Initially, many people recognized Jemay Santiago primarily as an influencer, gaining significant traction through “The House of Collab.” Within this group of influencer collaborators, she utilized the platform to showcase her creative process in music-making. Notably, Jemay’s artistry was heavily influenced by the style of singer-songwriter Justin Bieber.
Today, however, Jemay Santiago is rapidly carving out a unique space in the Filipino R&B scene. She is successfully bridging the gap between social media stardom and raw, cinematic musicality.
Despite rising to prominence through The House of Collab, she has since intentionally pivoted away from the curated “highlight reel” of influencer life. Instead, she focuses on documenting a more grounded, vulnerable journey through her Documentary Podcast.
Jemay’s music trajectory
Her discography reflects a fascinating emotional evolution, moving from the playful, upbeat energy of her Sex Drive era to the introspective “bedroom pop” textures found in projects like “Pahinga”.
Often citing Justin Bieber as her “musical north star,” Santiago works closely with producer Gussy Sauce to blend butter-smooth R&B with trap-influenced beats, creating a sound that prioritizes emotional resonance and authentic storytelling over mere technical polish.
1A on the charts!
As a centerpiece of her current “Depresyon” era, the song trades flashy production for hazy, late-night textures that mirror the internal struggle of self-awareness.
The song really came from a genuine and vulnerable place in my life,”
Santiago recalls how hesitant she was in releasing a song so personal and dear to her, questioning if the people around her would understand or if the timing were right.
If you’ve ever felt the crushing weight of burnout or the pressure to perform happiness for an audience, Jemay Santiago’s latest single “1A” is the anthem you need. Originally titled “MARY1A,” the track was stripped down to symbolize a definitive fresh start—where the “1” represents the act of finally putting oneself first.
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