After quite some time, SB19 have just dropped a brand new single titled “VISA” — tackling socially relevant themes that millions of Filipinos can easily resonate with in the process.
Blending their signature use of pop hooks and rap verses with piercing lyricism and unconventional production styles, the new single sees PABLO, STELL, JOSH, KEN, and JUSTIN lending a voice to the everyday Filipinos who work to transform their circumstances and establish more secure futures for the ones they love, diving into their everyday struggles with the local visa application process. Through expressing the exasperation that many OFWs, athletes, professionals, and even artists like themselves have felt over the years, the five-piece force gets to “call out the invisible cages that restrict opportunities” for any representative of the Philippines. And as artists who have recently embarked on several sold-out shows across the globe, such experiences are surely something they’ve felt as of late.
“We were very affected by visa applications during our tour,” says PABLO in an official press statement. “SB19 has been active for seven years, and we hope that songs like these can reach officials and encourage laws that make it easier for athletes, artists, and others working overseas to access visas. This could include creative acts, producing content, or receiving rebates for spending related to the arts. This is not just an attempt to produce music, but to push Filipino culture forward. There is little support from the government, so it is important that our work can make an impact not only personally but also on a national level.”
Such sentiments are echoed by JOSH, who acknowledges the struggles of fellow Filipino talents, specifically those of athletes. “I have always had this dream during our tour, as someone who represents the Philippines all over the world. I have also seen the struggles of athletes when they represent the country. They give so much for the Philippines, but it often feels like the country does not give back. There needs to be a change,” he shares – with JUSTIN chiming in their personal experience, “We are highly skilled and hardworking, and we’ve significantly contributed to raising the morale of Filipinos abroad, as well as impacting the economy in positive ways. But somehow, it often feels like we are at the end of the line.”
For STELL, he notes that the single turns the page for the next chapter of SB19’s career, allowing them to be more outspoken and unflinching with the messaging of their artistry. “This release will really define SB19’s sound, personality, and the way we present ourselves,” Stell admits. “We have always been known for being vocal, but this time it is even stronger. We are addressing sensitive and current topics that people can relate to, even if not everyone agrees with us. We are ready to face any reaction. This release is very powerful and a strong way to start the year and introduce this new era.”
The new single from the Kings of P-pop marks the beginning of a brand new era for them, following the massive success of everything that transpired with their previous EP, Simula at Wakas. Following the record’s impressive hold upon listeners nationwide, the group embarked on their Simula at Wakas World Tour, hitting multiple shows across the United States, the Middle East, and Australia after selling out two consecutive nights at the Philippine Arena. Earlier this February, SB19 also dropped their first live album in honor of those two shows, titledSimula at Wakas: Kickoff Concert Album, which features reimagined renditions of some of their greatest hits, such as “Moonlight,” “GENTO,” “8TonBall,” “What,” and several others.
To mark the official conclusion of the era, the group recently announced the Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert finale, which is set to take place at the SMDC Festival Grounds this upcoming April 18, 2026. Tickets to the show are set to be made available for pre-sale beginning February 27 and general onsale on February 28, 2026 here.
Listen to SB19’s latest single “VISA” below: