The Duo known as Thandii have officially collaborated with Jun Regalado, the Philippines’ most recorded drummer, on their new single titled ‘Coco Okayo’, released today, from the album of the same name, dropping September 11th, via Sama Sama Records.
From its opening moments, ‘Coco Okayo’ feels alive with purpose and personality. Thandii continues to evolve beyond expectations by blending alt soul, art pop, and disco funk into something that feels completely natural. Every layer is carefully placed while still leaving room for spontaneity, creating a song that sounds both timeless and refreshingly current. It is a confident statement from a duo that refuses to stand still creatively.
The chemistry between Jess Berry and Graham Godfrey has always been one of the project’s greatest strengths, but this collaboration reaches another level. Berry’s expressive vocal performance floats effortlessly above the lush instrumentation while Godfrey’s production keeps every element moving with subtle precision. Rich piano flourishes, warm bass, and shimmering textures combine into a soundscape that invites repeated listens without ever losing its sense of discovery.
Much of the song’s heartbeat comes from the legendary Jun Regalado, whose drumming adds an unmistakable human touch. Every groove carries decades of musical wisdom while remaining completely in tune with Thandii’s contemporary vision. Rather than feeling like a nostalgic guest appearance, Regalado becomes an essential part of the song’s identity, proving that genuine musicianship has no expiration date.
One of the most impressive achievements of ‘Coco Okayo’ is how naturally it celebrates cultural heritage without ever feeling forced. The influence of classic Manila Sound is woven into the fabric of the music while modern soul and adventurous pop ideas keep everything looking forward. That balance gives the single a unique character that feels deeply personal and remarkably universal at the same time.
‘Coco Okayo’ stands as an exciting preview of what promises to be one of Thandii’s most compelling releases yet. It is emotionally resonant, rhythmically irresistible, and artistically fearless in equal measure. By bringing together generations of musical talent and allowing every influence to shine organically, Thandii has created a single that lingers long after the final note fades and leaves listeners eager for the full album.
About Thandii
Thandii (tan-dee) is an alternative-soul duo from Margate, Kent. Jess Berry and Graham Godfrey first turned heads with their 2023 debut ‘A Beat to Make It Better’, a cult favourite earning critical acclaim long after release. In 2024, they released the bold double feature ‘Dream With You’ and ‘Come As You’ (Rough Trade Album(s) of the Month), followed by ‘Halo’ (2025) and ‘FREE UP’ (September 2025).
Operating from home studio HaloHalo with intimacy that makes their music feel like an open diary, Thandii co-writes, co-records, and co-produces. Their self-description as Halo-Halo (Filipino term meaning “mix-mix”) pays homage to Graham’s Filipino heritage. Spotify RADAR Artists of the Month, with support from 6Music, RadioX, KCRW, and KEXP.
About Jun Regalado
Dubbed “the most recorded drummer in the Philippines”, Jun Regalado’s career spans nearly 60 years with over 400 album appearances alongside renowned Filipino artists including VST & Co., Celeste Legaspi, and Pilita Corrales.
Starting as a teenager at Villar Records, Regalado quickly gained recognition, performing on Pilita Corrales’ weekly TV show (mid-1960s) and recording for film and television. His 1977 track “Pinoy Funk” (with jazz musician Eddie Munji III) was recently reissued by Soundway Records (2024), bringing his legacy to international attention. ‘Coco Okayo’ marks his first collaboration outside of his contemporaries.
LINKS:
https://www.thandii.world/
https://samasamarecords.bandcamp.com/