The Filipino neo-soul artist draws from R&B, soul, jazz, and cosmic introspection, with Grammy-winning mastering engineer Gerard Hairston lending his expertise to her latest release.
After more than a decade in the making, Filipino neo-soul artist Marga Jayy finally brings “Buhul-Buhol” into the world, marking a compelling return with a sound that moves fluidly between R&B, soul, and jazz. More than a showcase of her signature soulful vocals, the single is an introspective exploration of recurring connections, parallel lifetimes, and the inexplicable threads that may bind people across time and space.
Co-produced with Gab Dandan, mixed by Enrique Santamaria, and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Gerard Hairston, “Buhul-Buhol” pairs Marga Jayy’s R&B-inflected vocals with organic instrumentation and sophisticated, jazz-leaning arrangements. Drawing inspiration from Australian neo-soul outfit Hiatus Kaiyote, the track unfolds into an expansive, almost otherworldly listening experience, balancing intricate musical textures with a deeply personal narrative.
The song’s origins trace back to 2015, when Marga Jayy first began writing it while contemplating leaving her corporate career to pursue music more fully. What started as a period of personal uncertainty eventually became a composition that would take over a decade to reach its intended form.
“It took over a decade to finally get the song to where I wanted it to be,” the artist shares.
Her latest release also marks a creative milestone, bringing her together with longtime friend and collaborator Gab Dandan in their first producer partnership. While Dandan had previously contributed guitar work to some of her earlier releases, “Buhul-Buhol” is their first co-production, opening the possibility of more collaborative work in the future.
Beyond its intricate production, however, the single finds its deepest inspiration in Marga Jayy’s fascination with the idea of reincarnation and the possibility that certain encounters transcend individual lifetimes. The concept emerged from a shift in perspective shaped by her upbringing in a conservative Catholic household and her eventual discovery of Brian Weiss’s book Many Lives, Many Masters.
Initially unfamiliar with the concept of reincarnation, Marga Jayy found herself reconsidering what she understood about human connections and the nature of existence. The book introduced her to the possibility that some relationships and experiences might extend beyond the boundaries of a single lifetime, a notion that would eventually find its way into the song.
Her curiosity deepened during the pandemic, when navigating anxiety led her to explore holistic approaches to health and well-being. Through the work of her doctor, who practices past-life regression, she encountered accounts of individuals revisiting past experiences as a means of addressing personal struggles. Although she has yet to undergo the process herself, the experience further opened her to questions that remain central to the single.
Another defining element of the release is its cover artwork, created by Filipino artist RS08. Handcrafted at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping visual production, the artwork offers a reminder of the value of human artistry and the creative intention behind every detail. For Marga Jayy, recognizing the artist behind the image is just as important as celebrating the music itself.
With “Buhul-Buhol,” Marga Jayy delivers more than a long-awaited return. She presents a body of work shaped by years of personal reflection, evolving perspectives, and a deliberate commitment to musical craftsmanship. Its layered arrangements and philosophical undercurrents invite listeners into a world where music becomes a space for contemplating the connections that remain difficult to explain, yet impossible to dismiss.
Released in partnership with Liga Artist Group and distributed through Ditto Music Philippines, Marga Jayy’s “Buhul-Buhol” is now available worldwide on all major digital streaming platforms via Sony Music Entertainment.
Listen to “Buhul-Buhol” here: https://ditto.fm/marga-jayy-buhul-buhol
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