Initially, I belonged to the group of individuals who criticized SB19 when they debuted in 2018. I held the belief that this group was nothing more than a mere imitation of K-Pop, and I felt it would be a waste of my time as they did not embody the essence of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). I formed these judgments without even taking the time to listen to any of their songs.
However, in 2021, their song “Mapa” caught my attention on TikTok. When I finally listened to it, I was amazed by their exceptional vocals. As time went on, their song “Gento” became a global sensation through a TikTok dance challenge. This made me curious about SB19, leading me to watch their interviews and music videos on YouTube. Through this exploration, I realized that this P-Pop group showcases world-class talent.
I attended their Pagtatag World Tour in Davao City on July 5, 2023, and their performances were absolutely outstanding. This group comprises exceptionally gifted artists, namely Pablo, Stell, Ken, Josh, and Justin, who possess the ability to sing, dance, and even produce their own songs. Their technical prowess is evident in the meticulous craftsmanship they bring to their music production.
By carefully listening to their songs, one can recognize the deep relatability they offer across various aspects of life. Their lyrics touch upon themes of self-determination, faith, relationships, families, nationalism, and hardships, all of which resonate strongly with our Filipino identities.
What truly captures my admiration is SB19’s collective humility as a group. Originating from modest backgrounds, they faced the challenge of limited support from Filipino fans, which nearly led them to give up on their musical pursuits. However, their unwavering determination propelled them forward, and the results speak for themselves. SB19 has undergone a remarkable journey of growth and accomplishment.
While their visual appearance may resemble that of K-Pop idols, it’s important to note that a Korean agency assists them in styling themselves.
As Filipinos, we should acknowledge that music, like any other art form, evolves over time.
OPM should not be confined solely to ballads, acoustic melodies, or novelty tunes. By pigeonholing them as mere imitators, we overlook the creativity, artistry, and hard work that go into their music production and performances.
It is important for Filipinos to embrace and support homegrown talents like SB19, as they contribute to the diversity and growth of the local music industry. By recognizing and celebrating their achievements, we can show the world that the Philippines has its own unique brand of music that deserves recognition on a global stage.
It’s worth noting that SB19 is the first Filipino and Southeast Asian act to receive a nomination in the prestigious Billboard Music Awards, specifically in the Top Social Artist category.