EXCLUSIVE: ‘Moon’ singer Nik Makino collaborates with KZ Tandingan on new song ‘Pinas Lang Malakas’

After releasing his uber catchy hit song “Moon” last year, rising hip-hop artist Nik Makino ended the year with the release of the song “Pinas Lang Malakas” which he co-wrote with KZ Tandingan whom he collaborated with for the first time.

The song was initially launched last December 28 and will be used as the theme song as the Philippines will be sending its two representatives ECHO and the defending champions Blacklist International to the world's biggest multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) Tournament called M4 World Championship which is happening this month.

Nik Makino and KZ Tandingan co-wrote and starred in the Pinas Lang Malakas music video. All photos courtesy of MLBB Philippines. Photo courtesy of MLBB Philippines.

READ: KZ Tandingan proud to have a billboard in New York City: ‘My heart is full’

Nik Makino and KZ Tandingan behind the scenes of the Pinas Lang Malakas music video.Photo courtesy of MLBB Philippines.

“First, I was starstruck working with KZ. Then second came the expectation. Lalo na the collaboration with this big name but the best part is yung lyrics and how good we are in showcasing Filipino talents in esports. Ang masasabi ko po muna is big big big thank you to Ate KZ kasi it was a lifetime achievement having a collaboration with her. She sings dope and she raps pa. Sa next artist, kahit sino naman po basta open to the new kind of music that I do,” he shared in an exclusive interview with PUSH.

Watch the music video here:

When he was first approached to work on the song which shows the strength and sense of pride of the Filipinos, Nik admitted he was very open to the idea because he also plays games online.

“I’m not a gamer like hardcore gamer but I do play ML: BB. That’s why the hero Paquito was part of my lyrics. I’m super happy because I’ve been trying to cross my music to the gaming community,” he said.

Looking back at the popularity of his song “Moon” last year, Nik explained why he has always been optimistic when it comes to releasing new compositions.

“Like what I always tell people, ‘the more entries we send, the more chances of winning.’ Sure ako may isang hit yan and then ‘pag andyan na I always try to be professional sa lahat ng ka-deal ko. Huwag maging TRANSACTIONAL na iba ang habol mo,” he explained.

Fans of the talented artist can also look forward to new songs from him throughout the year.

“I got a lot of coming songs for 2023. One of them is ‘Pwede Ba’ na mag-papa-TikTok sa buong bansa and I also made a song for a basketball team that will represent the Philippines in a world stage abangan nyo na lang po,” he added.