The past year has been a momentous time for Filipino music, as our local artists have sold out world tours, indie acts have risen to the mainstream and dominated both local and international Charts, and more. At the forefront of this revolution are the artists, songwriters, and bands that have shaped the way we continue to consume every song, album, and the like. From chart-topping hip-hop hits to emotional ballads that pluck at our heartstrings, these songs continue to shift local craft to an international level of attention.
To celebrate the best that Filipino music has brought forward within the past year, Billboard Philippines is turning the spotlight to the Top Artists of 2025, honored live at Billboard Philippines’ Off The Charts: The Top Artists of 2025 Party. Whether it has been measured in chart data or cultural impact, these artists have been taking Filipino craft to another level, one hit at a time. These artists have reached millions with their voices, catchy melodies, and thoughtful songwriting, and the movement that they push forward can only go up from here.
With that in mind, here are Billboard Philippines’ selection of the Top 10 Artists of 2025.
10. Maki
It’s no understatement to say that, with the release of his highly anticipated debut album Kolorcaster and his recent acclaimed sold-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum, Maki has had a spectacular 2025. With his relatable and witty songwriting, he has touched listeners’ hearts, writing lyrics in a way that helps his listeners put emotions into words they hadn’t thought of before. Each of his anthems, both old and new, solidifies in the Philippine soundscape as a staple, not only as hits but as a pop culture phenomenon.
9. HELLMERRY
With each of his viral hits, HELLMERRY has proved that Filipino hip-hop has its place on the Philippine music charts. As one of the most prominent hitmakers of today, he not only manages to establish his name as one of the Philippines’ top players in the hip-hop scene with hits like “My Day,” “4:AM,” and more, but he also consistently releases new music that shapes how we listen to rap today, one bar at a time.
8. Earl Agustin
Breaking into the scene with a spurt of popularity that snowballed into a full-blown viral sensation, Earl Agustin has evolved into one of the biggest names in Filipino music in 2025. Using this momentum to further build his repertoire, Agustin released his debut album Himig At Pag-Ibig this year as well. Bringing back the classic sound of retro pop into the mainstream, the artist has carved out his place as one of Billboard Philippines’ Top Artists of 2025 with tracks like “Tibok,” “Pag-ibig ng Ikaw at Ako,” and many more.
7. Ben&Ben
From creating anthems that stir the nation to immersive concert experiences that create multi-dimensional universes, beloved folk/pop nine-piece ensemble Ben&Ben have truly done it all. From their earnest songwriting was born a dedicated following (whom they call ‘Liwanag,’ which directly translates to light) that has joined them throughout their near-decade-long journey. Creating their own spin on the Filipino genre of folk and translating the traditional sound into pop hits, Ben&Ben have established themselves as one of the most central pieces of the modern Philippine soundscape.
6. TJ Monterde
TJ Monterde had a legendary year in 2024, and even a year past this, his momentum hasn’t slowed down even one bit. The “Palagi” singer-songwriter has moved the nation with his ballads time and time again, with his authentic and almost confessional lyricism and heartwarming melodies. Recently as well, ‘In Between,’ his joint concert at the Araneta Coliseum with his wife KZ Tandingan, has opened up a fourth day after selling out the three days prior. It’s no understatement to say that TJ Monterde has solidified his place once again as one of the nation’s top artists.
5. December Avenue
Even more than two decades past their debut as a band, December Avenue hold an impactful spot in the Philippine sonic landscape. With their heartbreakingly relatable music, the four-piece pop/rock act has become a staple for those who feel the will to persist even in times of hardship. With this, December Avenue has created anthems that not only serve as a source of comfort, but also as a space of solace when missing those who leave us.
4. Shanti Dope
Shanti Dope has been a constant presence in the modern local music scene, from his break into the scene with “Nadarang” in 2017 until his recent drops like “8000,” “Kwintas,” and more. Whether it’s in his gritty and upfront lyricism or his catchy melodies that make tracks like “City Girl” viral even years past its release, the rap hitmaker has become one of the biggest names to look out for in the growing Philippine hip-hop scene.
3. Arthur Nery
Whether or not you’re a diehard fan of Arthur Nery, one thing’s for sure — you’ve heard his deeply soulful voice through his chart-dominating tracks before. His music has become a total staple of the Philippine airwaves, and his power over the Filipino music scene has been reflected in his music, which has circulated the Philippine charts for many, many months. Even his latest track, “Palaisipan (ft. Loonie),” originally broke into the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 at an impressive No. 7, and has since climbed to the No. 6 spot as of this week.
2. Dionela
Not only has Dionela established himself as one of the biggest hitmakers of OPM within the past two years, but he also continues to defy the odds with milestone after milestone. Having recently scored the R&B Song of the Year Award at the Filipino Music Awards 2025 for “Marilag,” and continuously reigning over the Philippine charts with his endlessly viral music, Dionela has become one of the most influential names in Filipino music today. His status was further cemented by his recent solo concert at the New Frontier Theater, where fellow artists Loonie, Jay R, Kyla, and more joined him on stage.
1. Cup of Joe
If anyone has claimed 2025 as theirs, it’s certainly the Baguio-bred hitmakers Cup of Joe. From their steady rise to fame, the five-piece band has exploded in popularity within the past year, single-handedly topping the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 for 27 straight weeks with their chart-dominating hit “Multo.” At this year’s Filipino Music Awards, the band took home two grand awards: one for the Song of the Year (“Multo”) and one for the Album of the Year (SILAKBO).