Weighing in on SB19’s “WHAT?”
By YANNI ROXAS Bulatlat.com
Talk about the song “What?” and the next thing that comes to mind is “makabayan,
‘dre”.
Barely two months after the release of their song “What?”, SB19 was nominated in Billboard’s Top Social Artist award (BBMA) along with K-pop sensations BTS, BlackPink, Seventeen and US pop star Ariana Grande. A historic first for a Filipino and Southeast Asian artist, SB19’s nomination was a result of their fans’ (called A’tin) passion and dedication to increase SB19’s social metrics in all online platforms, from streaming to fan interactions.
And to think that SB19 has the smallest fanbase (roughly 350 thousand) compared to its competitors’ mega-giant ones. How A’tin carried SB19 to international spotlight is another story that has earned them the name “monster keyboard warriors”in this pop- crazed world.
Back to “What?”. The song has become SB19’s signature statement to come out of the K-pop image and carve their own identity as a Pinoy boyband. It brings out a new, fresh, and unique sound that has even raised the bar higher for Pinoy pop.
Meshed in various genres quite untried in the music industry, it incorporates different styles, changes in tempos, and levels of meaning wrapped in metaphors and imagery that could initially confuse a listener but all working beautifully in the end. This coupled with intense singing and dancing, and a music video that is over-the-top.
What is popularly acknowledged is that the song talks about self-love and empowerment based on the members’ life experiences as they struggled and sacrificed for years before they got to where they are now. It was a painful journey for the group.
In different circumstances, the members have known poverty, family separations and expectations, failing health, domestic abuse, self-doubts and depression even as they juggle work and studies during their rigorous training. (They were trained in the Philippines by a South Korean agency.)
And when finally introduced to the public, the bashers were merciless. They were hit hard for their looks (“ampapangit”) and for being “k-popish” which was said to be their doom.
But the boys persevered, and finally got their big break about a year after their debut single. There were songs before “What?” that drove fans to their side, not only because
of sheer talent, but because they, too, were relatable. Then came “What?” which turned out to be an iconic song of self-love and love of country. No mistaking their being Pinoy.
The song title What? is a word play for Watawat. Raise your flag is a recurrent theme throughout the song, ripe not just with personal but patriotic symbolisms. So much is going on, as reactors would say, but no one can argue that the song is mind-blowing.
On a personal note, it speaks of raising one’s self confidence (“alam ko naman na di ako’ng pinaka ano magaling”), of pride for one’s beginnings (“lahat ng aking basura, pupulutin laging dala”), of remaining humble (“kahit saan pa ko mapunta, lapat sa lupa aking mga paa”), of never losing hope (“nakasarang bintana… ngayo’y nagbubukas”), of perseverance during tragedies (“daming sakuna… di ko ininda”), of rewards and grace (“darating din ang biyaya, marami pa sa lahat-lahat ng nawala”). And while the chorus talks of peace and religious faith, it also declares bravery and toughness in struggle (“bawat banat, iwagayway mo ang watawat”).
But, wittingly or unwittingly, it is “What’s?” social critique and patriotic stance that is more hitting and commanding serious thought.
Ferociously, it assails a privileged class, though claiming to be educated, that only sees reality with a broken lens (“bente-bente [20-20], paulit-ulit, intelihente, subalit, ngunit, basag ang lente, pinunit-punit”). On the other side, those devoid of power or less privileged could suffer dire consequences (“hinubog ng Dalagang Bakal sirit”). The latter is a reference to the Iron Maiden which was a torture chamber during the Middle Ages.
Becoming even bolder, perhaps coincidentally during this season of red-tagging, is the waving of a red flag, around which the members danced forcefully. No one is stopping SB19 for using red as a symbol of valor. And in the second half of the song this valor is turned into defense of the nation.
The allusion to Katipunan is subtle but powerful. As the song repeats its stirring chorus, SB19 delivers sharp and snappy moves as soldiers garbed in Heneral Luna outfits.
They draw clenched fists before red and black flags waving proudly in the air. Their voices and that of the people who appeared as support dancers later become one, singing and dancing together, as if rejoicing in their unity and struggle.
And so as not to confuse their patriotism, the cry of “PILIPINAS” is heard loud and clear.
The last line reads “di na magpapaawat, iwawagayway na ang watawat,” and the song finally rests on a relic of the Murillo-Velarde map that is a testament to the country’s ownership of the West Philippine Sea.
