Unique Salonga
Filipino singer-songwriter, musician and producer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Unique Torralba Salonga (born April 26, 2000) is a Filipino singer-songwriter, musician and producer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the funk rock band IV of Spades. He left the band to focus on a solo career and released his first studio album Grandma in 2018, and has since recorded and released two more studio albums. His latest and third studio album Daisy, was released on September 29, 2023. He later rejoined and reunited with the band in 2025.
April 26, 2000
- Musician
- singer-songwriter
- producer
- Vocals
- guitar
Unique Salonga | |
|---|---|
Salonga in 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Unique Torralba Salonga April 26, 2000 Manila, Philippines |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Label | O/C |
| Member of | IV of Spades |
Career
Band frontman
2014–2018: IV of Spades
In June 2014, Allan Silonga decided to form a band for his son Blaster, who would become the band's lead guitarist. The Silongas were able to recruit drummer Badjao de Castro and bassist Zild Benitez, who are the sons of Allan's friends. Unique Salonga, who was already writing his own music, was later recruited to become the band's lead singer.[1][2]
IV of Spades signed to a record label and released their first single "Ilaw sa Daan" under Warner Music Philippines.[3]
The group's second single, "Hey Barbara" was released on July 9, 2017, and followed up by their third single "Where Have You Been My Disco?", released on December 9, 2017, via YouTube.[citation needed]
In 2018, the band released their fourth single called "Mundo". It became the group's highest viewed single on YouTube. The band's videos have over 100 million views on YouTube.[citation needed]
IV of Spades won the New Artist of the Year and the MYX Bandarito Performance of the Year and Nominated as Group of the Year at the annual Myx Music Awards.[4] The band also won Dreams Come True with AirAsia, the airline's search for the most promising acts in the region. The band performed with David Foster as part of their prize. They also won the Favorite New Group award at the 30th annual Awit Awards.[5]
On May 4, 2018, Unique Salonga left IV of Spades in order to pursue a solo career.[6]
Solo career
2018–2025
In 2018, Salonga released his debut single, Midnight Sky, under the label of O/C Records of VIVA. In the same year, Salonga released his debut album, Grandma,[7] and his first solo concert was held on September 29, 2018.[8]
He released his second album, PANGALAN: in 2020.[9][10]
On September 29, 2023, Salonga released his third album, Daisy.[11]
Reunion with IV of Spades
2025-present
On July 16, 2025, Salonga made his official return to the band by releasing their new single, "Aura", which also marks the official return of IV of Spades.[12]
Discography
Albums
| Title | Album Details | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Grandma |
|
[13] |
| Pangalan: |
|
[9][10] |
| Daisy |
|
[14] |
Singles
As lead artist
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHL [15] | ||||
| "Midnight Sky" | 2018 | — | Grandma | |
| "Cha-Ching!" | — | |||
| "Sino" | 2019 | 24 | ||
| "Lamang Lupa" | — | Pangalan: | ||
| "Bukod Tangi" | — | |||
| "Huwag Ka Sanang Magagalit" | — | |||
| "Mga Katulad Mo" | 2021 | — | ||
| "Reality Checklist" | — | Non-single album | ||
| "Oblivion" | 2022 | — | ||
| "Panahon" | 2023 | — | Daisy | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | ||||
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Notable Works | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 32nd Awit Award | Best Cover Art | Grandma | Won | [16][17] |
| 14th Myx Music Awards | Male Artist of the Year | Unique | Nominated | ||
| Rock Video of the Year | "Cha-Ching!" | Nominated | |||
| 2020 | 5th Wish Music Awards | Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year | "Bukod-Tangi" | Nominated | [18][19] |
| 15th Myx Music Awards | Rock Video of the Year | "Sino" | Nominated | ||
| 2021 | 6th Wish Music Awards | Wishclusive Rock/Alternative Song of the Year | "Sino" | Won | [20] |
| Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year | "Huwag Ka Sanang Magagalit" | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | 37th Awit Award | Album of the Year | Daisy | Won | [21] |