SB19 And BINI Discuss What It Means To Pave The Way For P-Pop’s Global Ascent

As two of P-pop’s most recognizable figures, both SB19 and BINI have largely contributed to the rising popularity of the genre worldwide.

With each of their respective releases, the two trailblazers have further put Filipino music on the international map –– gaining a steady following of supporters all across the globe. As they appear on Billboard Philippines‘ premiere podcast series, Volumes, both groups get to share their reflections on what they’ve learned about themselves and the genre over the years.

“P-pop is basically just pop –– pero gawa sa puso ng Pilipino [P-pop is basically just pop –– but made from the hearts of Filipinos.],” says SB19’s Justin –– to which the entire group agrees. BINI’s leader Jhoanna also shares her thoughts on what makes the genre unique, noting its flair with how it incorporates a blend of traditional Filipino elements with a mix of what other countries have been doing with several genres. “Kailangan tayo maging adaptive diba? Pwede namin embrace young local heritage natin pero pwede din mag explore ng mga tunog sa global stage,” she states.

[“We need to become adaptive, right? We can embrace our local heritage, but we can also explore the sounds that we see from the global stage.”]

The group also tackle the topic of incorporating the local dialects from their respective regional backgrounds into their music, which SB19’s Ken, BINI’s Maloi, and BINI’s Mikha shared their thoughts on. “Bisaya is beautiful, and that’s why it’s so important. It’s a thing to unite people because hindi mo kailangan intindihan yung lyrics ng bawat kanta, because you don’t try to understand music –– you feel it. And that’s beautiful,” Ken mentions.

[“Bisaya is beautiful, and that’s why it’s so important. It’s a thing to unite people because you don’t need to understand all the lyrics of each song because you don’t try to understand music –– you feel it. And that’s beautiful.”]

“I think it’s really important to have representation because I think that shows we all get to share our music and our culture. everything in the world, this is why we do world tours, other than gathering people to learn more about our music. It’s our way of raising the Filipino flag and representing our nation and the talent it brings, the culture, and its language, and the warmth of the people really,” Mikha adds.

Yet beyond the aspect of representation, the group also discusses the momentum of P-pop –– also looking back at the particular moment wherein they knew the genre changed. “P-pop really changed everything and parang naramdaman ko na talaga when BINI made it. To be honest, before, yung nangyayari was that mahirap for other P-pop artists to go cross borders. but ever since BINI made it, sila din naging inspiration for other P-pop artists to strive more, na may pag-asa talaga with P-pop,” SB19’s Josh points out.

“P-pop really changed everything and I really felt it when BINI made it. To be honest, before, what was happening was that it was hard for other P-pop artists to go cross borders. but ever since BINI made it, they’ve become the inspiration inspiration for other P-pop artists to strive more, and to realize that there really is hope for P-pop.”]

“Matagal na kaming pinupush [yun], pero naisip ko kung mas marami tayo –– mas marereach namin, so when they made it, parang even me nainspire ako sa movement na yun na its finally happening. For sure yung susunod na generations, mas maraming magbloblow-up,” he further adds.

[“We’ve been pushing it for a long time, but I realized that if there were more of us out there –– then we’d be able to reach more people. So when BINI made it, even I found myself inspired by them because of the movement and its realization that it was finally happening. For sure with future generations, there will be more people who will blow up.”]

Taking the time to share what each of them admires about each other’s respective groups and what else they hope to see as support for artists of the genre, both SB19 and BINI are also able to demonstrate the special and unique aspects of what makes their music so cherished on the global stage.

To see all the best moments from their insightful exchange of ideas, make sure to watch the full episode of Billboard Philippines Volumes featuring SB19 and BINI below:

All pieces worn by BINI from Gucci. Accessories by Earl Gariando. Styling by Daryl Chang, assisted by Kurt Abonal and Maria Paz Gamuz. SB19 styled by TEAMRAINXEM.