Michael Claver Jr. (; born 13 February 2002), known professionally as Mikki Claver, is a Filipino-Chinese rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. He is a member of the Filipino boy band BGYO.
Alongside his work as a performer, Claver has contributed to BGYO's music as a songwriter and a composer, including "The Light", "Andito Lang", "Headlines", and "Fresh". In 2026, he wrote and co-produced the group's single "Fresh" with Darren Cashwell. Outside music, he has appeared in acting and fashion projects, including Cesca's 2023 music video for "What If" and .ARCHIVES' ARC 02: Digital Oasis runway show.
Early life Michael Claver Jr. was born on 13 February 2002 in Manila, Philippines. Before joining BGYO, Claver attended a Chinese school and was inspired by his brother's work as a disc jockey and his interest in music, which led him to compose songs and make rap beats despite having no performance experience.
Claver completed senior high school under the Humanities and Social Sciences strand in 2024. During the graduation programme, he received a special citation award for Arts, Media and Entertainment.
Career
2018–2021: Star Hunt Academy and debut with BGYO
Claver was the last member introduced as a trainee under the Star Hunt Academy (SHA) programme. He was recruited as a rapper in 2018 and became part of the trainee group known as SHA Boys. He and the four other eventual BGYO members trained for two years under Filipino and South Korean mentors from MU Doctor Academy, vocal coach Kitchy Molina, and dance coach Mickey Perz.
The trainees were publicly introduced during the pre-show of the Pinoy Big Brother: Otso Big Night on 3 August 2019. Claver debuted as a member of BGYO on 29 January 2021.
2021–present: Songwriting, record production, and acting
In 2021, Claver began receiving songwriting credits with BGYO's debut single, "The Light". He also received a composition credit for "Runnin'", the group's collaboration with Keiko Necesario, and was credited as the lyricist and a co-composer of "Sabay".
In 2022, he wrote "Laro" for BGYO's second studio album, Be Us.
In 2023, Claver appeared opposite singer-songwriter Cesca in the short-film music video for her song "What If". Cesca described it as Claver's first feature centred primarily on acting and commended his performance in the video.
The following year, Claver contributed to the High Street (Original Soundtrack), performing "Kalma Kahit Magulo - Reprise" alongside Maymay Entrata and fellow BGYO member Gelo Rivera.
Also in 2024, he co-wrote "Andito Lang" with Christopher James Moore Lopez, professionally known as Moophs.
In 2025, Claver received co-writing credits on "All These Ladies", "Dance With Me", and the title track of BGYO's EP Headlines. In December, he appeared as AJ McLean during fellow BGYO member Akira Morishita's Backstreet Boys-themed performance of "Last Christmas" on the fourth season of Your Face Sounds Familiar.
In 2026, Claver wrote and co-produced BGYO's single "Fresh" with Darren Cashwell, marking the first BGYO release on which he was credited as both the sole writer and a co-producer. He also co-wrote "Forever Tonight" with fellow BGYO member Nate Porcalla and songwriters GG Ramirez, Dan Henig, Aaron Paris, and Pontus Kalm. That year, Claver and the other BGYO members appeared as themselves in the GMA musical drama Born to Shine, his first television acting project.
Other ventures Fashion In a December 2022 interview with Teen Vogue, Claver's bandmates identified him as the BGYO member with the strongest fashion sensibility. Claver described his personal style as versatile and said that he experimented with women's clothing and other styles to develop his own look.
In 2023, Mikki made his runway debut at .ARCHIVES' ARC 02: Digital Oasis fashion show.
In April 2023, he was featured in Parcinq "Electromagnetic" fashion editorial, which presented him in experimental summer streetwear.
Artistry Claver has cited his brother as an early influence on his interest in producing rap beats and writing lyrics. He has also named Kanye West, J. Cole and Travis Scott among his musical influences. He has also mentioned BTS, Justin Bieber and Kendrick Lamar as musical inspirations.
Public image and interests Claver has described himself as a horror-film enthusiast. He also collects black oversized shirts and has expressed an interest in manga and anime.
Discography
Soundtracks +List of official soundtrack singles showing year released and album nameTitleYearAlbum "Kalma Kahit Magulo - Reprise" "2024 High Street (Original Soundtrack)
Songwriting and production credits
Claver's credits show an expansion from lyric and composition work to record production. His 2026 single "Fresh" is the first BGYO release for which he is credited as both the sole writer and a co-producer. Credits are adapted from Tidal, Shazam, and published release information, unless otherwise noted.
Year Song Artist Release Credit 2021 "The Light" BGYO Lyricist "Runnin'" BGYO and Keiko Necesario "Runnin'" single Composer "Sabay" BGYO The Light Lyricist and co-composer 2022 "Laro" Be Us Songwriter 2024 "Andito Lang" BGYO Co-writer 2025 "All These Ladies" Headlines "Dance With Me" "Headlines" 2026 "Fresh" On Demand Writer and co-producer "Forever Tonight" Co-writer
Filmography
Television Year Title Role Network Notes 2020-present ASAP Himself ABS-CBN Performer 2025 Your Face Sounds Familiar Guest performer / AJ McLean Kapamilya Channel Appeared with BGYO during Akira Morishita's Backstreet Boys-themed performance of "Last Christmas" 2026 Born to Shine Himself GMA Network Guest appearance with BGYO; Claver's first acting project
Music videos Year Title Artist Role 2023 "What If" Cesca Acting role
Series Year Title Role Notes 2021 ONE DREAM: The Bini - BGYO Journey Himself 9 episodes telecast worldwide via MYX Global's Myx TV and on-demand via iWantTFC
Webcast Year Title Role Network Note(s) 2020 SHA Trainees on Kumu Live Himself Kumu 3 episodes per week 2021 ONE DREAM: Virtual Hangout iWantTFC YouTube Channel 9 episodes 2022 BGYO Mikki on Kumu Live Kumu 3 episodes per week
Notes
References
External links