Filipino boy band SB19 have released their first single of 2022.
WYAT (Where You At) came out on Friday, along with a Grease-inspired music video, which shows the group wearing Danny Zuko-style leather jackets. Additionally, their hair is styled into impressive quiffs.
The five-piece band is made up of Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Justin. Their latest hit has been produced by Pablo and his brother Josue Nase. The lyrics explore forming bonds and reconnection after a difficult period.
“We’ve been performing for almost half of our lives together, and due to the pandemic, our world was suddenly put on hold,” Pablo said of the single in a statement.
“I felt a disconnection among the group brought about by the lockdown, and I’ve wanted to reach out to them through this song.”
SB19 are perhaps the most obviously K-pop-influenced band of the current crop of Pinoy stars. They were created by the newly formed Philippines branch of Korean entertainment agency ShowBT after an extensive talent search in 2016 — their name comes from the "SB" of their agency, and subtracting the Philippine’s international dialling code, +63, from Korea’s +82.
Once selected, in fine K-pop fashion, Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken, and Justin were put through almost three years of rigorous training in how to be the perfect pop stars by their mentor agency. They were also connected with Korean writers and producers before being unleashed on the world with their debut single Tilaluha at the end of 2018.
It was with the 2019 follow-up, Go Up, when things really took off. A K-pop fan account using the handle @BAE_Sodu tweeted a video of the group practising the dance to the single in September of that year and the clip picked up almost 4.5 million views.
In March, the band visited Dubai to perform at Expo 2020 and were joined by Idol Philippines winner Zephanie Dimaranan and Filipino actor, comedian and YouTuber Chad Kinis.
Click through the gallery below to see highlights from SB19's Expo 2020 Dubai performance
-
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'.
