Jenn Cuneta’s ‘Jenniverse’ echoes Filipino pride, empowerment through dance music

By Elton Lugay

Filipino American recording artist Jenn Cuneta is set to release her full-length album “Jenniverse,” a project that blends global dance music with messages of Filipino pride, empowerment and cultural identity.

Set for release on June 7, the same day she will perform at the Philippine Independence Day Parade in New York — the album marks a milestone moment for Cuneta, whose career has spanned more than two decades in the international dance music scene.

“This album is really about purpose,” Cuneta said. “It’s about using music to uplift people, to celebrate who we are, and to remind our community, especially young Filipinos, that their voice matters.”

“Jenniverse,” as she describes it, weaves together trance, house and commercial dance music while incorporating both English and Tagalog lyrics. It reflects Cuneta’s bicultural identity and her commitment to representing Filipinos on a global stage.

At the heart of the album is its lead single, “Reyna,” which means “queen” in Filipino. It is a high-energy house anthem which pays tribute to the Philippines’ long-standing legacy in international pageantry, and to the deeper advocacy and leadership embodied by Filipina women.

“For me, ‘Reyna’ is more than just a song,” Cuneta said. “It’s a celebration of Filipina strength. We’ve seen how Filipinas lead, inspire and give back not just onstage, but in real life. I wanted that energy in the music.”

That message is also personal. Cuneta shared that her grandmother was crowned Miss Philippines in 1953, a legacy that continues to influence her music.

The track was produced by DJ Rich Dio, with songwriting by Nancy Rose and production work by Cheff Loncher, who became a key creative partner in shaping the overall sound of “Jenniverse.”

“Working with Cheff really helped bring the vision together,” Cuneta said. “He understood how to balance the emotion, the storytelling and the energy of dance music in a way that feels authentic to me.”

The connection and future collaboration with New York-based songwriter Nancy Rose began at a private performance in the Hamptons. It’s a partnership, she said, with “a layer of emotional depth and narrative to the project.”

In addition, Cuneta revisited a past collaboration with Nashville producer Lenny Bertoldo, aka Lenny B., which was ultimately included in the album after being identified as a standout track.

Cuneta first gained international attention with her 2005 hit “Come Rain Come Shine,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Dance Airplay chart and sampled Paul McCartney’s “Silly Love Songs.” Since then, she has remained active in the global dance music circuit, working with major labels such as Strictly Rhythm and Tommy Boy Records.

Cuneta said her focus with “Jenniverse” is connection particularly with the Filipino diaspora.

“As a Filipino American artist, I carry both worlds with me,” she said. “This album is my way of bringing those worlds together through music, through language, and through shared experiences.”

With her upcoming performance at the Philippine Independence Day Parade, Cuneta hopes the album will resonate strongly within the community she represents.

“There’s something powerful about celebrating our culture in a space like New York,” she said. “I want people to feel proud, seen and energized when they hear these songs.”

“Jenniverse” is currently available for purchase through Cuneta’s official website, with streaming availability beginning June 7.