Fusion: The Philippine Music Festival 2025, held on March 15 at the CCP Open Grounds, was a spectacular celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Among the standout performances of the night was Maki, the rising R&B star whose soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have made him one of the most exciting artists in the OPM scene today. As one of the festival’s most anticipated headliners, Maki delivered an unforgettable set that left fans in awe—and he had a surprise up his sleeve.
The highlight of Maki’s performance came when he brought out Paolo and Miguel Guico of Ben&Ben for a special collaboration on his hit song “Bughaw.” The crowd erupted in cheers as the trio performed a reimagined version of the track, blending Maki’s smooth R&B style with Ben&Ben’s signature harmonies and acoustic flair. The emotional performance was a perfect fusion of two distinct musical styles, creating a moment that will go down in Fusion history.
“Bughaw,” a poignant track about nostalgia and longing, is part of Maki’s highly anticipated first full-length album, Kolorcoaster, set for release later this year. The collaboration with Ben&Ben added a new layer of depth to the song, making it one of the most talked-about moments of the festival.
Maki has been steadily climbing the ranks of the OPM industry with his unique blend of R&B and pop. Known for his hits “Dilaw” and “Bughaw,” he has captivated audiences with his ability to tell stories through music. “Dilaw,” which symbolizes joy and optimism, became an instant fan favorite upon its release, while “Bughaw” explores themes of memory and longing, resonating deeply with listeners.
His artistry extends beyond music. Maki directed the music video for “Bughaw,” which features HORI7ON’s Kyler, Zeke Abella, and Alexei Claire. The video’s cinematic visuals and emotional storytelling earned praise from fans and critics alike. To celebrate its release, Maki hosted a special event called “Bughaw Hour,” where he performed alongside other talented artists like Angela Ken and his brother Haro from PLUUS.
Maki’s talents aren’t confined to music alone. His song “Dilaw” was chosen as part of the official soundtrack for the romantic drama film My Love Will Make You Disappear, starring Kim Chiu and Paolo Avelino. The film explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, making Maki’s heartfelt track a perfect fit.
In an interview after Fusion 2025, Maki expressed his gratitude for being part of such a significant project. “It’s an honor to have my music included in a film that tells such a powerful story,” he said. “I’ve always believed that music and storytelling go hand in hand, and this experience has been incredibly fulfilling.”
Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of Kolorcoaster, Maki’s debut album slated for later this year. The album promises to be a colorful journey through emotions and experiences, featuring tracks that showcase his growth as an artist. While details remain under wraps, Maki has teased collaborations with other big names in OPM as well as international producers.
In addition to his album, Maki is set to embark on two overseas tours this year—one in the United States with Silent Sanctuary and another in Canada with James Reid. These tours will introduce his music to new audiences while solidifying his status as one of OPM’s brightest stars.
Words by Jeoff “Jopay” Salas
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