Meet Jamiko Manguba | Recording Artist | Music Producer | Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamiko Manguba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamiko, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of advice I don’t fully agree with is the idea that you need to constantly switch up producers or collaborators just to stay relevant.

For me, it’s more important to focus on working with the best producers and artists who truly understand your vision and build a strong core team. When you have that creative chemistry and trust, you can make your best work. It’s about quality and connection over chasing every trend.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being Filipino is a huge part of my identity and my artistry. Coming from a country with so much talent but limited global visibility, I’ve always felt a strong responsibility to represent not just myself, but my community. As a minority in the music industry, I’ve had to work harder to be seen and heard, and that challenge has been one of my biggest sources of motivation. It pushed me to refine my craft, stay rooted in my culture, and create space where my voice could exist authentically. My journey has had its struggles, but those struggles have shaped my sound and story. JMKO is not just about the music. It’s about showing people back home, and others like me, that our voices matter and that we deserve a place on the world stage.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit while I was in Santa Monica for LAAMP, I’d give them a mix of beach days, music energy, and a little taste of home. We’d start the mornings walking by the ocean or grabbing coffee near the pier. Afternoons would be spent exploring the city, stopping by local studios, and checking out some lowkey Asian spots for food that reminds me of home. We’d hang out in Koreatown, catch a show somewhere cool, and maybe end the night singing karaoke or just talking by the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and communities that deserve credit for where I am today, and I’m truly grateful for each of them. First, I want to shout out LAAMP and Stargate for believing in me not just as a vocalist or songwriter, but as a full artist with something to say. Being mentored by Chris Anokute and learning directly from some of the best creatives in the industry gave me the confidence and direction to step into the next phase of my journey.

Berklee NYC also played a huge role in building my foundation. It challenged me to grow not just musically, but also mentally and emotionally. It taught me how to show up in a room, trust my instincts, and take ownership of my sound.

I’m also incredibly thankful to ABS-CBN Music for giving me my first real platform and helping me grow within a community that feels like home. That chapter will always be close to my heart.

And above all, I owe so much to my family. My parents have supported me from the very beginning. Whether it was emotionally, creatively, or simply believing in me when I couldn’t see the bigger picture, their support has been constant and unconditional.

Website: https://linktr.ee/jmko_music

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jmko_music

Twitter: https://x.com/jmko_music

Other: https://tiktok.com/@jmko_music

Image Credits
Diego Andrade
Felisha Carrasco
Paola Vargas