kendino

Jude Manzano (he/they) – more commonly known as Kendino (Ken-Dee-No) – learnt English in an unconventional manner. Born and raised in the Philippines, relocating to Ireland when he was just 7 – he taught himself Ireland’s primary language through a WestLife CD.

From there, music became its own language to Kendino – and so, he studied as many genres and CDs as they could get their hands on (often supplied by their mother). Now, melodies roll off their tongue as if music was their native tongue. Reminiscent of JOJI, mk.gee, and Childish Gambino, Kendino knows how to speak people’s language.

GoldenPlec, Hot Press, and Nialler9 have been picking up what Kendino is putting down consistently with numerous inclusions on weekly round-ups and gig guides, even further supported by RTÉ 2FM’s Roz and Emma as they chimed in to name ‘BLUSH’ their Track of The Week on August 24th.

He's performed and connected with crowds at EXOH Promotions' The Next Big Thing and Áise agus Éire (twice), as well as Dublin City FM's tilt live series. They also banded together with Trinkets, Wizard Fruit, Martina and the Moons, and critically acclaimed SPRINTS to provide a gig where all proceeds went to the Gaza Crisis Appeal.

Kendino's love for people, storytelling, language and music has made him an unstoppable force. And Kendino is only getting more fluent by the second.