Today, world renowned rapper, singer, dancer and style icon, LISA (Lalisa Manobal) and LLOUD Co. announce a new partnership with RCA Records. Under the deal, LISA will release new solo music with RCA Records and have full ownership of all her recordings. This artist-first approach further demonstrates LISA’s ability to push boundaries in the music industry.
On signing with RCA Records, LISA shares: “I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career. Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing.”
“We are incredibly proud to partner with LISA and LLOUD CO.! LISA is a multidimensional talent and an irrefutable global force. We are thrilled to welcome her and her team to the RCA Records family” adds Peter Edge, Chairman & CEO, RCA Records & John Fleckenstein, COO, RCA Records.
In signing with RCA Records, LISA continues to solidify her place as a global force as the label is home to some of the world’s most prominent and creative artists from around the world including A$AP Rocky, Becky G, Doja Cat, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake, KAYTRANADA, Latto, Mark Ronson, P!NK, Steve Lacy, SZA, Tems, Tate McRae, Victoria Monet, WizKid, and many more.
LISA is best known as a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, one of the most popular girl groups in history. With this new partnership, and the announcement of LLOUD CO., she is ushering in a new era as both an artist and entrepreneur. Launched earlier this year, LLOUD CO. was founded by LISA in an effort to create a platform to showcase her overall vision in music and entertainment that pushes boundaries.
Beyond her success with BLACKPINK, LISA has broken several records globally as a solo artist. With the release of Lalisa in 2021, she was the first female artist to sell nearly 750,000 copies in the first week in South Korea. “Lalisa” and “Money” charted in the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200, while “Money” also holds the record as the longest-charting song by a solo female K-pop artist on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and on the U.K. Singles Chart. LISA broke three Guinness World Records in 2023 as the most Instagram followers for a K-pop artist (currently at 102 Million followers on the platform), she is also the first solo K-pop winner at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV European Music Awards.
Outside of music, LISA is set to star in the upcoming season of the hit HBO Original series, The White Lotus, season 3. This role will mark her major on screen debut and is filming in her native Thailand.
Along with her global dominance in music and unparalleled stage presence, she is known for her unique fashion sense and trendsetting style, making her a prominent force in the global fashion industry. She has had several major partnerships and is currently the face of Bulgari.
The newly released trailer for City Hunter sets the stage for the eagerly awaited live-action adaptation of the legendary manga.
Fans are treated to a glimpse of the budding bond between Ryo Saeba (Ryohei Suzuki) and Kaori Makimura (Misato Morita), whose friendship unexpectedly develops amid a whirlwind of adventure and danger.
After receiving a cryptic message, Ryo and Hideyuki, known as the “City Hunter”, set out to search for Kurumi, a famous cosplayer. When Hideyuki is tragically killed during the investigation, his sister Kaori demands answers about her brother’s untimely demise. The plot thickens as it’s revealed that the mysterious drug “Angel Dust” is at the heart of the violent incidents plaguing Shinjuku, and Kurumi is key to unlocking the truth behind it. This revelation sets Ryo and Kaori on a quest to uncover the truth shrouding Hideyuki’s death.
Tsukasa Hojo, the original author of the manga, had an early look at the film and was quick to praise it. “I really enjoyed the film and was impressed by how well it was done. This film shows the characters running around in Shinjuku and I think this is what the fans expect, giving them the thrills of watching it come alive. I encourage all fans of the original manga and anime to experience it for themselves. Even a quick peek before bed will leave you too captivated to sleep. I hope everyone enjoys it.”
Joining Suzuki and Morita in the cast are Masanobu Ando as Hideyuki Makimura, Ryo’s partner, and Fumino Kimura as Saeko Nogami, a beautiful detective who has a long history with Ryo.
City Hunter tells the story of Ryo Saeba, a top-level “sweeper” who cleans up trouble in the gritty underworld with his impressive athletic abilities, elite marksmanship and cool composure. His only weakness? He can’t resist beautiful women.
“Eye-conic” singer Randy Santiago returns to the concert scene with a bang for his first big solo show in years. Randy, or Mr. Private Eyes as he is fondly called, headlines “EYECON… The Club Experience”, a club-themed concert to be held at the PICC Plenary Hall on April 12, 2024, Friday, at 8 pm.
Joining Randy in this unforgettable night of singing and dancing are fellow OPM greats Pops Fernandez, Gino Padilla, Juan Miguel Salvador, Nina and Rachel Alejandro, and today’s new breed of Pinoy singers and musicians JM Yosures, Khimo, Lyka Estrella, JM dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, Jezza Quiogue, LA Santos, the girl group Calista and the band Six Part Invention.
The show’s repertoire consists of all fast songs to be performed live and seamlessly.
“For a singer-performer like me who’s been around in the music industry for so many years, I am lucky to have the privilege to stay true to my craft and entertain my audience with so much enthusiasm,” Randy said in a post on Instagram.
