Ben&Ben have released an official statement regarding the accusations made by Filipino rock band Tanya Markova.
Taking to their official Facebook account today (August 19, 2024) to clear the air, the folk-pop band shared their side of the story regarding what has been said about their recent performance at FEU Diliman and Tanya Markova’s statements hurled towards the group in a recent episode of the podcast, Koolpals. Here’s what they had to say in their full-length statement below:
“On the Tanya Markova Issue:
We would like to put an end to the accusations constantly being made, further insinuated by a guesting of Tanya Markova, on the podcast of Koolpals.
It was never the intention nor the action of the band nor the band’s management to sideline other artists during the “Camanava” grand rally. It was the responsibility of the organizers to take accountability for the logistical mishaps of the said event. The band itself was also a victim of the unforeseen delays, as with Tanya Markova and the other groups. This is indicated in the full message that we have sent to the management of Tanya Markova, and other involved parties, back in 2022.
Nonetheless, as early as the next few days after the event, the band had gone to the extent of scheduling a meeting with the parties involved, and apologizing on behalf of the organizers, even if the band had no decision-making authority in the sequence of events.
The band had taken the extra steps of reaching out not only to Tanya Markova, but to all the other affected performers, even if it was the responsibility of the organizers of the event to own up and be accountable.
We have screenshots and receipts as proof of this.
Furthermore, we condemn the use of homophobic slur as a means of insult and discrimination.
In all this, we hope this finally brings truth out, and holds the right parties accountable.”
The issue was brought to light recently due to the band’s recent performance at an event at FEU Diliman last August 17, 2024. The group was accused of being the main reason why other musical performers were sidelined and unable to perform at the event, with many netizens accusing the “Kathang Isip” hitmakers of hindering acts like Dwta from performing. Due to the noticeable amount of people stirring up the issue, others related the situation to what the members of Tanya Markova have been instigating since their Camanava Grand Rally performance in 2022.
In their guest episode of the Koolpals podcast, Tanya Markova stated that Ben&Ben had made their way on the stage before their supposed schedule, changing up the order of performers for the rally — including the colorful rock band. While Tanya Markova noted that several other bands were disappointed due to the change, they stated that they were the only band who was willing to speak up and air their grievances on the matter. Supposedly, they mentioned that Ben&Ben feigned ignorance on the matter, stating that they did not know that their insertion into the order of the program affected other performers of the event, adding that they believed they were the last band to play. Tanya Markova also noted that they mentioned all this despite asking audiences to support the next batch of performers following their set.
Listen to Ben&Ben’s recently released single “Salbabida” below: