About Dionela
Dionela, born Timothy Dionela on 14 March 1999 in Guiguinto, Bulacan, is a Filipino singer, songwriter, guitarist, and musician. Signed to UMG Philippines in 2022, he’s built a reputation on heartfelt R&B and alternative R&B that blends English and Tagalog with smooth vocals and emotional sincerity
Musical style and influences
Dionela delivers a layered, contemporary R&B sound. His music often cuts between rich vocal harmony, mellow guitar and polished but organic production. He credits artists such as Ginuwine, Ne-Yo, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd, Destiny’s Child and H.E.R. for shaping his sound. Tracks including “153” and “Oksihina” showcase his ability to mix introspective lyrics with atmospheric sonic tones, firmly rooted in the emotional tradition of soul.
Breakthrough moments
- Early passion: Dionela started performing at age 3. By 11, he was writing songs and playing guitar; at 16 he was his school choir’s soloist.
- Label debut: He signed with UMG Philippines in 2022 and released early singles including “153” and “Oksihina”. These tracks steadily grew in popularity and introduced his sound to listeners nationwide.
- Chart-toppers: His 2024 duet “sining” with Jay R spent seven straight weeks at #1 on the Billboard Philippines Hot 100. It topped streaming charts and earned recognition as the Philippines’ most searched song of the year. Later that year “Marilag” also hit #1 on both Billboard Philippines Hot 100 and IFPI Philippines charts.
- Awards and presence: Dionela won the Myx Music Award for Breakthrough Solo Artist 2024 – a nod to his rapid ascent in OPM (Original Pilipino Music).
- Live circuit: He’s performed on the Wish 107.5 Bus, appeared on national television, and played major festivals. His live shows combine emotional vulnerability with musical polish, earning him fast-growing fans
Artistic identity and growth
Dionela writes and produces his own music. His lyrics explore love, self‑discovery, creative expression and the intersections between Filipino and English storytelling. He often cites his partner Aleine Joaquin as a primary inspiration in his work.
A multi-instrumentalist, Dionela fuses heartfelt narrative with melody and texture. His sound, whether guitar-led or layered with studio production, keeps fans leaning in and listening closely. He’s a modern R&B artist deeply rooted in his cultural and musical heritage, yet ready to push the boundaries of OPM.