For this particular show, Randy is looking forward to performing his own upbeat hit songs and today’s most favorite tunes with his all-star guests. He said, “I am just so excited to do this amazing collaboration with some of the industry’s most talented performers.”
K-Pop enthusiasts in Negros raised roughly P20,000 to combat food waste.
K-Pop Stans 4 Good Governance – Negros (KS4GG) hosted K-Pop Night 2: The Hottest Issue and collected a total of P19,535.20 to support Sagup Negros: Food Waste Mitigation Initiative, a local non-profit organization.
“The donated amount will be utilized in the organization’s food-sharing program where we support local market vendors and small farmers by rescuing their surplus products and turning them into meals. This program also aims to address nutrition problems in children in selected communities in Bacolod,” says Coleen Awit, Chief Operating Officer of Sagup Negros.
Kicking off the year with a fundraiser has become a yearly event for KS4GG – Negros. This year’s celebration featured a nostalgic playlist highlighting K-Pop tracks from the late 2000s to early 2010s. Niko Chua, an administrator of KS4GG – Negros, shared “ Starting the year with a K-Pop night has become a tradition enjoyed not just by our team but but by the entire Negros K-Pop community.”
KS4GG – Negros’ K-Pop Night has become an eagerly anticipated annual gathering for local fans. Charm, who attended K-Pop Night for two consecutive years, remarked “Supporting the community and a charitable cause is a win-win for me. And who can resist a K-Pop party?”
Last year, the organization also raised over 20,000 for the Angat Buhay Foundation through their inaugural K-Pop Night event, Drunk Dazed.
The transparency report for this event can be accessed online at tinyurl.com/KS4GGNHIL.
Karpos Live welcomes yet another electrifying artist to its 2024 roster, and this time, they’re bringing Iranian Swedish-born, Los Angeles-based artist, Snoh Aalegra.
“Golden toned,” “jazz-infused,” and “expansive and dreamy” were the exact phrases Pitchfork used to describe multi-GRAMMY nominated and Swedish Grammis winner Snoh Aalegra for her overall music style, as well as her captivating vocals on her latest album TEMPORARY HIGHS IN THE VIOLET SKIES (2021).
However, her being stringed to a musical legend does not end there. Three years before he passed, Prince, who needs no introduction, took her under his wing to help her cultivate the sound that she proudly shares with her fans now. Alongside Prince, some of her influences include Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, and so many more, and these inspirations seep through her work with songs like ‘I Want You Around” that encapsulates the main energy of her musical image; “Be My Summer” which can only be described as the orange skies of an early summer sunset; and “Nothing Burns Like The Cold” that will have you off your feet just by hearing the bouncy intro.
Get in your feels this summer as Karpos Live Presents: SNOH AALEGRA. Set to happen this coming May 30 at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang.
Tickets go on sale April 1, 2024 at 10AM (local time) via tickelo.com
GA Early Bird: PHP 3,795.00 GA Regular: PHP4,865.00
The time is now, ARMY! Get ready to see the brightest stars in your universe, because Araneta City’s B★VERSE “BTS, Singing the Stars” Immersive Exhibition General Sale has begun!
Fans of the beloved supergroup BTS will be treated to an immersive virtual reality experience, which includes vivid recreations of BTS’ iconic The Fact Music Awards performances, a Seven Planets showcase that feature each member in unique and personal themed rooms, a dazzling mapping show, and more.
With B★VERSE Manila’s general ticket selling under way, ARMYs can choose between two types of passes for the exhibit. Regular passes, which will allow entry only during their chosen date and time, are priced at Php1,500.
For ARMYs with schedules as crazy as the boys, a Flexi-Pass is also available. At Php1,900, fans with the Flexi-Pass can come in at any time during their chosen date. Don’t waste time, though – slots for the Flexi-Pass are limited!
B★VERSE Manila is set to run starting May 17 to August 15, at Level 4 of the New Gateway Mall 2.
Shine, dream and smile with other ARMYs at B★VERSE Manila by booking your tickets on Ticketnet Online now! Check B★VERSE Manila’s official social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, and TikTok for more information.
To know more about the latest promos, activities, and happenings at Araneta City, please visit www.aranetacity.com. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
The eighth studio album, from the world’s most innovative artist, arrives after a monumental two-song release as a no-holds-barred, multi-genre nod to Americana country culture.
Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, COWBOY CARTER is taking the world by storm with its top-notch songwriting and production, as well as incredible commercial success. The critically acclaimed record is expected to land at No. 1 on several countries for the tracking week, particularly in major markets worldwide.
The album arrives following the successful release of two lead singles, “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES.”
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” landed across nine different genres on US music charts including Pop, Hot AC, Country, Rhythmic, Urban, and R&B, and making history with Beyoncé becoming the first Black female artist to reach No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and No. 1 on the Hot 100 Chart with a Country song. It also spent four weeks at the top of the UK music charts.
