The Rise of Filipino Music

The music of the Philippines has undergone a unique evolution, influenced by both Spanish and American colonial rule. As a result, local genres such as Manila Sound and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) have emerged. Manila Sound began in the mid-1970s in Metro Manila and gained popularity during the Philippine martial law era. This genre paved the way for OPM, originally used to describe Pop music in the 70s, but now encompasses all popular music composed and performed by Filipinos. Today, OPM includes genres such as Pop, Rock, and Hip-Hop. Three out of ten top playlists on Spotify Philippines are dedicated to this genre, affirming its significant nationwide following. It has also reached international audiences, with listeners from Singapore, the United States, and Hong Kong.

Pinoy Pop or P-Pop, a contemporary Pop music genre originating in the Philippines, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. With increased quality, investment, and variety, P-Pop has matched the country’s rapid economic growth and a resurgence of its Asian identity. This evolution has been heavily influenced by K-pop and J-pop, increasing Asian-style ballads and idol groups and less reliance on Western genres.

P-Pop has become popular among millennial Filipinos and mainstream culture like the Korean and Japanese waves. P-Pop groups such as MNL48, SB19, BGYO, BINI, and others are popularizing the genre locally and internationally. MNL48 has 13 sister groups worldwide, while SB19’s “Top Social Artist” nomination at the Billboard Music Awards is a testament to the group’s global success. The Filipino boy band has also been chosen as the NCCA Youth Ambassador and the face of Sentro Rizal, the Philippines’ cultural hub for Filipinos overseas.

The Philippines has been recognized as the first country in Asia to have a Hip-Hop music scene, which can be traced back to the early 1980s. This could be attributed to the country’s historical ties with the United States, where Hip-Hop originated.

Filipino Hip-Hop, also known as Pinoy Hip-Hop or Pinoy Rap, is a genre of Hip-Hop music that musicians of Filipino descent perform. This music style has gained popularity in the Philippines and overseas, particularly among Filipino Americans. apl.de.ap, a member of the Black Eyed Peas, has achieved immense success as a mainstream Filipino-American rapper. He has even founded his own record label, Jeepney Music, based in Los Angeles, through which he has discovered and promoted Filipino Hip-Hop talent from both the United States and the Philippines.

OPM Rock is a widely recognized genre in the Philippines, featuring local artists and bands who sing in either Filipino or English. However, the Philippine music scene is expanding, with a growing number of alternative, R&B, and tribal bands that are promoting cultural awareness about the Philippine Islands. These diverse genres are often accompanied by an array of traditional and modern instruments that showcase the unique sound of Philippine music.

According to the 2022 Spotify Wrapped, Pop and Hip-Hop/R&B have emerged as the most popular genres in the country. While international artists like Taylor Swift, BTS, and Justin Bieber dominate the charts, local artists such as Singer-Songwriter Zack Tabudlo, Folk-Pop band Ben&Ben, R&B star Arthur Nery, Moira Dela Torre, and Adie are also making waves in the industry.

Author: admin

PARI Official Site Developer and Administrator