NU volleyball coach Kenan launches music career with first single “Sabi Mo”

 Filipino newcomer Kenan marks his debut as a recording artist with the release of “Sabi Mo” under Sony Music Entertainment.

Best known today as a professional volleyball trainer and coach at the National University (NU), Kenan’s deep love for music eventually opened the door to a career he once thought was out of reach.

His first official single, “Sabi Mo,” captures the struggles of moving on after promises of forever are broken. Drawing from his own past experiences with heartbreak, Kenan poured his emotion into the track. He reveals. “I was lost in the moment because it brought back memories, both good and bad. That experience gave me the courage to deliver the song with honesty and vulnerability, while still making it my own.”

Produced by Rye Sarmiento (6cyclemind), the song transforms frustration into catharsis, delivering a powerful sing-along that feels like both a nostalgic and refreshing material. Originally written as an acoustic piece, “Sabi Mo” grew into something unexpectedly bigger during pre-production, evolving with a fuller arrangement inspired by the sound of ‘90s and early 2000s pop-rock. 

“We wanted to veer away from the current mold of heartbreak songs with mellow and stripped-down tendencies,” Kenan shares. “For Sabi Mo, we went for a raunchier, more rock-out sound. There’s more oomph and spunk to it, but without losing the emotional sentiment of the lyrics. Balance is somehow the key.”

Adding to the track’s dynamic energy are Jazz Jorge of Gracenote, Jape Bongat, and Ernie Bañares of Kiss n’ Tell, who brought their talent and expertise to the recording. The synergy between Kenan and his collaborators was pivotal in shaping the song’s final form.

“During pre-prod, it felt like we were just feeding off each other’s vibe,” Kenan recalls. “Our chemistry is obviously inescapable, but the song naturally took shape—thanks to our individual and collaborative strengths. I’m proud of the outcome.”

Kenan’s “Sabi Mo” is now available on all major streaming platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.