COWBOY CARTER, executive produced by Beyoncé, is about genres, all of them, while deeply rooted in Country. This is the work of an artist who thrives in her freedom to grow, expand, and create limitlessly. It makes no apologies, and seeks no permission in elevating, amplifying, and redefining the sounds of music, while dismantling accepted false norms about Americana culture. It pays homage to the past, honoring musical pioneers in Country, Rock, Classical, and Opera.
The album is a cornucopia of sounds that Beyoncé loves, and grew up listening to, between visits and eventually performances at the Houston Rodeo – Country, original Rhythm & Blues, Blues, Zydeco, and Black Folk. The album wraps itself in pure instrumentation in a celebratory authentic gumbo of sounds using among others, the accordion, harmonica, washboard, acoustic guitar, bass ukulele, pedal steel guitar, a Vibra-Slap, the mandolin, fiddle, Hammond B3 organ, tack piano, and the banjo. There’s also plenty of handclaps, horseshoe steps, boot stomps on hardwood floors and yes, those are Beyoncé’s nails as percussion.
“The joy of creating music is that there are no rules,” says Beyoncé. “The more I see the world evolving the more I felt a deeper connection to purity. With artificial intelligence and digital filters and programming, I wanted to go back to real instruments, and I used very old ones. I didn’t want some layers of instruments like strings, especially guitars, and organs perfectly in tune. I kept some songs raw and leaned into folk. All the sounds were so organic and human, everyday things like the wind, snaps and even the sound of birds and chickens, the sounds of nature.”
And the inspiration further takes into account Southern and Western culture beyond music, the Rodeo, Western films, and the stories of the original cowboys of the West. It was at the Rodeo where she first saw diversity and camaraderie among people who love Country music and an Americana lifestyle, steeped in community, culinary offerings, grills, and Western gear. And it was for everyone. Among the crowds were Black, Hispanic and Native American Cowboys, who made their valuable, authentic allowances to the culture. Their stories are synonymous with American history.
The music is wrapped around an outpouring of passionate, bold storytelling that captivates the listener with Beyoncé’s familiar, powerful voice at the center. Her vocals shine a blinding light on a narrative steeped in truth-telling, revealing hidden histories, and reveling in all the magic you seek when you take an intentional journey back to your roots. Beyoncé is a student of history, and she continues the American music masterclass that started with act i RENAISSANCE in 2022, that was a deep dive into dance music and its creators, and the celebration of those who lived in joy despite being made to feel like outliers.
On COWBOY CARTER the work of an artist who created on her own terms, in the absence of rules, persists boldly. The songs caress, cradle, and encourage the listener’s curiosity through 27 gifts of revolutionary surprises, erasing the limitations placed on genre-based music. As a producer, Beyoncé explores and experiments with chord and key changes effortlessly mixing genres, bending, and blending the unexpected to break down every wall of musical confinement. It is a rare body of work that could so seamlessly hosts remakes of classics like “BLACKBIIRD” by The Beatles and “JOLENE” by Dolly Parton with sonically diverse creations like “SWEET HONEY BUCKIN,” “RIIVER DANCE” and “II MOST WANTED.”
“My process is that I typically have to experiment,” Beyoncé says. “I enjoy being open to have the freedom to get all aspects of things I love out and so I worked on many songs. I recorded probably 100 songs. Once that is done, I am able to put the puzzle together and realize the consistencies and the common themes, and then create a solid body of work.”
The album is an experiment indeed. Each song is its own version of a reimagined Western film. She took inspiration from films like “Five Fingers For Marseilles,” “Urban Cowboy,” “The Hateful Eight, “Space Cowboys,” “The Harder They Fall” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” often having the films playing on a screen during the recording process. Some aspects of the percussion were inspired by the ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ soundtrack, where it was more Bluegrass. This body of work undulates from singing cowboy and Blaxploitation to Spaghetti westerns and fantasy with Beyoncé weaving between personal experiences, honoring Black history, to exaggerated character building. The limited-edition vinyl depicts a microphone in the shape of a gun ala Thelma and Louise running from the law, but the gun is invisible, hyper exaggerated reality.
The character, Cowboy Carter was birth from these experiences and inspired by the original Black cowboys of the American West. The word cowboy itself was used in a derogatory way to describe the former slaves as “boys,” who were the most skilled and had the hardest jobs of handling horses and cattle, alike. In destroying the negative connotation, what remains is the strength and resiliency of these men who were the true definition of Western fortitude.
While RENAISSANCE was a stated rebirth after the Pandemic, COWBOY CARTER is a declarative frequency and academic shift, as the world prepares to shift again, that redefines and rebuilds what is Country and Americana, and who gets to be included. The album opens with “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” a hymn-like alarm that incinerates old ideas about art and the people who create it.
