Introducing SHANNi: A rising phenom bridging generations with timeless appeal

Meet SHANNi, the breakout artist who has swiftly captured the attention of Gen Z with her unique fusion of ‘70s-inspired torch ballads, jukebox soul, and 2010s-bedroom pop. Born into a rich musical legacy that includes influential figures like IV of Spades’ Blaster, K24/7 and Daddy’s Home’s “Daddy A” Silonga, and Smokey Mountain’s Shar Santos, SHANNi is carving out her own distinct path in music. With songwriting that transcends her years, she continues to push creative boundaries, proving she is an artist who is here to stay—both artistically and sonically.

Recently, SHANNi released her latest single, “Kdrama,” a song that has quickly gained traction online. An introspective track about the complexities of moving on, “Kdrama” explores the emotional challenges of letting go of both a person and the memories that linger. Inspired by the wave of Korean dramas that have captivated global audiences, the song reflects on the dramatic, often unpredictable nature of life itself—full of twists, turns, and always tinged with hope for the future. 

Produced, arranged, and co-written by Zild Benitez, with additional songwriting contributions from Unique Salonga, Blaster Silonga, and SHANNi herself, “Kdrama” showcases the artist’s eclectic influences. Musically, the track channels the Manila Sound, drawing from the legacy of icons like Sharon Cuneta and Cinderella, while also evoking the timeless, vintage-pop styles of Dusty Springfield, Lulu, and Daryl Hall. Rather than embracing grandiosity, SHANNi infuses the song with a more understated, melodramatic sensibility—perfectly capturing the emotional depth she sought to express.

SHANNi explains, “For Kdrama, I really wanted to dive into those retro sounds, especially the torch ballads from the '70s. There’s something about that era that captures raw emotion so beautifully, and I felt it was perfect for the feelings I wanted to express. Mixing in a bit of Manila sound and classic pop just felt right like gives the song this nostalgic vibe while still feeling fresh. I aimed to create a song that resonated deeply, embodying both timeless and modern elements.”

A month ago, SHANNi also unveiled the music video for “Kdrama,” a poignant visual narrative that mirrors the song’s themes of emotional turmoil and the struggle of moving on. Set against the backdrop of a bustling, cosmopolitan city, the video chronicles the emotional aftermath of a relationship, juxtaposing memories from the past with the challenges of the present. 

“These visuals alternate between the past and the present, highlighting how memories keep surfacing even when they try to move forward,” shares the young singer-songwriter. "It captures the relatable struggle of figuring things out—akin to a K-drama that leaves you pondering about the complexities of love. We designed it to feel like a mini-K-drama itself, showcasing those relatable emotions we all experience."

The MV was helmed by Pio Delos Reyes, Russell Sison, and Zyrus Ramos of Asia Pacific Film Institute (APFI) Productions. According to SHANNi, working with AFPI was an amazing experience, whose result mirrors the emotional intensity of the song in a visually arresting way. “It felt like a true partnership where we bounced ideas off each other and refined the story we wanted to tell. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.”

With “Kdrama” and its accompanying music video, SHANNi continues to prove she is a dynamic force in the music industry—an artist who seamlessly blends nostalgia with modernity and who remains committed to forging a unique artistic journey. Stay tuned, as SHANNi is undoubtedly one to watch.

SHANNi’s “Kdrama” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment. Watch the music video here.