Rafi (artist)
Rafi | |
|---|---|
 Rafi performing in San Diego in 2026 | |
| Born | Raphaella Renee Ortega Hernandez February 18, 2004 Cebu City, Philippines |
| Education | Berklee College of Music |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2019-present |
| Agent | Star Magic |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocals |
Raphaella Renee Ortega Hernandez (born February 18, 2004), known professionally as Rafi, is a Filipino singer-songwriter.[1] She released her debut song, "What Does It Cost", in 2019 and the EPs before me (2024) and Wound and Wounded (2025).[2]
Early life
Raphaella Renee Ortega Hernandez was born on February 18, 2004, in Cebu City. At age five, she attended musical theater workshops at Repertory Philippines and began vocal studies at the Music School of Ryan Cayabyab at age 11.
She graduated from PAREF Woodrose School for Girls in Alabang in 2022 and enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she studied music business and management. She graduated in 2026 and received the school's Music Business Achievement Award.[3]
Career
Rafi released her first song, "What Does It Cost", in August 2019. In July 2024, she released her debut EP, before me. The four-track EP contains the songs "i stay silent", "unpaid debt", "fine wine", and "anything for you".[4]
In December 2025, she released her second EP, Wound and Wounded, consisting of four songs.[5]
In August 2026, Rafi opened for BINI on three dates of the Signals World Tour 2026, in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Diego.[6][7]
Artistry
Rafi's music has been described as pop and folk. Her musical influences include Lizzy McAlpine and Moira Dela Torre.[1]
Discography
EPs
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| before me |
|
| Wound and Wounded |
|
Singles
| Title | Year |
|---|---|
| What Does It Cost | 2019 |
| unpaid debt | 2024 |
| Wind-Up Doll | 2025 |
| This Isn't Who I Am | 2026 |
References
- 1 2 "For up-and-comer Rafi, music stardom is about making a good impact". Philippine Daily Inquirer. August 3, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
- ↑ "Star Magic artist Rafi releases debut EP 'Before Me'". ABS-CBN / PUSH TV. July 23, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
- ↑ "Rafi Hernandez went to Berklee as a dreamer and graduated summa cum laude". PhilSTAR Life. July 3, 2026. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
- ↑ "Rafi launches 'Before Me'". Daily Tribune. July 22, 2024. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
- ↑ "Wound and Wounded - EP". Apple Music. December 12, 2025. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
- ↑ "BINI". L.A. LIVE. August 5, 2026. Retrieved August 14, 2026.
- ↑ "SIGNALS: The BINI World Tour 2026". San Diego Theatres. August 9, 2026. Retrieved August 14, 2026.