Angela Ken, eighteen, was recording herself singing her unfinished composition in her bedroom in November 2020 and uploading the clips to TikTok to track her progress.
The song, which she subsequently named “Ako Naman Muna,” about mental health and prioritizing oneself, resonated with listeners on and outside the platform, garnering over 10 million views and making Ken a viral hit.
“To be honest, wala akong ini-expect. Sobrang saya ko na na marami na akong na-touch na hearts. Ang akala ko, iyon na ang plano ni Lord, pero meron pa palang mas hihigit pa. And now I’m here,” she stated.
Ken’s life was transformed by the song. She released the complete version of “Ako Naman Muna” as a full-fledged Kapamilya in March 2021, after signing with Star Music and Star Magic.
Ken’s original compositions have appeared in a variety of ABS-CBN programs since then, including “Sila Pa Rin” for “Marry Me, Marry You” and “Hanggang Sa Muli” for “How to Move On in 30 Days,” among others.
“Feeling ko ibang tao [ang naririnig ko]! Feeling ko normal akong tao na nakikinig ng kanta, na nakikisabay lang sa trend na naririnig ng mga tao. Nakakatuwa po, lalo ‘pag sinasabi ng mga kaibigan na, ‘Andiyan ka na!’” she said.
In January 2022, the fast-rising singer-songwriter was also featured on a large New York Times Square billboard as one of the faces of Spotify Philippines’ EQUAL campaign for the month.
Beginning August 10, Ken will make her acting debut as one of the major cast members of the musical series “Lyric and Beat.” Dolly Dulu wrote and directed the iWantTFC title, which incorporates music by Jonathan Manalo in honor of the ABS-CBN Music creative director’s 20th year in the field.
