Rising artist Jeri Violago teams up with OPM icon Vehnee Saturno for new singles under ABS-CBN music
“I’m so honored and grateful to be working with Vehnee Saturno. I’m really blessed to be able to collaborate with him,” 22-year old Jeri Violago expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with an OPM icon. After more than a year, ABS-CBN’s Star Music is finally releasing Jeri’s initial offering as a recording artist. “We are making available not just one, but two new songs I composed especially for him,” said award-winning songwriter Vehnee Saturno.
“Sabi ko, there are a lot of artists na napapanood natin, Channel 2, Channel 5, Channel 7, I wanted to hear something different. And he is Jericho,” said the industry legend behind some of the country’s biggest hits like Be My Lady, Til My Heartaches End, Sana Kahit Minsan, and Mula Sa Puso. He saw potential in the newcomer. Vehnee also talked about working with Jeri and another young arranger named Jacob Yulo. He shared, “Kulitan kami! So, it’s group work. Ako lang nagsulat pero napakarami nilang input na pasok sa present generation.” Two songs have been released as part of the collaboration.
Vehnee described ‘Gusto Kita’ as a straightforward love song. The second song, ‘Hindi Ka Mag-iisa,’ continues the love story told in ‘Gusto Kita’ by offering words of assurance to the loved one. Jeri talked about his songs with passion, using hand gestures to illustrate bouncing and swaying movement. “When I make music, I try to observe how my body would respond to it, how I would naturally move with the music. That’s how I make my songs,” Jeri explained.
With the release of the twin songs, Jeri is slowly but surely getting close to his dream of becoming a versatile entertainer. The Ateneo de Manila University BS Management cum laude graduate signed a 3-tier contract with Star Music, ABS-CBN’s music production arm. In 2022, Jeri signed separate contracts with Star Music in various capacities: as an artist, a composer, and record producer.
Following his graduation last year, Jeri approached his parents, Joselito and Chiqui Violago, to request their blessing to pursue a music career. Despite his father’s generous offer to assume a significant role in the family-owned rice mill business located in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, Jeri made the decision to follow his passion for music.
According to Jonathan Manalo from Star Music, Jeri’s singing and performing career is firmly grounded in his powerful vocals and extensive range of talent. His versatility as a singer is underscored by a series of accolades he garnered during his time at Ateneo. In 2014, his high school group achieved victory at the Musikapella competition, and in 2011, Jericho himself emerged as the champion at the Ateneo Grade School Singing Competition. Moreover, he held the position of vice-president within the Ateneo Senior High School Glee Club.
During his live shows, Jeri effortlessly transitions between pop, jazz, swing, R&B, and soul, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He has a deep appreciation for OPM and eagerly anticipates collaborating with contemporary music’s top talents. Jeri’s impressive entertainment portfolio includes captivating performances at renowned venues such as the Music Museum and the GSIS Museum.
During these memorable outings, he treats the audience to a diverse repertoire, featuring classics from musicals like “The King and I,” “Annie,” and “South Pacific,” alongside OPM chart-toppers and smooth jazz standards reminiscent of the style of Michael Buble. Jeri’s musical journey began in his teenage years when he received training at The Music School of Ryan Cayabyab.
You can contact Jeri through his management representative, Emy Domingo, at the following phone number: +63917-858-6817. To stay updated with Jeri’s latest updates and content, make sure to like or follow him on social media:
- Facebook: Jericho Violago
- TikTok: @jerichoviolago
- YouTube: Jericho Violago
- Instagram: @jerichoviolago
Additionally, don’t forget to enjoy the latest tunes from ABS-CBN Music by streaming them on various music platforms.
