Fast-rising star Jireh Lim thrives on contrast. A self-made artist, he rose to prominence when “Buko” went viral, but his songwriting packs serious finesse thanks to his music major background. He may deal in a playful, tongue-in-cheek lyricism, but will then delve into the pain and heartache of romance, as in hit “Magkabilang Mundo” from his 2015 debut Love and Soul. He also has an unabashed goofy side: “Extra Large” from 2017’s Patak Ng Luha takes a reggae tune and marries it to emotion-filled lyricism. Unadorned and relatable, Lim’s romantic takes weigh a little less heavy on the heart.