WAIIAN celebrates the legacy of his 2025 debut studio album, BACKSHOTS, with ‘The BACKSHOTS Late 1st Anniversary Show,’ happening on May 15, 2026, at 123 Block, Mandaluyong City.
Co-presented by Sony Music Entertainment and Lightning in a Bottle Studios (LIAB Studios), the show celebrates the acclaimed record by presenting the entire album in a live band format.
“This album is one of my proudest works, and it’s meant to be celebrated as a whole, especially since I personally enjoyed creating and listening to it. It just felt right to do it now since our band has better synergy when we play together throughout the year,” the Pinoy Hip-Hop Mixtape 2025 inductee shares.
The anniversary show will also feature performances from various collaborators and rising artists within the hip-hop community, as well as labelmates, including Karmela Roxy, Bad Indie Eye, Nicole Anjela, SHNTI, Yorko, DJ MILKY, Kartell’em, DJ Bebi Keychain, Alisson Shore, and La Mave.
Since its release in March 2025, BACKSHOTS has gained a cult following, thanks to the WAIIAN’s songwriting, storytelling, and authenticity. What makes it an interesting artistic endeavor is how he takes pride in making music that is deeply rooted in its own identity rather than chasing trends.
To celebrate the (late) anniversary of BACKSHOTS, listen to the album below:
Exclusive, limited-edition event merchandise will also be available for attendees of the show.
The show follows WAIIAN’s inclusion in Spotify’s RADAR 2026 program and serves as a prelude to another exciting album release slated for later in 2026.