Beyoncé ensconced herself with a stellar group of collaborators, including The-Dream, Pharrell, NO I.D., Raphael Saadiq, Ryan Tedder, Ryan Beatty, Swizz Beatz, Khirye Tyler, Derek Dixie, Ink, Nova Wav, Mamii, Cam, Tyler Johnson, Dave Hamelin, and Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter to find the secret gems in each song. The process, sometimes years in the making, often meant combining pieces of different recordings, changing the instrumentation here, adding a snare there, to land at the perfect spot in the right time.
“This album took over five years,” she says. “It’s been really great to have the time and the grace to be able to take my time with it. I was initially going to put COWBOY CARTER out first, but with the pandemic, there was too much heaviness in the world. We wanted to dance. We deserved to dance. But I had to trust God’s timing.”
And the musical alliance here includes contributions from an impressive list of artists as vocalists, musicians, and orators, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Linda Martell, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, Mylie Cyrus, Post Malone, Jon Batiste, Rhiannon Giddens, Nile Rodgers, Robert Randolph, Gary Clark, Jr., Willie Jones, Brittney Spencer, Shaboozey, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy.
COWBOY CARTER is the musical concoction you did not expect from the world’s most innovative artist and producer, who has made it the norm to push the boundaries in delivering art that challenges the senses. It’s about culture, legacy, and a critical addition to the American songbook from the most important and creative talent in a Century.
“I think people are going to be surprised because I don’t think this music is what everyone expects,” Beyoncé says, “but it’s the best music I’ve ever made.”
Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER is available now via Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records and Sony Music Entertainment.
Radwimps is a well-known Japanese rock band that has garnered a significant following both in Japan and internationally. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and a unique blend of rock, pop, and punk influences. The band has released several critically acclaimed albums and has become known for their energetic live performances.
PULP Live World is bringing the acclaimed band to the Philippines through the RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” in Manila, gracing the Philippine stage for the first time on May 1, 2024, at the Araneta Coliseum.
Yojiro Noda, Yusuke Takeda, and Akira Kuwahara debuted independently in 2003 and later on a major label in 2005. According to the band, Radwimps was formed from two English slang terms, “rad” and “wimp,” a coined word with several meanings, including “excellent weakling.”
Radwimps’ signature sound has not only captivated Japan but also achieved international acclaim, creating music for blockbuster animated films like Makoto Shinkai’s “Your Name,” “Weathering with You,” and “Suzume.” Which won the Best Film Award at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024 held recently. Their songs feature dynamic instrumentation, heartfelt vocals, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love and longing. With infectious hooks and emotional depth, their songs have resonated with fans around the world.
RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” is more than just a music event, as the band continues to make a meaningful impact on their fans and the world at large. Their tour in Asia will kick off on April 6 in Tokyo, followed by Yokohama, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, and Bangkok, ending with a two-day show in Seoul.
RADWIMPS WORLD TOUR 2024 “The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace” in Manila is presented by PULP Live World.
OUR BURNING ROCKSTARS: Xdinary Heroes came back to the Philippines to take the local concert stage with their first-ever solo concert.
Korean rock band Xdinary Heroes held their headlining tour Break the Brake at the New Frontier Theater on March 23; and just like the lyrics in the title of their tour, Filipino Villains just want some more.
The six-piece band, composed of Gun-il, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Junhan and Jooyeon, thrilled the Filipino crowd as they performed a staggering setlist of 25 songs during their 2.5 hour-long concert in the Philippines.
Making their debut under Studio J, JYP Entertainment’s sub-label in 2021, the group has always embraced their rock influences. If you listen closely to their songs, they have layered the usual K-pop sound with blaring guitar riffs, infectious choruses and that indomitable rebellious spirit, all of which have contributed to their dynamic appeal to the younger generation.
Xdinary Heroes loudly made their entrance with “Freddy” and “Come into my head”, the crowd roaring as they played. Their setlist included a good mix of their best hits across their discography including “Test Me”, “Haircut”, “Man in the Box”, “Sucker Punch” and “Strawberry Cake”. The band also played homage to their JYP labelmates and seniors when they covered “Hellevator” by Stray Kids and “Shoot Me” by Day6.
It was the band’s second time in Manila, and Villains just couldn’t get enough of them. All throughout the concert, they sang along to each track, their voices sounding like a karaoke symphony inside the theater.
The mood shifted to a softer tone when they performed their ballads. Jooyeon, the group’s bassist and maknae, let the crowd sing the choruses of “Good Enough” and “Paranoid”. True enough, the Filipino’s passion for singing dominated the airwaves, earning them the band member’s praises.
