Why P-Pop Group Alamat Should Be On Every Teen’s Music List
Alamat, a 6-member P-Pop group, is making waves in the music scene thanks to their promotion of Filipino culture.
There’s a growing number of P-Pop groups in the music scene these days and the more groups, the better. One of the P-Pop groups that have been getting a lot of attention is Alamat. The group was formed under a search that Jason Paul Laxamana led (he’s known for films such as Expensive Candy, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella, and Between Maybes) who also serves as their creative director. They have become a force to be reckoned with and they only have been in the industry for two years.
Alamat is composed of Taneo, Jao, Mo, R-ji, Alas, and Thomas, who are from different parts of the Philippines. Their music is getting a solid fan base not only from teens but also kids, who have been copying their dance moves. Some university teachers have been using their songs as part of their lectures, too.
Beyond the youth and visuals, there are many reasons why teens and young children should listen to their music.
They use their native language in their songs
Coming from different parts of the Philippines, it’s natural that they have their own respective language. In many of their songs, they use English, Bisaya, Waray, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Ilocano, and Bicolano. The group shared in one of their videos about language comparison.
They teach Philippine history creatively in their music
One of their music videos, “Kasmala” tackled the story of American colonialism and how Filipinos were treated back then. Many elements incorporated were from the 1904 St. Louis World Fair held in Manila introduced by then governor-general William Howard Taft who later became US president.
“Kasmala” also teaches the modern time as Filipinos abroad experience hate and discrimination from other parts of the world alongside their Asian brothers and sisters.
Another video that teaches the importance of self-worth and confidence is the song “ABKD,” which shows no matter how different one may be, he or she is beautiful.
Filipino folk dance is incorporated into their movements
It’s not just the Filipino language and dialects the boys have been promoting in the songs. In their latest hit “Maharani,” the boys take on the singkil, the dance of the Maranaos inspired by folklore. They also show movements inspired by courtship dances such as the Pangalay, which is commonly used by the Tausug tribe.
Kids love their dance movements
A lot of kids love to dance and many of the fans known as Magiliws love to copy the group’s movements. At the recent P-Pop Festival in Taguig, one lucky young boy got to dance “Maharani” and he literally stole everyone’s hearts.
Their fans are helping them promote their advocacy worldwide
Alamat would not be known among kids and teens without the help of their solid supporters. The group’s fandom dubbed as Magiliws has been working non-stop in promoting their music not only in the Philippines but worldwide. They even launched storytelling sessions in far parts of the country.
P-Pop is rising among Filipino children
While there are some who still see the P-Pop as a mere copycat of its Asian counterparts, it just shows that OPM (Original Pinoy Music) is thriving in the country. If kids and teens can get into K-Pop and K-Dramas, it’s high time that they should also listen to and dive into Philippine music.
Besides, music is universal. It teaches culture, language, and identity to kids and teens after all.
Read more about the growing P-Pop scene!
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