OPM band Kamikazee was not able to perform at the Kasanggayahan Festival in Casiguran, Sorsogon on Sunday, October 1, 2023, after Governor Jose Edwin Hamor booted them out of their performance due to “attitude problem.”
In a video that went viral on social media, Hamor can be seen apologizing to his constituents as he explained that Kamikazee will no longer perform despite the band being paid.
Hamor did not mention what exactly happened but he stressed that it was due to their “attitude.”
“Sana naintindihan nyo. Hindi ko gusto ‘to, pero sinabi ko nga may attitude. Hindi na yun makakabalik sa Sorsogon,” he said.
(I hope you understand. I don't like it, but I said there is an attitude. They will not be able to return to Sorsogon.)
Some reports stated that the band members teased the governor by likening him to a driver because of his frequent wearing of a white t-shirt. They also reportedly refused to have photo opportunities with the 16,000 blue roses and declined to use public restrooms.
Jonathan Valdez, talent coordinator of the event, said in a Facebook post that the band members also refused to have a photo with the governor.
"In my years of bringing bands/artists in Sorsogon, never po nag-request ng picture si Gov. And I believe all the artists/bands na nakapunta sa Sorsogon can attest how considerate, kind, and generous Gov. is, kaya naman I did everything to accommodate his very simple request couple of days before the event," said Valdez.
"Imago and I Belong To The Zoo said no problem...while this Kamikazee has been my source of stress days before the event for this simple request -- hindi sumasagot. Until nag-oo na sila 30 minutes before their set,” he added.
He said Hamor waited for the band at the venue where the photo shoot was supposed to take place.
"Pero hindi sila bumababa ng van, in my years in the business ngayon lang ako umiyak at nakikiusap na bumaba na sila for the two-minute picture. I even told them na singilin nila ako for an additional fee for this. Muntik na akong lumuhod, pero - DEADMA! Until lumapit na ang assistant ni Gov sa akin, 'Jo halika, sabihin mo na kay Gov!' -- ayun na, they got what they deserved! Pinalayas sila sa Sorsogon at hindi pinasampa. FULLY PAID sila and all their requests were granted even the liquor etc. Binigay lahat and more!" said Valdez.
These issues reportedly prompted the governor to send them home.
“Maraming banda na gustong magpasaya sa atin, pero kung ganun naman ang ugali, pasensyahan tayo. Inuulit ko, bayad yun kasi bago magperform sila, dapat bayad, pero pinauwi ko na. Hindi ko na patitirahin yun sa Residencia. Pinauwi ko na sa airport, dun sila mag-umaga,” said Hamor.
(A lot of bands are there to make us happy, but if the attitude is like that, please bear with us. I repeat, they were paid because payment must be made before they can perform, but I sent them home. I will not let them stay at the Residencia. I sent them to the airport, where they can stay all night.)
Recidencia Del Hamor is a hotel owned by the Hamor family. It was where the band members were supposed to stay.
“Inuulit ko, hindi tayo pwedeng bastosin na mga taga Sorsogon. Pinipilit ko na itaas ang dignidad ng bawat taga Sorsogon, pero wag ganun na tayo ay bastusin,” Hamor added.
(I repeat, I will not let them insult the Sorsogon people. I am trying to raise the dignity of every resident of Sorsogon, so don't insult us like that.)
Kamikazee, which is known for its songs “Narda” and “Huling Sayaw,” among others, has not issued any statement on the incident as of Tuesday, October 3, 2023.
It was supposed to perform along with other local bands Imago and I Belong To The Zoo during the Sorsogon Town Fiesta 2023.
The Kamikazee members include Jay Contreras, Led Tuyay, Jomal Linao, Allan Burdeos, Jason Astete, Mikki Kill and Jian Lubiano. (LMY)