ENTER FITTERKARMA, THE BAND THAT MADE CANNIBALISM HIP ON THE AIRWAVES

If you constantly scroll through Instagram or TikTok, you've most likely heard a curious ballad evoking love and the macabre.

- By JOKER MANIO

fitterkarma members Sophia Miranda (bass, vocals), Joao de Leon (vocals), Lory Mendoza (lead guitar, backup vocals), and Sanders Bayas (drums).

This song is Pag-Ibig ay Kanibalismo II by the band fitterkarma, a passion project launched by Joao de Leon in 2023.Like a spark that spread like wildfire, Kanibalismo II made its way from underground gig bars to the top of song charts. It enjoys over 50 million Spotify streams and was featured in multiple best-of lists from last year.

“Hindi namin in-expect ‘yung pagiging successful niya, especially given the lyrics which are very unusual na marinig sa radio hits,” Joao admitted to Young STAR.

Kanibalismo II has its origins in 2024 as part of Joao’s thesis EP for his music production degree at the College of St. Benilde. He wrote it particularly with then-bandmate Addy Pantig in mind. She’d then popularize the song, lending her voice for its official recording.

It wasn’t the first time Joao experimented with mixing dark lyricism into love songs. Before it, there was Kalapastangan, written in early 2023 and released in November that year. It can be defined as a slow and deep melodic track colored by desperate, violent yearning. It also boasts huge streaming numbers.

Sumpa, meanwhile, was written a few months before Kanibalismo II while Joao was living in the United States. It was dedicated to his girlfriend. At the time, he believed he was cursed when it came to writing love songs, in the sense that the relationships for which he wrote songs failed. Long story short, Sumpa broke the curse.