What? spells courage and defiance, and a call not just to fight for one’s own personal battles but more so for the country’s sovereignty. It is so uplifting at a time when the Filipinos’ fight for national territory is being treated by the leader of this country as no more than a “trash of paper”. The significance is not lost to their fans and to people who are listening to their music. SB19’s music and artistry evoke Pinoy pride, and for that this P-pop group deserves to go up.
Source: Roxas, Y. (2021). Weighing in on SB19’s “WHAT?” Retrieved from https://www.bulatlat.com/2021/05/10/weighing-in-on-sb19s-what/
SB19 begins a new era with ‘What?’ music video Written by CNN Philippines Life Staff
P-pop group SB19 is back with a brand new single “What?” The song sets a another era for Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken and Justin as the song and the accompanying music video signals a different genre and look: a heavier beat and an outlook that is more forward- thinking.
“What?” also flexes SB19’s talents in making their own music. The song is written by Pablo, formerly known as Sejun. He is also a co-producer of the song. For the music video, Justin returns behind the scenes, this time as creative director. He previously directed the music video of “Hanggang sa Muli.” SB19 co-produced the music video with ShowBT Philippines.
Since debuting in 2018, SB19 has been feeling more secure about their place in the local music industry and “What?” is proof that they're not just here to play games.
He says in a statement, “A lot of people still doubt us, denouncing everything that we do and everything that we're trying to achieve. We love what we do, that's why we do it respectfully. ‘What?’ is about self-love and empowerment. Each of us has our own flag.
We should be proud of it and raise it as much as we can. As SB19 and as individuals, we know that we're not the best at everything, but that shouldn't stop us from what we want to achieve.”
The song also pushes SB19 as artists, as Pablo says, “This one has a more aggressive take to it compared to our previous songs, so I really had to force out the ‘oomph’ in the voices of the members. I was really meticulous with the recordings, but so were they.
That's why we would record 'til morning and until everyone was satisfied with their parts.
The feeling had to be there.”
However, the virtual launch of "What?" has been postponed as the group has been exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. They are now undergoing quarantine, said SB19's management in a statement.
Fans can also enjoy a five-minute extended version of the song on music streaming platforms.
Source: CNN Philippines. (2021, March 09). SB19 begins a new era with ‘What?’ music video. Retrieved from
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/life/entertainment/music/2021/3/9/sb19-new-music- video-what.html
SB19 explains true meaning behind ‘What?’ lyrics and concept
Pinoy pop sensation SB19 recently gave their fans a new song titled “What?” along with a groundbreaking music video.
Justin, Pablo, Ken, Stell, and Josh recently sat down with GMA Digital to talk about their comeback, the true meaning behind the lyrics of “What?”, and how they all pitched in as a group to tell it through the screen.
“Gusto po naming ipakita ’yung individuality ng bawat tao na ’yan kahit sino ka pa man, maging proud ka sa sarili mo,” said group leader Pablo.
[We want to show each and everyone’s individuality, that you should be proud of yourself no matter who you are.]
Pablo wrote the lyrics for “What,” and it inspired all five of them to do the best they could to put the song out there.
“I felt like we were the Power Rangers,” he said in Filipino.
The leader said each of them had his own “flavor” and when they “volt in,” they’re like
“Voltes V.”
He said he felt the song was complete as he envisioned when he wrote it.
Stell recalled that he even got goosebumps when he heard “What?” for the first time.
After listening, he said his mind wandered off with thoughts of performing it abroad and having many people understand the song.
For the music video, the members came up with their own wild and “unrealistic” ideas, which shocked even themselves.
“‘How are we going to do this?’ That was our thought process. ‘How are we going to execute this?’” said Josh in Filipino.
And so, SB19 produced a five-minute visual masterpiece which they hoped would live up to the song’s powerful message.
The boys hope to perform “What?” for their fans, lovingly known as A’TIN, one day.
According to Pablo, the group has more in store for their fans and they’re waiting for the day they can perform “What?” for them in person.
Released March 9, the music video for “What?” is approaching 7 million views as of posting. – Margaret Claire Layug/RC, GMA News
Source: Layug, M. C. (2021, March 31). SB19 explains true meaning behind ‘What?’
lyrics and concept. Retrieved from
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/781997/sb19-explains- true-meaning-behind-what-lyrics-and-concept/story/