“Your energy is really explosive. You’re the best crowd”, keyboardist Jungsu said. In the same note, guitarist Junhan also chimed in, “Every time we come here, we’re always excited because your energy is something else. You guys are the best.” After Filipino Villains aced their parts effortlessly, Jooyeon even jested, “it will be our stage now, okay? Let us (the band) sing, too.”
One of the most striking things about their concert is Xdinary Heroes’ relentless energy from start to finish. Even from afar, anyone could see they were having a great time onstage. It was also this energy that kept the crowd hooked to their every move and cheering as loud as possible.
All the members of Xdinary Heroes thanked the crowd again and again. During their ment, they spoke in Korean, backed by a translator. Gun-il spoke in English.
O.de had a sweet message for Villains: “There’s no such thing as ‘forever’, but when we’re with you, forever exists. Because of that, I’ll do everything in my power to give you good memories”.
Gun-il, drummer and leader of the band, expressed his desire to come back to the Philippines to play on a bigger stage next time.
Gaon mentioned that when he came to Manila, he woke up feeling good right away. He said it was all because of the fans that he felt that way. He hopes to come back again soon.
For their encore, they rocked the stage with “X-MAS” and “Happy Death Day” which had the whole theater jumping. As a bonus, they performed “Freakin’ Bad” again, taking their time to interact with the audience. On top of this, everyone who attended got a quick hi-bye session with the band.
In the famed Amoranto Stadium, amidst the scorching heat of the summer sun, hard rock and heavy metal fans gathered for one last time as PULP Summer Slam said its goodbye with the loudest bang.
The longest-running metal festival in Southeast Asia, PULP Summer Slam, came to an end at the Amoranto Stadium last March 23 with its final show, PULP SUMMER SLAM XX WORLDS COLLIDE: THE END. The festival brought together nine internationally acclaimed bands for the most explosive gathering of fiery hard rock/heavy metal bands and fans.
This year’s The SLAM featured a stellar lineup. Worlds have collided, true to the festival’s name, with the likes of headliner and Australia’s PARKWAY DRIVE, Italy’s FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, Brazil’s CRYPTA, South Korea’s ROLLING QUARTZ, Japan’s PROMPTS, the US’s LA DISPUTE, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, OF VIRTUE, and co-headliner STORY OF THE YEAR gracing the Philippine concert stage and giving the festival the rightful end as the most legitimate metal festival for Filipino fans.
Opening and setting the PULP Summer Slam XX stage were Japan’s PROMPTS and South Korea’ ROLLING QUARTZ, followed by Michigan’s OF VIRTUE who kept the audience head banging with songs like “Cannibals” and “Sober”. FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE came out next, embodying their overall aura like an undead orchestra from a bygone era. Their music is a cohesion of classical opera mixed with chugging guitars and demonic growls—a soundtrack of your darkest nightmares.
Brash, harsh and brutal—like a bulldozer running over anything on its path, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY added mayhem to the already frenzied crowd with tracks like “Hellion”, “A Higher Level of Hate”, and “The Sea of Tragic Beasts” keeping the mosh pit energy going. From the confines of Brazil came the all-female death metal group, CRYPTA, who unleashed their sonic fury for the very first time in Manila. Bassist and vocalist Fernanda Lira commanded the stage with intense wickedness and demonic growls, while guitarists Taina Bergamaschi and Jessica di Falchi and drummer Luana Dametto supplied the blistering guitar riffs and bone rattling blast beats.
Like a breath of fresh air, LA DISPUTE came to take on the Philippine concert stage next with vocalist Jordan Dreyer’s eclectic performance and spoken word poetry keeping the energy up and going and reflecting on their music of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of relationships in tracks like “Footsteps at the Pond”, “Andria”, and “King Park”.
PULP Summer Slam XX co-headliner STORY OF THE YEAR entered the stage with fiery as they jump and run around the stage like there’s no tomorrow, partnered by their high octane and passionately filled performances. Tracks like “Anthem of Dying Day” and “Until the Day I Die” got the crowd singing their lungs out with nostalgia filling the air.
As the stage lights goes dim, the crushing intro of “Glitch” reverberated in the air. The crowd went apesh*t as PARKWAY DRIVE, the festival’s headliner, entered the stage. Feeding off each other’s energy, the hungry crowd sang and jump along to every beat of their tracks like “Prey”, “Vice Grip”, and “Wild Eyes”, proving why they are considered a force to reckon with in the heavy music community.
Since its inception in 2000, the PULP Summer Slam has lived up to its promise of becoming the “annual mecca” for heavy metal fans from around the nation and the globe, where they come together to celebrate and support artists and one another in order to maintain the flame of the global heavy metal scene.
It is a privilege for The Philippine Concerts to have seen PULP Summer Slam grow to life throughout the years and to have shared in its path towards becoming Southeast Asia’s longest-running metal festival, as well as the gathering place for many Filipino heavy metal enthusiasts.
‘TYLA’ is now available, featuring Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and more!
