Filipino boy band SB19 played a one-off show at Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday on the first stop of their new WYAT (Where You At) world tour.
Even though the five-piece — Pablo, Stell, Ken, Justin and Josh — performed earlier this year at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Sheikh Rashid Hall concert venue was packed with fans holding glow sticks and recording clips of the band onstage as they performed their greatest hits, including Mapa, Bazinga and their latest single Wyat (Where You At).
“It was a blast, we had the best night,” Sheryl Iman told The National. “We just really enjoyed the night from start to finish, we even enjoyed the sound check.”
Iman, who has been a fan of the band since their 2019 hit Go Up went viral, is head of the United A’Tin of Emirates fan group in the UAE, which has more than 120 members.
“The concert was electrifying and surreal,” she says. “Even though we saw them in March for Expo 2020, seeing them again performing live in front of us was so surreal. I have no words for how amazing they were.”
SB19 have not only gained legions of fans across the world since the release of their debut single in 2018, but have already broken records as a Filipino boy band.
While there are plenty of P-pop groups in the Philippines, SB19’s contemporary sound melded with their own Filipino flair, has been credited for paving the way for many up-and-coming acts in the genre.
Last year, the group picked up a nomination for an MTV Europe Music Award and became the first South-East Asian act to be nominated for a Billboard Top Social Artist Award. They kept this success going by spending seven weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Trending Songs chart this year, breaking K-pop superstars BTS’s record for Butter in the process.
Known as the biggest P-pop band of their generation, SB19’s rise to fame has really struck a chord with their fans.
“Their talent is exceptional and when they perform they give more than 100 per cent on stage,” says Iman.
“They started on their own without having any connections. They only had their fans who supported them from 2018 so their story is something close to our hearts, because their story is our story.”
SB19’s WYAT world tour continues on to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Singapore.
SB19 perform at Expo 2020 Dubai — in pictures
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Filipino boy band SB19 performed at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 16, 2022. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
The band, which consists of members Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin, arrived in Dubai on Wednesday morning. -
The band put on a high-energy performance at the DEC Arena but fans reported technical difficulties on the night. -
Expo 2020 Dubai apologised for 'technical issues during the SB19 concert'. -
Dedicated fans turned out to see their favourite band perform live. -
The group are known by the nickname Mahalima by fans. -
Ahead of the concert, they tweeted: 'SB19 at EXPO 2020 Dubai. Mahalima says hi as they get ready for their performance.' -
#MarhabaSB19inDubai was trending on Twitter as the band made their arrival in the UAE. -
SB19 made their debut in 2018 and are known for hits 'Bazinga' and 'Mapa'. -
SB19 were the first Filipino and South-East Asian act to be nominated in the Billboard Music Awards. -
SB19 have a global OPM fanbase; OPM stands for original Pinoy music. -
Loyal SB19 fans at the Expo 2020 Dubai concert. -
The band performed at Expo 2020 Dubai during its last two weeks. -
Filipino actor, comedian and YouTuber Chad Kinis warmed the crowd up for SB19. -
Chad Kinis on stage at Expo 2020 Dubai. -
Filipino singer Zephanie Dimaranan also took to the stage. -
Zephanie Dimaranan is known by her stage name Zephanie. -
Zephanie was the winner of the first season of 'Idol Philippines'.
