If love is a jungle, then Matilde Girasole (“Matilde G“) is running wild through it: unafraid, untamed, and unfiltered. The Italian-born, Singapore-based singer-songwriter is back with a pulsating new single, “Heart of the Jungle,” set to drop on May 16. Already a YouTube and TikTok sensation, the 19-year old Matilde was ranked among the top 10 most viewed artists in “Year On TikTok Singapore” for 2022, and her original songs have been streamed and viewed over 20 million times.
A pulse-pounding anthem that blurs the line between emotion and instinct, Matilde’s latest single is filmed in the backdrop against the stunning backdrop of Sicily — a place rooted in her childhood — the music video breathes life into her fearless message, capturing the raw connection between nature and love. Co-written with Jonathan Bluth, Vincent Ott, and Joel Werner, and brought to life through evocative choreography by Daniel Collins, the track pulses with tribal rhythms and cinematic textures, inviting listeners to dance through the chaos and beauty of love. As she gears up for a mini tour in Mexico and continues to captivate fans in the Philippines, Matilde G is more than ready to take her message of wild, unstoppable love to a global stage.
Popspoken: “Heart of the Jungle” is described as a celebration of fearless love. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how it reflects your personal experiences with love?
Heart of the Jungle is driven by instinct, just like real love. The inspiration came from that exact moment when your heart takes the lead, and logic steps aside. It’s the kind of love that’s fast, intense, joyful, and a little wild. That’s what the jungle represents: pure emotion without filters. I’ve experienced love like that, the kind that makes you feel fully alive, and this song is my way of capturing it in sound.
Popspoken: The music video was shot across stunning locations in Sicily, a place tied to your childhood. How did these settings influence the visual narrative and overall vibe of the video?
Sicily isn’t just a location, it’s part of who I am. We filmed in places that shaped my childhood: rivers, lakes, caves, cliffs I used to explore. Those landscapes gave the video emotional depth. We didn’t just want beauty; we wanted truth. The visuals follow the pulse of the song: raw, sunlit, full of movement. You feel the freedom, the roots, the connection between love and nature. Sicily gave the video its heartbeat.
Popspoken: You worked with a talented team of co-writers and producers on this track. How did their creative input shape the sound and message of “Heart of the Jungle”?
I had this inspiration to write a song about love and jungle vibes and Jonathan Bluth, Vincent Ott, and Joel Werner were completely in sync with my vision. We layered tribal rhythms, rich textures, and anthemic melodies to create something alive and physical. They helped shape a sound that doesn’t explain love, it makes you feel it. The jungle isn’t a metaphor in this song, it’s a sensation you hear in every beat.
Popspoken: Your choreography in the video is described as playful and free-spirited. How did you and the dance team approach translating the song’s energy into movement?
We wanted movement that felt tribal and emotional. Daniel Collins and I worked on turning instinct into motion. The goal was to make every gesture feel real, like the body responding to love’s rhythm. The dancers brought fire, joy, grit, pride and beauty, all at once. What you see is not a performance, it’s a release of energy. It’s how the song moves when words aren’t enough.
Popspoken: With a mini tour in Mexico and growing popularity in the Philippines, how are you preparing to connect with audiences in these diverse markets?
I’m approaching it with excitement and respect. In Mexico, I’m preparing explosive live shows with my band. For the Philippines, I’m investing time in connecting with young audiences through TikTok, where recently they created a real Filipino fandom. I’m also exploring collaborations with local artists and creators. These aren’t just “markets” to me, they’re communities. I want to be present, visible, and real. The goal isn’t just to perform, it’s to build something that lasts. Mexico and the Philippines may be worlds apart, but the people in both countries share something beautiful in common: they’re incredibly warm, passionate, and open to discovering and embracing new artists.
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