Did you miss DK Tijam, the “RnB Heartthrob”? Well, DK is returning to the Philippine music scene!
For those who don’t know, DK Tijam (Dean Kristoffer Tijam) is a Filipino-Canadian singer who is based in Toronto, Canada. He is best known for making it to the finals of “Star in a Million,” an ABS-CBN singing competition that was hosted by Zsa Zsa Padilla and Edu Manzano in 2003.
The “RnB Heartthrob,” DK Tijam, took sixth place in the “Star in a Million” competition against Erik Santos, Sheryn Regis, Christian Bautista, and Marinel Santos. He had shared the stage with ABS-CBN performers like Zsa Zsa Padilla, Agot Isidro, Bituin Escalante, Nina, Gary Valenciano, and others. In fact, Star Records issued a compilation album that featured all of the contestants and was certified Platinum in 2004.
As he returns to the Philippine music industry, let us look back at some of his most lovable works in the industry:
- Iconic RnB Vocals
One thing you’d love about DK Tijam is his RnB take on songs you probably can still remember! The 2003 television series “Buttercup,” which starred some of ABS-biggest CBN’s stars, including Claudine Barretto, Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, and Angelu de Leon, used DK Tijam’s cover of Ella Mae Saison’s “Till My Heartaches End” as its theme song. The song quickly rose to the top of many Philippine radio stations.
He accompanied Kyla, the “RNB Queen of the Philippines,” with backup vocals earlier in his career for her song entry, “Kulang Pa Ba?” at the Metro Pop Song Festival in 2003. Additionally, he provided the backing vocals for two of her tracks from her 2018 album, “Kyla Queen of RnB.”
DK Tijam also launched his solo debut album, “A Different Kind,” and was nominated for Best New Male Artist and Best R&B Song at the 2006 Awit Awards.
- Filipino representation in Canada
The marketing of his CD, TV appearances as a guest, mall tours, radio interviews, and bar appearances were all scheduled at the time, and his musical career was about to take off. However, his immigration to Canada beckoned, and he was compelled to flee the Philippines.
He continued to represent Filipino performers in Canada even after he departed the Philippine music scene. He gave performances at famous locations like Massey Hall, Roy Thompson Theatre, and Dundas Square, Toronto’s “Times Square.” Additionally, he served as the opening act for international singers Patti Austin and Regine Velasquez as well as Ogie Alcasid, Lani Misalucha, Vice Ganda, and Lani Misalucha in Canada.
- Love for the Music
DK Tijam continued to pursue his love of music in the country even after his endeavors in Canada. For the song “Wala Kang Katulad,” which was broadcast on Net 25, DK Tijam won the weekly contest in a worship song writing competition for A Song of Praise (ASOP). In the same year, he performed a sold-out homecoming concert with special guests Kyla, Erik Santos (Star in a Million), Musica Cristobal (Star for a Night), Froilan Canlas (Tawag ng Tanghalan), and Tim Pavino (The Voice Philippines) at the Teatrino in Greenhills, San Juan.
- Exposure in the Digital Platform
As the industry developed on digital platforms, the RnB Heartthrob boosted his digital influence to be a storyteller. Over 700,000 people watched him perform “Hanggang Ngayon” on Wish 107.5 Bus, where he was featured. DK Tijam is planning to release more of his music, which has already received over a million Spotify plays.
Recently, DK Tijam under the direction of House of Stars explored with live-streaming to display his musical abilities and talent on Kumu. With his passion and emotions, he never ceases to wow Filipinos from all over the world.
DK’s successes on the live-streaming app grew along with the success of his streams. Along with regularly ranking among the Top 100 Earners on Kumu, he has also won numerous campaigns and had a number of successful virtual concerts. He hasn’t just dazzled Filipino listeners; he has also captured the attention of numerous OPM Music Icons on the platform, like Regine Velasquez, Dulce, Dessa, JayR, Ella Mae Saison, Mon Faustino, and Ivy Violan, to name a few.
- Sharing his Knowledge as a Teacher
His love now continues as he teaches and guides both Filipino and Canadian children on how to be storytellers in singing, as well as helping them build confidence and find their own style.
He has coached several accomplished singers who have won numerous Canadian singing contests and even made it onto Idol Philippines. Some even started joining some of Netflix and Amazon Prime movies and TV shows. Additionally, he has trained some of the musicians in the Canadian musical performance group Mini Pop Kids, which has amassed millions of views across its YouTube and Spotify accounts.
- Mental Health Advocate
The R&B heartthrob not only discusses his love of music but also stresses the value of mental wellness. DK Tijam utilizes his music and podcasts to influence and encourage the many individuals he interacts with since he is now an advocate of kindness and mental health awareness.
Take this chance to follow DK Tijam on his following platforms:
