 5, the singer-songwriter told Cebu media at a press conference that he’d prayed for good weather for everyone’s safety. Fortunately, the rainy afternoon cleared up by the evening at City Di Mare.

It was a different story last weekend when his show at Ayala Central Bloc had to be rescheduled from October 25 to the following day due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Although the circumstances were understandable, Maki still apologized to fans for the delay.

On both occasions, he expressed excitement about performing for his Cebuano fans, though he couldn’t exactly pinpoint why.

“That’s the question I cannot answer exactly,” he told Cebu media backstage. “I just love seeing the support I get from my Cebuano fans so I am so taken aback.”

“I feel so overwhelmed in the best way because every time I go on stage and hear my fans' support, I’m reminded of how much backing OPM has. The effort we put into coming here, with sleepless nights of rehearsals, are worthwhile because of their support.”

With his song “Dilaw” hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 chart for four consecutive weeks and two sold-out dates of his upcoming New Frontier Theater concert at the end of November, 2024 is undeniably Maki’s year.

The question now is: Will he double down on his success with a full body of work next year?

“Let’s see. There is so much happening,” he said. “I really love surprises, so I don’t want to spoil anything. But my fans will be surprised. I am super proud of what I’m working on right now and love the songs I’ve written. I never release a song I don’t like.”

With Maki being under the Kapamilya fold as a contract artist of Tarsier Records, a subsidiary of Star Music, he was also asked if he’d consider acting in ABS-CBN projects.

“I don’t think so. Right now, I’d like to focus on music,” he said. “Fans have already seen me acting in my music videos, so at least you get that side of me. Since I am also a theater artist, it works hand-in-hand with my music.”

Relatable, Gen Z concert

Throughout his nearly hour-long mall concert, it’s clear why Maki is a hit with the Gen Z. His lyrics delve into themes of love and heartbreak that resonate with his peers, all paired with his eccentric fashion style.

His relatability shines in hits like “Dilaw” and “Saan?”, changing the latter’s Quezon City-focused lyrics for his Cebu audience. With some help from Cebuano TikToker and comedian Zeke Abella on stage, he swapped references from UP-Diliman with UC (University of Cebu) and gave shout-outs to Mandaue City and Cebu City.

It’s not only his music or sartorial sense that makes Maki captivating, but also his storytelling, like sharing moments when he overlooked “red flags” of a former love interest.

Gale, a 24-year-old fan from Brgy. Inayawan, Cebu City, told The FREEMAN: “I enjoy his songs because they’re so relatable. What he said earlier about his ex, I’ve been there too, so I connect with his music. I love red flags; I’m colorblind like that.”

Shiela, 13, added that younger Cebuanos enjoy songs that approach love from a Gen Z perspective.

Maki also appreciates fan gifts, catching plush toys tossed on stage, and even holding up a fan drawing to show the crowd. He also noticed placards in the audience, including one asking him to bring his sold-out concert from QC to Cebu. The FREEMAN spoke to a few fans who said that they would buy tickets to see him.

“I asked earlier if they wanted a Maki concert in Cebu, and it was a resounding yes. I would love to bring one here someday,” he said.

With every release, Maki takes pride in knowing fans can relate to his experiences, which is why he loves songwriting.

“After I write a bar or a verse, there’s always this magic, and I’m proud that I was able to do this,” he said. “In all of my experiences I share in my music, it’s comforting to know others connect with my stories.”