Jan Roberts And jikamarie Join Forces On New Single “Selepono” — Listen
The track follows the release of Roberts’ folk ballad “Kung Masusunod” and serves as the lead single of his highly anticipated debut EP.
JIKAMARIE, JAN ROBERTS: Photographed by Elyandre Dagli
JIKAMARIE, JAN ROBERTS: Photographed by Elyandre Dagli
Jan Roberts and jikamarie team up for the new single, “Selepono,” released today, July 24, 2026.
The song serves as the lead track of Roberts’ forthcoming debut EP, Pusong Pabrika, which is set for release on August 7.
“These songs are for ordinary people like me — those who love and want to express that love, as well as those who are dealing with different challenges in life,” shares Jan on the themes of his debut EP. “Those are things that I know many of us have in common, and this EP is a reminder that you don’t have to hide or be ashamed of what you feel and that things will always get better.”
“Selepono” follows “two people who were constantly talking to each other over the phone without ever making a clear definition of their relationship, until one of them suddenly stops talking to the other because they’ve found someone else to converse with,” Roberts shares.
In April, the rising folk-pop singer-songwriter teamed up with Filipino folk icon Johnoy Danao on the track, “Kung Masusunod.”
Produced, mixed, and mastered by frequent collaborator Ken Ponce, the two finished the demos for “Selepono” and “Kung Masusunod” in one day. “Afterwards, we spent time thinking of what else we can do with ‘Selepono.’ Eventually, this led us to come up with the idea of making it a duet. That’s when jikamarie entered the picture,” Roberts shares.
The addition of the “lutang” hitmaker felt natural, with her songwriting prowess and vocals blending perfectly. “Jika not only brought more life and color into the track but also made it feel like an actual conversation that showcases the perspectives of two different people,” Roberts adds.
“‘Selepono’ is one of those tracks that easily [goes] on my list of favorite songs that I’ve been on, as Jan himself in general is an easy person to be with and work with,” jikamarie adds.
The result was a totally different sound from the single’s predecessor, with it being an Olivia Dean-inspired track that allowed him to try out new things while still maintaining the sound he is known for.
Listen to “Selepono” below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Jan Roberts and jikamarie released “Selepono” on July 24, 2026, a duet serving as the lead single from Roberts’ debut EP Pusong Pabrika, out August 7.
“Selepono” follows two people who talk constantly over the phone without defining their relationship, until one stops communicating after finding someone else.
jikamarie is known as the “lutang” hitmaker. Roberts says her songwriting and vocals made “Selepono” feel like an actual conversation between two perspectives.
Jan Roberts’ debut EP Pusong Pabrika releases August 7, 2026. Roberts describes it as a reminder for listeners not to hide or feel ashamed of what they feel.
“Selepono” was produced, mixed, and mastered by Ken Ponce, Roberts’ frequent collaborator, who also worked on his April single with Johnoy Danao, “Kung Masusunod.”
