With the dominance of male in the reggae scene, who wouldn't notice the "almost" all-girl band from the reggae capital of the Philippines? Sefyla - derived from a female cult in Africa that was believed to be led by a godedss, stood out from the reggae scene with a unique taste of rock and ska. Now composed of Yapi Taneo (vocals), Tara Uy (guitars), Vonay Sanchez (bass), and Rey Mart Taneo (drums), the band is set to conquer the realm of reggae enthusiasts with Yapi's powerful voice and mind enlightening songs.

The band started out as an all-girl band in 2003 to participate in a high school band competition. After winning the competition with cover songs from Save Ferris and No Doubt, the band decided to play music in various occasions. The band loved to play ska – a product of their common interests, which was dominant over the song “Hang Over”. It was included in a compilation album “Doobie Nights” that was played all over the metro but never publicly released in Cebu – quite ironic. They years passed by for the all-girl band until members pursued their personal careers. It was the band keyboardist Teri Paller who oraganized the defunct band back together with a new guitarist to play in local music bars until 2005.

To bring back the band’s spirit, they joined a local band competition Itzamatch: Rock to Fame in the late 2008 with their new vocalist Yapi Taneo of University of the Philippines. They didn’t win the competition, buy they definitely earned a place inside the hearts of the audiences who witnessed their performance.  Time passed by for the band to mature as reggae artists that’ll be known throughout the country. With a solid foundation on reggae and ska, they were able to come up with songs with a mix of heavy metal, rock, blues, and jazz. The socio-cultural awareness embeds in the lyrics allowed a heavier context that people can relate to.

In 2009, the band was ready to release their first original repertoire – stories of war, hearts and minds, a collage of undying passion for freedom in the modern age. A feeling of liberation is the effect of hearing Sefyla’s songs – the band calls it music activism. It was also the time for Rey Mart Taneo – the only thorn among the roses, to join the lineup. With the collaboration of ideals, talents, and influences, the band was able to come up with a slight twist in the standard genre of reggae.

Sefyla is definitely one unique band you can come across these days. In the band’s 8th year, they continue to spread messages of hope and freedom. Watch out for their new album that’ll be released this year.

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, sefyla

The music events in Bicol has been paving way for young artists to showcase their talents all throughout the region.  Some of the local bands have already reached a whole new level in the music scene and new bands are hopeful to earn a place in the country’s music industry. A few years ago, a local band from Albay was featured by Francis Brew of NU107 – the reggae band Stolen Shots, which was included in the 20 track compilation album “Musicmax Bicol” – featuring eight bands in Bicol from various genres Centerfold (alternative pop), Pepsi Paloma Experiment (Euro pop), Pentacle (rock), Pandora’s Box (Heavy Metal), Idle Pitch (alternative pop), Black Gulaman (alternative rock), and Buckyard Boyz (hip-hop). The album was officialy launched in 2008 in a concert produced by Rebolusyon Rekords in Naga and Legazpi city.

Stolen Shots is a local band from Albay that is composed of members Prime Ramo (vocals), Noel “Nhoy” Dollentas (bass), Lemon Brondial  (drums), Ryan Pasamba (trombone), Irle “Payirl” Sabdao (trumpet), and guitarists Ley Otilano and Jhoe Perez. Together they mix rock and reggae in an upbeat rhythm of ska. The fun loving band started performing in 10 years ago and they’ve been doing acts in schools, universities, festivals, and even band competitions. Soon they are already sharing the stage with other established local bands like Mudflow, Childsplay, and Pepsi Paloma Experiment.  The songs composed by the band guitarist Leo Otilano made a big difference the band’s success. The Song like “Chocolate Brown Coffee” was the talk of the town as the most energetic reggae beat you can listen to these days. With that, it was featured in the Standout Track of The Week in Nu107’s In the Raw program for two weeks in a row as a part of Musicmax Bicol album compilation. The band’s live performance is also one thing that sets them apart from other reggae bands you know of – they’ll pump you up with the beat they’re playing. Their exceptional showmanship truly is, one of a kind.

The band has gone through many hardships but it never stopped them from playing the music they love and entertaining people with their unique style and repertoire. Just last year, they’ve performed in the annual Ska Festival held at Mogwai Café, showcasing their music with popular bands such as Jeepney Joyride, The Marcos Cronies Conspiracy, Pinkcow, and Skabeche. They’re also performing as regular front act for established bands and artists in concerts help in Legazpi City.

Still, the young band has a lot to face in the future. With the opportunities provided by the local music industry, we can only expect the young bands nowadays to showcase their true talent and be successful artists in the future.

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, reggae band, ska band, stolen shots

Usual bands come in three or four members. Now, imagine what it sounds like to mix a number of awesome talents into one unique band. Skabeche may be unusually huge with its ten members but it somehow creates a big difference in the Philippine music scene. As flavorful as the Filipino cuisine Escabeche – a sweet and sour dish of dried or poached fish, Skabeche offers a mix of blues, punk and jazz through the dance beat of ska. The humorous way of addressing political and cultural awareness in their songs captivated the hearts of many fun loving Filipinos.

The proud band from Bulacan, is composed of members Michael “Dadi Mike” Santos (vocals/guitar) – also a guidance counselor and professor, Noel Salonga (percussion), Kim “Kympwet” Patawaran (drums), Leonardo “Monz” Castillo (guitar), Daniel Quintero Jr. (bass), Lester San Juan (vocals/alto saxophone), Billy Adap (trombone), Mark “JR” Ibanez (trumpet), Roberto Santiago (tenor saxophone), and Roberto Villegas Jr. (baritone saxophone). Surprisingly, they were able to combine their talents and musical influences into one awesome vibe, Ska – the band’s common interest which is closely related to reggae with an upbeat pattern. Officially formed in 2000, the band came up with many names until they settled with Skabeche – derived from the usual Filipino dish “escabeche”. Years later, they are  already sharing the stage with other popular artists with the tag – “Ang pambanSkang banda ng bayan”.

The unconventional band has gone through many struggles as many other mainstream bands did, but their catchy music kept listeners wanting for some more. May it be recorded or live performance, you’ll be dancing to their rhythm. The humor embed in the songs such as “Lamok” and “Good Day”, is something that Filipinos can relate to – being able to address political and social issues in a very funny way. Earning the place in the hearts of the community is something that they’re very proud of. As a result, the proud Bulakenyos succeeded in the Philippine mainstream being considered as one of the best independent artists in the country. They’ve been performing acts for many years in different parts of the country and they’re also they mainstay in the cooking show “Ka-touque” aired in GMA News TV as live performers. Their songs are often heard in radio stations grabbing a place in the most played bands in the airwaves.

For the past 11 years, the band accomplished many things that earned them a place in the Philippine music industry and internationally as well. With that, they also share their success through the band’s album “Skabeche: Table for Ten” where part of its proceeds will go to the beneficiary called Earnest Support for Underprivileged Children Charity Association Inc. (E-SUCH) – a non-profit organization that offers education opportunities for underprivileged children of Bulacan

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Tags: homegrown talent, Pinoy Reggae, pinoy ska, Reggae, reggae band, ska, skabeche