The Artist

Carlo "Chiko" Hernandez is a Manila-based congero, percussionist, and recording artist whose work spans live performance, recording, festival stages, street parties, art exhibitions, and multidisciplinary collaborative productions. Through rhythm, Chiko heals and uplifts the human spirit — bringing fire, soul, and improvisational energy to every stage he touches.

Known for his high-energy, psychotropical groove, Chiko is a Tycoon Percussion endorser and a fiery recording and performing artist who champions artistic integrity and collaboration. His associated acts include Hernandez Brothers, the psychedelic rock band Wilderness, neo-soul outfit Chocolate Grass, protest band General Strike, and Latin rock band Mariang Palad — a catalogue that spans genres and proves his versatility as a recording and live artist.

As one-half of the Hernandez Brothers, Chiko helped build a drum-and-percussion act using drums, congas, and percussion instruments to perform music moving across Afrobeat, Latin, samba, funk, and rock & roll. Since their debut in 2016, the act has collaborated with visual artists, DJs, filmmakers, fashion designers, and music producers, and performed in the Philippines and abroad, including Wonderfruit in Thailand and Malasimbo in Puerto Galera.

Beyond live performance, Chiko is an active recording artist whose studio work with Hernandez Brothers, Wilderness, and collaborative producers reflects his range as a rhythm architect — from acoustic Latin percussion to dance-floor-ready electronic grooves. His recording profile includes collaborative projects with producers such as Lustbass, presented at Fête de la Musique PH 2021.

• Tycoon Percussion endorser — Manila, Philippines
• Recording artist — albums, EPs & collaborative recordings with Hernandez Brothers, Wilderness, Chocolate Grass, Lustbass & more
• Wonderfruit 2017, Pattaya, Thailand — international festival appearance
• Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival, Puerto Galera, Philippines
• Rappler Live Jam — featured performance, selected among 2018 standout acts
• The Prodigy — "Need Some1" music video, directed by Paco Raterta, Manila
• Hernandez Brothers x Lustbass — Fête de la Musique PH 2021 (Metro Manila Main Stage)
• Recording & performing artist across multiple Manila-based projects spanning rock, soul, Latin, Afrobeat & protest music