My earliest recollection of an Independence Day Military Parade at the Quirino Grandstand was of President Aquino leaving the podium after a very rousing Araw ng Kalayaan speech. As she was being flocked by dignitaries and government officials, the huge black speakers flanking the stage boomed with a familiar ethnic flute and tribal drum opening of a song by a very popular rapper. The crowds who have gathered across the parade grounds suddenly broke into loud cheers upon hearing the first few beats. In those days, the song was an anthem known to everyone. The rap song was in number one for the past three months and there were no signs of it being overtaken in the airwaves.
The artist was a sensation. He was in his early twenties, and yet the rap songs he played appealed to the young ones and adults alike. The kids (including me) would rap it in the streets, (where we would thump our feet and wave our small hands imitating the rappers signature finger-pointing movements); the teenagers would copy his trademark flat top haircut (including the peace sign etched on the scalp of their heads); and the adults would wear his baggy batik pajamas and monochrome camiso shirt (which by all standards were a very disastrous fashion choice. Andrew E and Michael V. were better off with their less baduy get-ups).
I remember how popular he was in those days. His song evoked a sense of pride and unity. "Mga Kababayan Ko," its lyrics include instructions on how to live a quiet and orderly life. It was played almost side by side with the National Anthem, and in every places around the country. Noontime variety shows even had contests where amateur rappers would imitate his rap style. Other local artists would change their music themes to catch up with the nationalist sentiments that abound. At a time when foreign pop music was threatening to overthrow the OPM songs, he was the lead vocalist of the struggle to keep the Pinoy artists on top of the music charts.
The artist was a sensation. He was in his early twenties, and yet the rap songs he played appealed to the young ones and adults alike. The kids (including me) would rap it in the streets, (where we would thump our feet and wave our small hands imitating the rappers signature finger-pointing movements); the teenagers would copy his trademark flat top haircut (including the peace sign etched on the scalp of their heads); and the adults would wear his baggy batik pajamas and monochrome camiso shirt (which by all standards were a very disastrous fashion choice. Andrew E and Michael V. were better off with their less baduy get-ups).
I remember how popular he was in those days. His song evoked a sense of pride and unity. "Mga Kababayan Ko," its lyrics include instructions on how to live a quiet and orderly life. It was played almost side by side with the National Anthem, and in every places around the country. Noontime variety shows even had contests where amateur rappers would imitate his rap style. Other local artists would change their music themes to catch up with the nationalist sentiments that abound. At a time when foreign pop music was threatening to overthrow the OPM songs, he was the lead vocalist of the struggle to keep the Pinoy artists on top of the music charts.
His sheer genius and artistic spirit allowed the ever-alienating OPMs to be absorbed by the minds of the new-generation masa, and be appreciated by a nation reclaiming its lost identity. He was also among the first artists to have his own music video rolled on MTV. The song on the music video was Kaleidoscope World, and though the details of the video were now forgotten in my head, the song defined my high-school life.
Though his stellar prominence may not be as shining as those of other local bands which benefited from his advocacy, he remains an icon looked up and respected by those who came after him. He held his presence steady - allowing the smooth transition from the Manila Sounds of the 80's to the entry of the first wave of Pinoy Alternative Rock Bands which include Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar, Rivermaya and Wolfgang of the mid-90's.
How unfortunate that after many years of being at the helm, he would fade into obscurity in the modern Philippine Music Scene.
His untimely death this afternoon changed all that. For once, he was remembered and in his passing, the rap songs and ballads he performed through the years once again plays in the airwaves of my memory.
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When the news broke out this afternoon, it felt like a huge part of me was taken away. Now I know why.
Remembering the Master Rapper Francis Durango Magalona (4 Oct 1964 - 6 Mar 2009)
How unfortunate that after many years of being at the helm, he would fade into obscurity in the modern Philippine Music Scene.
His untimely death this afternoon changed all that. For once, he was remembered and in his passing, the rap songs and ballads he performed through the years once again plays in the airwaves of my memory.
---
When the news broke out this afternoon, it felt like a huge part of me was taken away. Now I know why.
Remembering the Master Rapper Francis Durango Magalona (4 Oct 1964 - 6 Mar 2009)
Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world
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