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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Music and Concerts devider Muri brings Filipino neo-soul to int'l stage

Muri brings Filipino neo-soul to int'l stage

Published May 25, 2026 01:46 pm

At A Glance

  • Filipino singer-songwriter and violinist Muri performed at Focus Wales 2026 as the Philippines' sole representative, bringing her signature neo-soul and indie pop sound to one of Europe's leading music showcase festivals.

Filipino violinist and singer-songwriter Muri brought her brand of neo-soul and indie pop to the international stage after performing at the AXEAN Stage of Focus Wales in Wrexham, North Wales on May 16, representing the Philippines as the festival’s lone Filipino act.

Performing alongside artists from Malaysia and Indonesia, Muri delivered a stripped-down but emotionally resonant set marked by her signature violin work, introspective songwriting, and understated stage presence.

Now on its 16th year, Focus Wales has become one of Europe’s key international showcase festivals, drawing more than 22,000 attendees and over 250 artists across 20 stages. Supported by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, and the PRS Foundation, the festival has built a reputation as a launchpad for emerging global talent.

Muri’s appearance marks another milestone in what has become a steadily growing international run for the Filipino artist. Earlier in 2025, she represented the Philippines as the country’s sole act at South by Southwest before performing at Bangkok Music City and AXEAN Music Festival.

“It makes me proud to be representing the Philippines on such a global stage, along with representation from the rest of Southeast Asia,” Muri said. “It’s not often we come together as a united front from the region, but that’s the beauty of it; bringing people together through music and showcasing what SEA has to offer to the world.”

Known locally as a member of indie folk band The Ransom Collective, Muri has established a distinct identity through her solo work, blending neo-soul, indie pop, and orchestral textures anchored by violin-driven arrangements.

Her single “Letters” previously earned nominations at the Awit Awards and Wishclusive Music Awards, while her collaboration with producer LUSTBASS on “Thunder” received a Best Remix Recording nomination. Her debut EP “11ème,” produced in France and released in 2024, further expanded her international reach.

As more Southeast Asian independent artists gain visibility abroad, Muri’s performance at Focus Wales underscored the growing global presence of Filipino music beyond mainstream commercial spaces. (Ian Ureta)

Related Tags

Muri Muriel Gonzales Focus Wales 2026 Filipino artists Filipino music neo soul indie pop The Ransom Collective AXEAN Stage Focus Wales Filipino singer-songwriter Southeast Asian artists SXSW Austin 2025 Bangkok Music City AXEAN Music Festival Bali
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