Supporting the next-gen of OPM artists

As the Filipino music industry continues to change and expand, Yamaha Music Philippines wants to offer essential support to music artists at every stage of their journey.

- NATHALIE M. TOMADA

At the recent launch of their largest boutique store in the country, located on the ground floor of Uptown Mall in Bonifacio Global City, the brand described it as a space where musicians of all ages can explore, create and grow their music. The event was graced by Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists who were there not only to support Yamaha Music Philippines, but also to share their insights on the current music scene.

Among the highlights of the event was the "mini-reunion" of Zild Benitez and Unique Salonga, former members of the band IV of Spades. Though the members had ruled out a musical reunion, they've remained as friends - their music continues to resonate with listeners, with Zild taking the opportunity to react to the viral success of his band's four-year-old song, Come Inside of My Heart.

It gained the most traction on TikTok thanks to its widespread use by social media pages of US sports channels and major sports leagues, such as the NBA (National Basketball Association), NFL (National Football League) and MLB (Major League Baseball).

"I think it's very rare that Filipino music gets noticed without the gimmick and everything. Nakaka-proud lang din sa mga kaibigan ko na kasama gawin yun," Zild told The STAR.

On people being surprised that it's OPM, he further said, "Parang time na 'di na sila magulat na Filipino gumawa nun (It's about time they stop being surprised that it's a Filipino who made it.)" Filipino music, even when expressed in English, carries a unique quality rooted in cultural influences, he added.