A record-setting finish to 2023 set the stage for Grammy award-winning Amapiano pop-R&B superstar Tyla to step firmly into her stardom in 2024, and today the South African superstar makes it official. Tyla’s self-titled debut album, “TYLA”, featuring guest appearances by Travis Scott, Tems, Gunna, Becky G, Skillibeng, and Kelvin Momo is now available.
Along with her debut album, Tyla releases a brand-new music video for the remix of her chart-topping single, “Water,” featuring Travis Scott. The original music video saw its dance choreography garner viral success globally, spawning over 5.6 billion views and 4 million creations just on TikTok in the Southeast Asian region.
In the Philippines alone, “Water” has amassed 3.1 million creations and 3.3 billion views on TikTok, making it the top contributor on the platform. The “Pop-piano” sensation also went viral in Philippine mainstream media late last year, with Filipino superstars Sarah Geronimo and Kathryn Bernardo attracting headlines with their cover performances of “Water.”
Tyla is a 15-track affair and the first full-length offering from the singer, who struck gold (and platinum) with her hit single, “Water,” one of 2023’s biggest hits that has accomplished 766 Million Streams worldwide to date. Across Southeast Asia, the single achieved 4X Platinum certification in Singapore and Malaysia, and Gold certification in the Philippines.
On her debut album, Tyla introduces her supporters to the full scope of the African pop star within, taking each listener on a journey driven by Amapiano and interpolated with a multitude of the genres that have inspired Tyla throughout her young life, including Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B.
Tracks like “Safer,” “Truth Or Dare,” and the Becky G-featured “On My Body” will recall the timeless energy of “Water,” while elsewhere, Tyla expands her range. Gunna and Skillibeng join her for a high-octane Hip Hop anthem, and “Butterflies” is a viscous R&B ballad devoid of Tyla’s customary upbeat tempos.
“When I listen to the album, I’m so proud of it,” Tyla told Rolling Stone last week. “I just see our sound going so far: the culture, the words, the slang. Even just Joburg — the thought of people now singing about Joburg.”
The release of Tyla follows a historic second half of 2023 for Tyla, who became the highest-charting female soloist in African history on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 when “Water” peaked as the #7 song in the nation. Along with this accolade came an RIAA Platinum certification and Tyla’s first GRAMMY nomination. In February, that became a GRAMMY victory, for “Best African Music Performance,” in a crowded field that included Davido, WizKid, and Burna Boy.
“The Tyla story is one that has already inspired millions of people,” says Ezekiel Lewis, President of Epic Records. “Her young star is on the rise, and this project marks one more step towards the achievement of a global music fan base rooted in the touch and feel of Amapiano, R&B, and Pop. Her music is an export of African music and culture “The Tyla Way”, and we are eager to share this amazing body of work with the world. Stay Tuned.” Fans in search of the full suite of the TYLA album experience are encouraged to check out the singer’s merch bundle, which includes autographed vinyl options, streetwear, and, in true pop star fashion, an album poster. Shop the TYLA capsule here.
Tyla’s self-titled album, TYLA is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment/Epic.
More Filipino content has found its home on Netflix!
Keep your eyes peeled for March, April, and June, as seven Filipino gems grace your Netflix screens! These movies stand as a testament to the captivating storytelling prowess of Filipino filmmakers, with narratives spanning from the mundane to the truly bizarre and horrific.
If you’ve missed their theatrical run, don’t worry—these films are coming together on one platform starting this month, with the highest-grossing Filipino film of all time, Rewind, leading the charge! Here’s a guide and the movies’ Netflix launch dates before you schedule your next binge-watch session!
REWIND
Launch date: March 25, 2024
Summary: When his wife dies while their marriage is in tatters, a man makes a strange deal sending him to the past to turn it around — in exchange for his life.
Starring real-life husband and wife tandem Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Rewind tells the story of John, a man granted the opportunity to return to the ill-fated day when his wife Mary tragically passed away, in a bid to alter the events that led to her untimely demise. The film is replete with themes of family and marriage, ultimately posing the question: What are you willing to sacrifice for a chance to turn back time and save the person you love?
BECKY AND BADETTE
Launch date: April 4, 2024
Summary: Two broke best friends unexpectedly find stardom after pretending to be lovers at their school reunion — until an old flame triggers a fierce rivalry.
Anyone who has lived paycheck-to-paycheck will relate to the struggles of best friends Becky and Badette as they try to make ends meet, clocking day in and day out, and dreaming of stumbling upon that one glorious opportunity to finally make it big—except these two actually did. Pokwang and Eugene Domingo star in this comedy as best friends who fed up with their lives, went viral after falsely coming out as a lesbian couple, with the bit eventually becoming grounds for years-long rivalry and bitterness to surface.
GOMBURZA
Launch date: April 9, 2024
Summary: Embroiled in a bitter campaign against inequality, three priests suffer the fury of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. Based on historical events.
