Kean Cipriano


Kean Edward Uson Cipriano is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actor, music video director, and musician. He first gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Callalily, and is the founder of the independent record label O/C Records. As an actor, Cipriano is known for his performances in the acclaimed films Ang Babae sa Septic Tank '''' and Bar Boys.
He has received several accolades throughout his career, including a FAMAS Award, PMPC Star Awards for both music and film, and an Eddys Award.
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Early life and education

Kean Edward Uson Cipriano was born on June 11, 1987, in Pasig, Metro Manila. He has two younger brothers, Keno and Keano. He completed his high school education at Lourdes School of Mandaluyong. Cipriano later studied at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music and also pursued business administration at the Entrepreneurs School of Asia.

Career

2005–2009: Early career and rise to fame

Cipriano first appeared on ABS-CBN's noontime show Magandang Tanghali Bayan, where he won the "Luv Idol" segment alongside Trixie Cacho.
In 2005, Cipriano became the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Callalily, which rose to prominence with the release of their debut album Destination XYZ in 2006. The band gained mainstream popularity in the mid-2000s with hit singles such as "Magbalik", "Stars," and "Pansamantala," which received significant airplay on local music channels like MYX.

2010–2015: Acting breakthrough and continued success

In 2010, Cipriano made his acting debut in the TV5 youth-oriented series BFGF, opposite Alex Gonzaga, followed by a role in the sitcom Hapi Together.
In 2011, he starred in the critically acclaimed independent film Ang Babae sa Septic Tank, portraying Rainier, an ambitious director. For his performance, he received a nomination for Breakthrough Performance by an Actor at the 9th Golden Screen Awards. He also appeared in the blockbuster comedy The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin and the horror film San Lazaro. Later that year, he reunited with Gonzaga for the TV5 drama series P.S. I Love You. Cipriano continued performing with Callalily during this period, with the band signing a co-management contract with Viva Artists Agency.
In 2012, he appeared in the Star Cinema coming-of-age film The Reunion, alongside Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, and Xian Lim. Cipriano maintained a freelance status, working across ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5 before formally affiliating with ABS-CBN.
In 2013, Cipriano and Dee appeared as contestants on Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal, where they won the ₱1 million briefcase. On June, Cipriano was announced as one of the interpreters, alongside Banda ni Kleggy, for the song "Space," written by Raffy Calicdan, at the second Philippine Popular Music Festival.
In 2015, he collaborated with Nadine Lustre to interpret "Sa Ibang Mundo," a song written by Mark Villar and an entry in the 4th Philippine Popular Music Festival. Later that year, he joined the second season of Your Face Sounds Familiar as a celebrity contestant.

2016-2020: O/C Records and artistic evolution

In 2017, Cipriano played Joshua, one of the titular characters in Bar Boys, which would eventually become a modern cult-classic film. He also had supporting roles in the 2017 Metro Manila Film Festival entry All of You and Seven Sundays.
In 2018, Cipriano and Ortaleza co-founded O/C Records, an independent label collaborating with Viva Records. The company's lineup of artist/band roster includes former IV of Spades vocalist Unique Salonga. The following year, he released his debut solo single "Eye Contact".

2021-2025: Departure from Callalily and further acclaim

In May 2021, Cipriano released his debut solo album titled Childlike. He shared that he wrote, produced, and recorded the entire album by himself. He described the album as a reflection of his personal musical identity, saying he did not feel the need to return to his established sound and instead aimed to present what he considers his own version of pop culture and artistic roots. In the same year, Cipriano won a FAMAS Award for Best Musical Score for his arrangement on On Vodka, Beers, and Regrets. He also won several other accolades for his arrangement, including Best Musical Score at the 4th EDDYS and Movie Musical Scorer of the Year at the 37th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.
In a 2022 interview, Cipriano confirmed his departure from Callalily, citing creative and personal differences with the band. He expressed his intention to focus on solo projects and the further development of O/C Records. That same year, he released his first solo song since leaving the band, titled "Tayuman." The acoustic-ballad kundiman alternative track's title is a double entendre, referring both to Tayuman, a train station in Manila, and to a phrase meaning "If it's ever us." He followed up this single with "Paano na Tayo" before performing at his Pulso concert alongside Adie and Salonga.
In 2023, he was introduced as a regular host for the Tawag ng Tanghalan segment on It's Showtime. Later that year, Cipriano portrayed Manual Perez in Kampon, a 49th Metro Manila Film Festival entry. He also received a nomination for Best Musical Score for his arrangement on Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko at the inaugural Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.
In 2025, Cipriano confirmed that he would reprise his role as Joshua in the sequel Bar Boys: After School.

Personal life

In October 2015, Cipriano confirmed his relationship with actress Chynna Ortaleza during an appearance on Tonight with Boy Abunda. The couple announced their marriage on New Year's Eve the same year. They welcomed their daughter in 2016.
On March 17, 2016, Cipriano's father, Edgie Cipriano, died due to cardiac arrest.

Discography

Callalily

BBS (Big Band Syndicate)

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As a solo artist

  • Childlike - O/C Records
  • "Tayuman"