Spotify has unveiled its 2023 Wrapped campaign, announcing the top artists, songs, playlists, and podcasts that defined how over 574 million people around the world listened this year. Users can also discover their personalized 2023 Wrapped experience when they open Spotify, packed with brand new interactive features to celebrate their year on Spotify.
2023 was defined by the epic return of major female artists, sonic diversity across the charts, and a global music culture that saw the rise of powerful genres. Globally, Taylor Swift took the reins as Spotify’s top artist this year — followed by Bad Bunny (#2), The Weeknd (#3), Drake (#4), and Peso Pluma (#5).
Closer to home, the Philippines’ 2023 Wrapped features breakthrough artists, highlighting the discovery of diverse local talents and songs. Wrapped also showcased how music can move across borders on Spotify, as the top lists include a blend of talent and music from the East and West.
Zambales-based band SunKissed Lola’s “Pasilyo” and Baguio-based Dilaw’s “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” secure the top #1 and #2 spots as the most streamed tracks in the Philippines, following global hits by Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” (#3) and SZA’s “Kill Bill”(#4) and “Snooze” (#5).
“2023 has been life-changing for us. We went beyond just composing and producing songs in the studio but getting out there to play in front of a packed audience and also getting streamed on Spotify. Through ‘Pasilyo,’ we hope it inspires that endearing feeling of being someone’s special one, especially in a world of uncertainties,” shared SunKissed Lola.
“Pasilyo” (#1) and “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” (#2) also lead this year’s list of most streamed local tracks, followed by songs that hit right in the “feels“ with Adie’s “Mahika” at #3, Calein’s “Umaasa” at #4 and Lola Amour’s “Raining in Manila” at #5.
Coming in as the Philippines’ Top Artist of the Year is Taylor Swift, followed by The Weeknd at #2. Female singers Ariana Grande (#3) and SZA (#4) come next, while Ben&Ben rounded off the list at #5.
Ben&Ben reclaimed their position as this year’s Top Local Artist, marking their fifth consecutive year among local favorites. Zack Tabudlo comes in at #2, followed by Adie (#3) and Moira dela Torre (#4). Rounding up the list is Arthur Nery at #5.
Ben&Ben’s lead vocalist Paolo Benjamin Guico talked about what keeps them going, “Honestly, the farther we go with our journey in music, we realize that more than the music itself, it is the stories and experiences that bind us together.” Ben&Ben has nothing but high hopes for Pinoy music to grow even further and reach out to the rest of the world. Co-lead vocalist Miguel Benjamin Guico expressed, “We envision music written and produced by Filipinos and performed by Filipinos, and most importantly, music that tells stories from the Philippines.”
Maintaining his hold, Zack Tabudlo secures the #1 spot as this year’s Top Male Artist, and signaling the growing popularity of Pinoy hip-hop, rappers Flow G (#4) and Al James(#5) entered the chart.
Moira Dela Torre maintains her stronghold as this year’s Top Female Artist, followed by mrld coming in #2 and leading the way as the Top RADAR Philippines Artist. Filipina R&B singer DEMI has been crowned as the Top EQUAL Philippines Artist, topping the list of local artists that were featured on Spotify’s gender equity program dedicated to amplifying women creators and their music.
Filipino podcast creators continue to dominate on the Philippine’s list of Top Podcasts of the Year — testament to the nation’s appetite for content for Filipinos, by Filipinos. skypodcast tops the list at #1 followed by Barangay Love Stories (#2), Hugot Marcelo (#3) and Dear MOR (#4). Another genre witnessing growing popularity is horror, evident with Kwentong Takipsilim Pinoy Tagalog Horror Stories Podcast rounding off the list at #5.
Kryz Uy of skypodcast shared, “We are humbled to be able to connect with many listeners. It keeps us inspired to keep on pushing and maintain authenticity.” Co-creator Slater Young added, “Our conversations on the skypodcast are raw and unfiltered. It’s the type that you would normally have with your close friends, allowing us to relate to our listeners on a truly personal level.”
Despite being new to Spotify’s slate of podcasts this year, Queerfully Yours and Gift Podcast have won the hearts of listeners with content that inspires, and they’ve ranked amongst the Philippines’ Top New Podcasts of 2023.
For the queens behind Queerfully Yours, this recognition is an opportunity to represent the LGBTQIA+ community, “We were hoping that our stories would allow people to better understand what it was like for four queer guys growing up. We are grateful for all the support, we feel seen and it truly means the world for all of us. For aspiring podcasters, know your truth and live with it — your work will find its way to people who need it.”