If you need to brush up on your knowledge on what transpired during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines, watching GomBurZa might be a good way to start. The movie tells the story of Fr. Mariano Gomez, Fr. Jose Burgos, and Fr. Jacinto Zamora, played by Dante Rivero, Cedrick Juan, and Enchong Dee respectively, three Catholic priests executed in 1872 for suspicions of sedition, offering a revolting insight into one of the most pivotal moments in Philippine history.
KAMPON
Launch date: April 18, 2024
Summary: Strange events plague an ex-cop after he takes in a girl who insists that she’s his daughter. Now he sets out to learn who she is and what she’s after.
Clark and Eileen have been married for eight years and have endured their friends’ and family’s goading at the fact that they’re childless—until a child turns up at their home claiming to be Clark’s daughter. But the question is… is she really? Derek Ramsey and Beauty Gonzales star in this horror film that puts “black arts” at the forefront of its story, unraveling a chilling tale of family secrets and the supernatural.
FAMILY OF TWO
Launch date: June 1, 2024
Summary: A devoted son who is bent on giving his devoted mother a good life is faced with a dilemma when the object of his affection decides to migrate. To be able to follow his love, the son needs to find his mother a good man to look after her. But the brief separation of the mother-son leads to deeper realizations of what they truly want and need in life.
Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards star in Family of Two, a poignant and endearing film about a single mother and her son. Faced with the dilemma of wanting to uproot his life and move abroad with the love of his life, Matty (Richards) makes it his goal to find his mom a suitable partner to make his pending migration easy for her. This soon tested the bond between mother and son, eventually paving the way for unexpected challenges and heartwarming moments that we’re all too familiar with.
PENDUKO
Launch date: June 7, 2024
Summary: A 20-year-old wimp who was raised in the U.S. will go on a journey in the Philippines after his Father died to search for his mother only to discover a curse and evil forces destroying the town.
Penduko is a remake of the beloved franchise, with Matteo Guidicelli portraying the titular character. In this retelling, Pedro is a young man who journeys back to his province and ultimately embraces a group of unlikely heroes, along with the unexpected supernatural powers he inherited from his ancestors. Together, they fight to fend off the evil running amok in their town.
MALLARI
Launch date: June 21, 2024
Summary: In search of his family’s supernatural cure for his dying girlfriend, Jonathan Mallari digs into his 1800s serial killer priest ancestor, Severino — triggering, not a cure but a curse: malevolent hauntings, uncontrollable soul travel, and the mysterious return of the serial killer in the present day. Jonathan soon learns that to heal his girlfriend, he will have to kill too, just as his ancestor Severino did. Will Jonathan use the ancestral curse: kill so that his beloved girlfriend can live?
Mallari centers around the fictional descendant of Fr. Severino Mallari, infamously known as the ‘first recorded serial killer in the Philippines’. Jonathan, portrayed by seasoned actor Piolo Pascual, driven by his own quest to find a cure for his dying girlfriend, Agnes (Janella Salvador), delves into the motivations behind his ancestor’s early 1800s murders. His search leads him to their ancestral home, where he eventually discovers not what he’s looking for, but generations’ worth of curse. Mallari has a non-linear narrative, with Pascual portraying three different roles across three generations, weaving a series of events into one cohesive storyline.
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P-Pop star Josh Cullen and prolific rapper Al James come together in “Yoko Na,” their collaborative new single released under Sony Music Entertainment.
Lyrics-wise, “Yoko Na” expresses the words left unsaid in the middle of a relationship fallout. It acknowledges how a kind of love that was once full of life and promises could suddenly fall apart even after trying one’s best to stick it out until the very end.
The song bears the hallmarks of a summer anthem, thanks to its infectious rap verses from both artists, an inescapable chorus, and a vibrant arrangement that blends modern hip-hop and R&B sensibilities with emotional flair.
Brian Lotho, who co-produced the track with Josh, captures the essence of the lyrics with steely defiance, adding an extra layer of authenticity by injecting unique elements such as the sound of bottles shattering, tables flipping, and other little sonic details that evoke irreparable brokenness.
“Well, Yoko Na is like the product of a soul-baring session with my producer, Brian Lotho,” Josh Cullen explains. “For this particular jam, we traded cliched love stories with messy, real-life situations that ordinary people encounter on a daily basis: the frustrations and struggles from past relationships, and somehow confronted it with a more mature take. It’s a song that’s raw, honest, and straight from the heart.”
The partnership came to fruition after realizing that Al James’ style of laid-back rapping somehow fits the demo that Brian and Josh have been working on for months. Josh admits that he mustered the courage to ask the viral hitmaker to be part of the track despite the short notice. Luckily, Al James said yes and sent his verse a few days ahead of the deadline.
