Rivermaya, Gloc-9 and Kamikazee bring Filipino rock and rap to Dubai

Three of the leading names in the Philippine music scene join forces in Dubai on November 7 for what promises to be an evening to remember.

Rivermaya. Courtesy Spicy Lemon

Rock and rap collide as three of the leading names in the Philippine music scene join forces in Dubai on November 7 Rivermaya, Gloc-9 and Kamikazee share the bill in what promises to be an evening to remember.

Rivermaya

One of the most influential and revered Filipino groups to emerge during the 1990s band explosion, Rivermaya have endured countless line-up changes and shifts in musical trends and tastes.

The band now comprises Mike Elgar (guitars, vocals), Ryan Peralta (drums and percussions), Norby David (bass and vocals) and the sole remaining original member, Mark Escueta (vocals, guitars and drums).

But while band members have come and gone over the years, the hits have stood the test of time. This was evident during the band’s visit to Dubai last year, where fans sang along throughout the show.

“Definitely one of the best produced shows we did,” says Peralta, referring to that gig. “The crowd, the venue and the sound were great. Overall, it was a good first time for all of us.”

All members agree that the band’s relationships are stronger than ever and they are looking forward to many more years of creating new music to fuel the band’s legacy.

“Since day one, this band has existed to write new music, perform live and enjoy everything in-between,” says Escueta. “Through the years, there have been changes in line-up and changes in record label and management, but the fundamentals have always remained the same. We love what we do and I know our fans see and appreciate that, which is why their support is unconditional.”

Gloc-9

Gloc-9 – also known as Aristotle Pollisco – is not interested in taking credit for bringing rap and hip-hop to mainstream Philippine entertainment.

“There were other Filipino rap artists before me and they opened the doors for me and other local rappers,” he says. “I guess I’m also lucky that by the time I was ready to dish out the kind of songs that I had in mind, the audience were also ready to listen.”

Gloc-9’s humble beginnings and his affinity with the plight of the masses are reflected in his lyrics. The 37-year-old songwriter and rapper does not identify with the flash and lavish lifestyle most commonly associated with the genre. Instead, he writes and sings about topics that hit closer to home: poverty, gender inequality, corruption and injustice.

“It’s all first-hand experiences in the sense that these are the scenes that I witnessed growing up in the suburbs [of Binangonan, Rizal], then finding my way to Manila to work,” he says. “These are the stories that are familiar to most of us.

“In terms of inspiration, I’m just interested in individual stories of people and what they’re going through – that fuels my writing.”

Through his songs, Gloc-9 hopes to capture reality and present it through lyrics steeped in rhythmic poetry.

“It’s not a conscious effort to raise awareness,” he says. “But if my songs are able to do that, then I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Kamikazee

Rock ’n’ roll is synonymous with rebellion. But it is also about having fun and not taking life too seriously.

Founded in 2000, the Filipino rock band Kamikazee – Jay Contreras (vocals), Jomal Linao (lead guitar), Led Tuyay (lead and rhythm guitars), Puto Astete (bass) and Allan Bords Burdeos (drums) – have certainly succeeded in blended rock music with wit and humour.

The band have released four studio albums – Kamikazee (2002), Maharot (2006), Long Time Noisy (2009) and Romantico (2012) – which have spawned hit singles such as Tsinelas, Chiksilog, Ambisyoso, Narda and Tagpuan.

But more than the memorable singles, Kamikazee are known for being one of the most exciting live acts in the Manila rock scene. The band’s live shows are notorious for stage antics that range from no-nonsense punk abandon to stand-up comedy-like sketches.

In 2012, the vocalist Contreras described the band’s guiding battle cry in both life and their career: “It should be fun, or there’s no point in doing it.”

• Rivermaya, Gloc-9 and Kamikazee perform at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on November 7 at 8pm. Tickets from Dh95 available from Virgin Megastore branches and www.virginmegastore.me