Jan Roberts
Jan Roberts | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jan Roberts Baloloy |
| Origin | Albay, Philippines |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 2020–present |
| Label | Warner Music Philippines |
Jan Roberts Baloloy is a Filipino singer-songwriter and guitarist from Albay. He started sharing his music during the COVID-19 pandemic through online busking on social media platforms. His 2024 single "Sagip" (transl. Save) charted on Spotify Philippines' Viral 100. He is currently signed under Warner Music Philippines.[1]
Early life and education
Roberts grew up in Legazpi, Albay in a family with a background in music and theatre. He learned how to sing from his grandmother and was introduced to playing the guitar by his uncle. Karaoke sessions at home played a large role in his early exposure to music.[2][3]
Roberts earned a Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPeA) majoring in Theater Arts, at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters.[4] During his early recording career, he split his time between Bicol and Metro Manila to balance his studies with music-related work.[2]
Career
Roberts started writing songs in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With live performances put on hold, he began busking online on platforms such as Discord and TikTok, which helped him gain a following.[2][1] When restrictions were lifted, he moved into street busking and small live shows. He later met executives from Warner Music Philippines through a friend from the band Dilaw, who introduced him to the label.[3]
Roberts made his official debut as a recording artist under Warner Music in 2022. His single "Sagip", reached number three on the Spotify Philippines Viral 100 chart and garnered millions of streams.[1][3]
He later released songs including "Patlang" (transl. Space) and "Hirap Kalimutan" (transl. Hard to Forget). In 2024, "Sagip" had exceeded five million streams on Spotify.[2] He performed "Sagip" on the Wish 107.5 Bus, and participated in Rappler's Live Jam sessions.[5][6]
In 2025, Roberts collaborated with the folk band shirebound on the single "Hingalo" (transl. Gasping).[7] He said the experience was meaningful, as shirebound had been an early influence on his musical style.[8]
Artistry
Roberts performs mainly acoustic music, often in the form of soothing and contemplative ballads.[9] He is influenced by artists such as Bullet Dumas, Ebe Dancel, Gary Granada, and Johnoy Danao, and has said he would like to collaborate with Dilaw, Dwta, and Munimuni.[2] Kyla Vivero of Pulp Magazine wrote that Roberts shows being a musician is not only about fame or success, but also about making songs that connect with listeners and reflect shared experiences.[3]
Discography
Singles
| Title | Year | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| "Binibini" | 2022 | [6] |
| "Escolta" | [6] | |
| "Patlang" | 2023 | [10] |
| "Sagip" | 2024 | [1] |
| "Hirap Kalimutan" | [1] | |
| "U-Belt" | 2025 | [11] |
| "Tanaw" | [10] | |
| "Hingalo" (with shirebound) | [7] |
References
- ^ a b c d e Saulog, Gabriel. "Warner Music Philippines Signs Rising Musician Jan Roberts". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e "Depth beyond his years: Jan Roberts on his journey from online busking to the big stage". BusinessMirror. November 25, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Vivero, Kyla. "Jan Roberts: Warner Music's Newest Star". Pulp Magazine. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ BicoldotPH (February 12, 2024). "'Sagip': Unveiling the Soulful Sounds of Jan Roberts". Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ "Jan Roberts performs 'Sagip' live on Wish 107.5 Bus". Wish 107.5. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ a b c Reyes, Juni (August 22, 2024). "Rappler Live Jam: Jan Roberts". Rappler. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ a b Pareño, Elijah. "Bicolano Folk Artist Jan Roberts, Shirebound to Drop New Single 'Hingalo'". Rolling Stone Philippines. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ Carbonilla, Hans. "For Jan Roberts, collaborating with Shirebound on 'Hingalo' marks a full-circle moment". MYX Global. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ Liwanag, Punch (May 26, 2025). "AUDIO JUNKIE: Kwentong Hingalo and other Pinoy pop tidbits". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ a b Valladolid, Kenneth. "Jan Roberts Waltzes His Way Into Romance with 'Tanaw'". Wish 107.5. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ "U-Belt by Jan Roberts". Apple Music. Retrieved February 4, 2026.