When asked about how Al James is as a collaborator, he said nothing but praise for the Pa-umaga act. “He’s very chill. He submitted the reworked track ahead of time and recorded his parts in less than an hour. I really admire his level of professionalism. After that, we just bonded instantly and went on a food trip.”
Josh Cullen and Al James’ “Yoko Na” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.
The 3.5-Hour Concert Film Garnered 4.6 Million Views and 16.2 Million Hours on Disney+ in its Opening Weekend
Philippines. March 20, 2024 – “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)” continues its record-breaking streak with 4.6 million views* on Disney+ in 3 days, making it the No. 1 music film ever on the platform. Taylor Swift fans headed to Disney+ and recorded a total of 16.2 million hours of the blockbuster 3.5-hour concert film this weekend.
Disney+ is the only place to watch the show in its entirety for the first time —complete with songs only seen before at live concerts. Taylor Swift fans were able to see the performances of new songs such as “cardigan” as well as four additional acoustic songs: “Maroon,” “Death by a Thousand Cuts,” “You Are in Love,” and “I Can See You.”
From the 14-time GRAMMY®-winning artist, “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” grossed a record-breaking nearly $262 million worldwide at the global box office and is another example of Disney+ being home to major events. “Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” “Black Is King: A Film by Beyoncé,” and “The Beatles: Get Back” are all currently streaming on Disney+. Not to mention, Swift’s own, “folklore: the long pond studio sessions.”
* A view is defined as total stream time divided by runtime.
On March 16, 2024, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo returned to the Philippines to present the CHA EUN WOO 2024 JUST ONE 10 MINUTE [MYSTERY ELEVATOR] IN MANILA to his AROHAs in the nation at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, creating wonderful memories during this visit. The singer-actor was thrilled to be back with his fans and perform his fourth solo show in the local event scene, having not seen them in nearly a year.
As always, he was greeted with the utmost affection and cheer in the Philippines, and he returned the favor by giving incredible performances, some of which were from his first mini album, ENTITY, which came out just a month ago. With his performance of Lee Hyori’s “10 Minutes” and his song “Fu*king Great Time,” the singer-actor, who is presently showcasing a different side of himself through his drama Wonderful World, immediately drew out performer Cha Eun Woo.
Photo courtesy of Fantagio, PULP Live World, and Joel H. Garcia
He went on to welcome Philippine AROHA to his fan concert with “Kumusta po kayo. Ako si Cha Eun Woo.” He stated that regardless of how frequently they encounter him, he hopes that everyone has a wonderful time—which he gave to every audience member as he offered his best performance and gamely participated in the segments that allowed fans to get to know him better.
With his rendition of Backstreet Boys’ “As Long As You Love Me,” the Wonderful World actor, who gave careful thought to every element of his fan concert dedicated to his AROHA, brought back the vibes of a 90s boyband on the Philippine concert stage. Along with his OSTs, “Love Sailing” from Decibel, “Jealousy” from A Good Day to be a Dog, “Love So Fine” from True Beauty, and his solo song “First Love,” he also performed more songs from his first EP, including “U&I,” “You’re the best,” “Stay,” and “Memories,” and a medley of ASTRO’s “Crazy Sexy Cool,” “Knock,” and “Candy Sugar Pop.”
Photo courtesy of Fantagio, PULP Live World, and Joel H. GarciaPhoto courtesy of Fantagio, PULP Live World, and Joel H. Garcia
Furthermore, Cha Eun Woo displayed his endearing side by enthusiastically engaging in each segment and fulfilling fans’ requests. He wore a cat headband and gloves, a crown, and a school blazer that resembled The Golden Bell Challenge uniform. Above all, though, his love for AROHAs, whom he showered with the most tender words, “AROHA, I LOVE U!,” shone through the fan concert.
As he expressed his gratitude for their steadfast support throughout the years, he was equally astounded by the affection of his Filipino admirers. He remarked, “I felt the great energy of Filipino fans once again.” True enough, his admirers provided him cherished memories throughout the event, as they were the first to sing him a birthday song in honor of his forthcoming big day on March 30th.
Along with fan banners, they also set up a VCR playing a special message that said, “We hope you are doing well, and know that we are doing well because of you. Thank you for your existence. Mahal ka namin, Cha Eun Woo.” With that statement, the ASTRO member delivered his own message to his fans, saying, “It made me realize that I really want to make more great memories with you,” and promising to return to the Philippines.
In that wonderful world with Cha Eun Woo and AROHA, love and gratitude reigned supreme, and great memories were brought home to cherish till the next JUST ONE 10 MINUTE with the ever-wonderful Cha Eun Woo.
Photo courtesy of Fantagio, PULP Live World, and Joel H. GarciaThe most special memory with Cha Eun Woo and Philippine AROHAs. (Photo courtesy of Fantagio, PULP Live World, and Joel H. Garcia)
Special thanks to PULP Live World.
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