“What About Davao Music Scene?”

If we heard about the music of Freestyle, South Border, Eevee, and MYMP, we recognize their songs. We sometimes even sing along when we hear some of their hit songs in the radio. What about the place they originated? Does everybody know these bands are from Davao City? Why do we always think that they’re Manila-based? What about the local Davao music scene? How is it going? What’s the problem? What can we do?

One day at class, I had a chance to interview the Top 20 contender of ABS-CBN’s “Star Power” and Talent Edge Grand Winner, home-grown talent, Jizelle Formilleza. “Our music has its own identity and originality. The trouble in us is our connection to get to the mainstream and Davao audience are so passive to their own local talents”, Formilleza said. “We need someone who can produce our music here in Mindanao. No matter how good the quality is, as long as no one would produce it, it will never hit the mainstream”, she added.

Sitting with my long-time friend, Paolo Lofranco(guitarist/drummer) of bands Shades of White/Art N’ Soul(Davao local bands), I also heard his own opinion regarding this issue. He said, “Our local music is declining and OPM is controlled by popular people”. “The problem is that Davao local artists try to imitate other’s style. Where’s the unique flavor of it? We must love OPM! Hence, let’s stop imitations and revivals”, he added.

Lastly, I conversed with my cousin, the NCCC Mall’s Star of Davao 2005 – Grand Champion & vocal coach, Mr. Geo Ginete. “Local music is an art form or something that is composed of variety of music under the creative minds of composers/musicians living here in Davao”, he said. He added, “The difficulty is that the industry music only care about how successful you will be”. “When making a song coming from a local composer, it has to be a story of something that is real to her/him.” he supposed.

Our local music needs much attention. We got the talents, but we lack the connection. For a piece of advice, let’s patronize our own music. When we learn how to do that, it would be easy for us to put our music to the trend. Music is life, and life is here in Davao, so let’s support our DAVAO MUSIC SCENE!