Singer-Songwriter Angela Ken became huge through her song Ako Naman Muna. However, is she a one-hit-wonder?
During the virtual press conference of The Squad Plus where Angela, the 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Imus, Cavite answered such a question. In fact, for a teenager, she has the wisdom and understanding to know the industry she is entering.
“Hindi ako natatakot sa mangyayari. Kasi pinasok ko ang industriya na maraming posibilidad. And kailangan na kapag pumasok sa industriyang ‘to… sinabi rin ng magulang ko at ng mga taong sumusuporta simula nung una na, tatagan ko. Kasi hindi lahat ng tao sasang-ayon sa isang artist.
“Marami talagang manghihila pababa sa mga nakikita nilang umaangat. Kasi yung iba hindi nila matanggap yung ganun sitwasyon. Imbes na magpahatak, gawin siyang hagdan para magkaron ka pa ng rason na ipakita sa kanila na mali yung hinahatak nila pinababa,” she shared her thoughts.
She also understands that her fame will not be permanent. Angela is starting to ready herself if ever that day comes.
“Ako, sobrang saya ko ngayon. At alam ko na hindi ito habang-buhay na puro saya lang. Kaya hinahanda ko yung sarili ko,” Angela said.
Nevertheless, people see Angela as an artist who will make it far in the showbiz industry. Ever since the draft of her song, people already realized how successful she will be.
“Talagang nakaka-amaze yung mga comment ng ibang tao. Kasi sobrang lamang yung mga positive feedbacks nila. And siguro yung tumatak sakin is yung…simula pa lang nung scratch ng “Ako Naman Muna”, madami nang nagsasabing malayo ang mararating ko.”
However, Angela admitted that at a certain point, she was about to give up on the song.
“Actually, when I released that on TikTok, I was about to let go of the song. Kasi hindi ko na alam paano siya tatapusin.”
When she finished the song, which eventually led to her popularity, many Filipinos admired how relatable Ako Naman Muna is.
Angela then shared her favorite line in the song, which is, “Oo pagod ka na, pero hindi ka nag-iisa.”
That line hits the spot for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are getting homesick.
But it’s not just for OFWs in particular. Even those who suffer from anxiety and depression can relate.
“Talagang maraming nakarelate. Lalo na yung mga nagsusuffer on their mental health. And I saw that as an opportunity to be a voice. Hindi man siya yung sobrang laki na movement, pero pag pinagsama-sama yung positivity ng bawat isa through that song, magiging malaki yung difference niya,” she stressed.
The singer-songwriter also aims not just to prove her critics wrong, but also to create music that tackles reality.
“Aim ko talaga when I make music is more on reality. Part na rin ‘yung self-love, self-appreciation. But I also want ibang branches ng reality.
“I want to be known as… kung papalarin na makilala ng napakaraming tao, nang napakaraming Pilipino, gusto kong makilala na isang very relatable singer-songwriter. At gusto kong makilala bilang isang kaibigan din. Na andun yung mga kanta ko na nakayakap sa kanila.”
After she made Ako Naman Muna, she uploaded a song on the video-sharing platform via TikTok that tackles a stunning realization for children.
“Yung kanta ko na ‘Buti Pa Noon’, is about letting children realize na hindi lahat nang kaya nilang gawin habang bata ay malaya pa nilang magagawa pagtanda.”
Angela Ken is a member of the newly-formed The Squad Plus, with Sam Cruz, Anji Salvacion, and KD Estrada. They regularly perform on ASAP Natin ‘To as part of its new breed of singers.
