Jamiko Manguba shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jamiko, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Feel proud – graduating from LAAMP, a very rigorous artist development program in Santa Monica.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
hey there! i’m JMKO – singer, songwriter, and all-around creative from the Philippines, now making waves in the U.S. music scene. my sound blends emotional R&B with a touch of retro vibes and modern soul, inspired by artists like teddy swims and sam smith, but with a flair that’s uniquely mine. i’m all about raw authenticity, creating music that connects on a deeper level and resonates with anyone who’s been through the highs and lows of love, life, and self-discovery.
i started my journey at BerkleeNYC and LAAMP, where i had the privilege of honing my craft alongside some of the best in the industry. those experiences shaped my artistry and gave me the confidence to create music that’s both vulnerable and bold.
what sets my brand apart? it’s the fusion of soulful music and a visual aesthetic that’s moody, warm, and cinematic – think A24 film vibes. right now, i’m in the middle of working on a new R&B EP that’s gonna dive deep into my personal journey, with a mix of powerful visuals and meaningful tracks. i’m all about creating art that connects on a personal level and pushes boundaries, so stay tuned – this ride is just getting started!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
there’s one moment that stands out. after graduating from BerkleeNYC and finishing up at LAAMP, i had this deep realization that my journey wasn’t just about the music – it was about connecting with people and showing them that no matter where you’re from, you can make it in this crazy industry.
i remember being on stage at The Viper Room in LA for my first big solo performance. as i looked out at the crowd, i realized how far i’d come from my roots in the Philippines. it hit me that everything i’d worked for, all the sacrifices and struggles, were leading me to this moment. it reshaped how i saw the world – it wasn’t just about chasing success; it was about leaving a legacy, being authentic, and inspiring others to take their shot too.
that moment made me feel connected to something bigger, like i could make an impact, not just through music, but through being real and staying true to myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time when i almost gave up. in 2020, i lost my brother- he was not just family, but also a mentor and one of my biggest supporters. he was the one who always pushed me to chase my dreams and reminded me of why i started making music in the first place. his passing hit me hard, and for a while, i was lost. there were days when the weight of it all felt too much, and the music, the grind, it didn’t seem worth it anymore.
but then, i realized he wouldn’t want me to quit. i could almost hear his voice telling me to keep going, to push through the pain. that loss reshaped everything for me. it reminded me that life is short and uncertain, and we never know how much time we really have. so instead of letting the grief take me down, i used it as fuel. i threw myself into my music more than ever, determined to honor his memory and continue the path he believed in for me.
it was the toughest time of my life, but it also became the moment that solidified my commitment to this journey. if anything, it made me more determined to make the most of every opportunity.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
one cultural value i protect at all costs is “kapwa” – it’s a Filipino concept that’s all about shared identity, empathy, and connection with others. it’s about recognizing that we’re all part of the same collective, and the way we treat others reflects who we are as a people. for me, it means staying grounded in my roots and always prioritizing community and respect, no matter how far i go or what success i achieve.
growing up, my family instilled in me that no matter how big your dreams are, you never forget where you come from and who’s been there for you. Kapwa is the reason why i’m so passionate about connecting with my fans, especially fellow Filipinos. i want to use my platform to uplift others, to show them that if i can do it, they can too. i think it’s important to lead with empathy, kindness, and always remember the value of human connection.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
i think i’d regret not fully embracing who i am and not pushing myself to be the artist i’m meant to be. there’s a lot of pressure in the industry, and sometimes you can get caught up in what’s popular or what others expect of you. but at the end of the day, i want to look back and know that i stayed true to my vision and my story – that i wasn’t afraid to take risks and put out music that was real, raw, and unapologetically me.
i also think i’d regret not making the most of the opportunities to inspire others, especially young Filipinos. i didn’t have many examples growing up of people who looked like me making it in the global music scene, and i want to change that. i want to make sure i don’t hold back on sharing my experiences, even the tough ones, because i know there are people out there who need to hear that they can make it too. if i didn’t do that, i’d definitely regret it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktree.com/jmko_music
- Instagram: @jmko_music
- Twitter: @jmko_music
- Facebook: @jmko_music
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@jmko_music
Image Credits
Paola Vargas
Felisha Carrasco
