Who Is AJ Rafael? Age, Biography, and Wiki
AJ Rafael, born on March 12, 1989, is a prominent American musician known for his melodic voice and heartfelt songwriting. Since emerging on the music scene in the late 2000s, AJ has cultivated a dedicated following thanks to his original compositions and captivating covers on platforms like YouTube. As of 2025, he is 36 years old and continues to be a significant influence in the contemporary R&B and pop genres.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1989 |
| Age | 36 Years |
| Birth Place | N/A |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country |
Popularity
AJ Rafael's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
AJ Rafael stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and maintains an athletic build, weighing around 150 pounds (68 kg). His engaging stage presence and charming smile have only added to his appeal. While specific body measurements are not publicly disclosed, his commitment to fitness is evident in his active lifestyle.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In recent years, AJ Rafael has kept his personal life, particularly his romantic relationships, relatively private. As of 2025, he is rumored to be in a relationship, but he has not confirmed any details about his boyfriend or girlfriend. However, he has shared snippets of his family life through his social media, often highlighting the importance of family and the support system that has been foundational to his career.
Inspired by the film Crazy Rich Asians, he started the Crazy Talented Asians variety show in 2018 to showcase Asians in the performing arts community. He has organized charity concerts for Autism Speaks since 2006 and started Music Speaks, an annual charity concert that informs people about autism.
In 2020, Rafael released "Waking Up Sucks (Sometimes)", his first original song since 2014. He posted to TikTok an impromptu duet he did with his girlfriend, Alyssa Navarro, of the Mulan song "Reflection". Filmed while they were in quarantine in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in California, the video went viral, accruing over 10million views.
Net Worth and Salary
AJ Rafael’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $1 million. His income primarily comes from his successful music career, including album sales, merchandise, and live performances. Additionally, AJ has benefitted from various endorsement deals and partnerships with brands aligned with his artistic vision. On average, he earns a considerable salary from his engagements, reflecting his established status within the music industry.
Rafael uploaded his initial YouTube video in 2006, a medley of Meg & Dia songs. On YouTube, he uploads covers of existing songs and composes original songs. Rafael established the MoVal Concert Chorale in 2006. Rafael became a YouTube partner in 2008, which allowed him to receive a portion of the advertising income when people watch his videos.
Following several years of uploading videos, his music career began flourishing in 2009 and at the peak of his recognition, he was making in the low six figures. Since he attributed his success to forging a rapport with his fans, he routinely used Facebook and Twitter to tell his viewers about his day-to-day experiences.
In his YouTube videos, filmed mostly with his MacBook in his living room, he shared with viewers how he connected with the songs he sang. To stay connected with his viewers, he made posts on Twitter frequently and sought advice from them about the tempo and key for his piano playing when he livestreamed his performances.
Rafael released his songs on iTunes and Amazon and did livestreams through Ustream. In a 2009 article in the Inland Empire Weekly, journalist Lilledeshan Bose wrote, "Rafael's songs, whether on the ukulele, guitar or piano, are made in the same vein: sweet pop ballads.
His voice is crystal-clear, with never a sour note in the mix." That year, Rafael was an unsuccessful contestant with his band at John Anson Ford Amphitheatre in the singing competition Kollaboration Acoustic III which seeks to raise awareness about Asian Americans in the performing arts.
By 2010, he had uploaded over 150videos that collectively accrued 80million views. In 2010, Rafael with 178,117 YouTube subscribers was among the "50 most subscribed music channels".
Career, Business, and Investments
Throughout his career, AJ Rafael has released several albums and EPs, garnering attention with hit singles that showcase his diverse musical influences. He has built a successful brand around his music, featuring collaborations with other artists and songwriters.
In addition to his music career, AJ is also an entrepreneur. He has ventured into various business initiatives, including his own merchandise line and collaborations with other influencers. His strategic investments in creative projects, such as music collaborations and online content, have contributed significantly to his overall success.
In April 2010, Rafael released his first extended play, Juicebox, copies of which people purchased online. He performed songs from the EP during in-person concerts. OC Weekly characterized his music as "pop in the vein of Jason Mraz or John Mayer with a slightly dancier, more-bubblegum-y feel".
That year, Rafael routinely performed in various venues in the United States and the Philippines and landed a contract with a music management company. In 2011, he was a member of the AJ Rafael Band with Noah Bartfield on bass, Jesse Barrera on guitar, and Danny Morledge on drums.
In 2011, Rafael, charted in Billboard's recently created "Uncharted" chart. That year, Billboard chose his band to compete with five others in "Battle of the Bands" with the winner performing in the Billboard Music Awards. Rafael's band was defeated by the band Gentlemen Hall.
Social Network
AJ Rafael has maintained a robust presence on social media, utilizing platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to connect with his fans and share updates about his music. He has cultivated a passionate fanbase, frequently engaging with them through live sessions and Q&As. His YouTube channel remains one of his most significant platforms, where he continues to release music content that resonates with listeners around the world.
Rafael started a Myspace account in 2003 and uploaded a song he wrote for a girl he met on the Internet. He also uploaded a Meg & Dia medley which garnered him attention from the band and received 30,000 views. He competed on season 4 of American Idol and was eliminated. In 2006, he posted his first YouTube video which was a Meg & Dia medley.
In 2010, Rafael released an extended play titled Juicebox. Early the next year, he appeared on Billboard's recently created "Uncharted" chart. He released his debut album Red Roses in 2011 and went on tours in Southeast Asia and Australia to promote it.
Rafael took an indefinite hiatus from touring in 2014 after he had difficulty filling seats at his concerts despite his having a half million YouTube subscribers and millions of video views.
Education
AJ Rafael attended the University of California, Riverside, where he pursued music studies. His formal education helped to refine his craft and expand his knowledge of the music industry, equipping him with the skills necessary to navigate his successful career as an artist and entrepreneur.
Arthur Joseph Rafael (born March 12, 1989), known professionally as AJ Rafael, is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter, YouTuber, and TikToker. Born in Moreno Valley, California, he graduated from the Berklee College of Music in 2010.
