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Meet Alamat, the P-pop group you should keep an eye on
With SB19's triumph on the global stage through their PAGTATAG tour and their song “GENTO” gaining recognition as an approved entry to the 2024 Grammys, the meteoric rise of P-pop is undeniable.
One group making its mark in the industry? Alamat.
It's a six-member boy group formed by Viva Artists Agency in collaboration with director Jason Paul Laxamana’s Ninuno Media in 2020.
From the get-go, Alamat was conceptualized to be multilingual and multiethnic, with the members hailing from different parts of the country: Tomas from Albay, R-Ji from Eastern Samar, Taneo from Kalinga, Mo from Zambales, Jao from Pampanga, and Alas from Davao.
Each member’s roots figure into the group’s uniqueness, enabling them to incorporate seven Philippine languages into their music: Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Waray-Waray, Hiligaynon, and Bisaya.
Besides their multilingual approach and departure from the influences of K-pop and J-pop, Alamat actively celebrates the richness of the Philippines' cultural heritage through their music. The group seamlessly weaves references to well-known myths and mythological figures into their lyrics and visuals, paying tribute to narratives featuring Bathala, Magindara, and even the spine-chilling aswang that has been part of stories we hear in childhood.
‘Pasulong,’ FIBA Performance, and ‘Awit Awards’ Nominations
In just three years since its formation, Alamat has garnered significant recognition. The group's debut single, “kbye,” secured the second spot on Billboard's Next Big Sound chart in 2021.
This was followed by the release of their EP “Pasulong” in 2022, featuring tracks such as “Maharani,” “Aswang,” and “Gayuma.”
“Pasulong” stands as a pivotal achievement for the group, earning multiple nominations at the 2023 Awit Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Performance by a Group for their hit “Maharani.”
Translated to English, “Alamat” means “legend,” and the group indeed proved their legendary potential when they graced the opening ceremonies of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup on August 25, captivating a record-breaking audience.
Dressed in the exquisite ANTONINA suits by Filipino fashion designer Nina Amoncio, Alamat mesmerized the crowd with a live performance of “Maharani,” showcasing their ability to command the stage alongside renowned OPM chart-toppers such as Ben&Ben, Sarah Geronimo, and The Dawn.
“IsaPuso” and “Dagundong”
As a follow-up to “Pasulong,” Alamat is set to release their first LP titled “IsaPuso” on November 3, along with the debut of the title track on the same day.
In a series of teasers on social media, the group gradually revealed the track list of “IsaPuso,” including songs titled “Dayang,” “Dong-Dong-Ay,” and “Manila Dreams.” The group’s dedicated fan base, collectively known as “Magiliw,” has expressed excitement over the upcoming album launch, eagerly anticipating what the group has in store.
Alamat is expected to end the year with its first solo concert happening on December 1 at the New Frontier Theater. Titled “Dagundong,” the show promises to be the “ultimate Alamat experience” that fans shouldn’t miss. Tickets can be bought here.
— LA, GMA Integrated News
