(From top to bottom) Alamat, KAIA, and G22. Images: X/@Official_ALAMAT, @KAIAOfficialPH, and @G22Official.
With SB19 and BINI on top, all eyes are on P-pop as the industry is gaining attention from curious listeners. Local pop groups are making a splash in the local music scene whether it’s through releasing catchy songs or going viral for their lovable personalities. It’s clear that the P-pop scene—inflected with uniquely Filipino elements through their music, concept, or charm—is growing more than ever as more groups have been catching the interest of casual fans.
P-pop groups such as Alamat, KAIA, and G22 emerged as potential torchbearers of the industry through their music, performances, and relatable personalities. Many groups have the potential to bring OPM even further. It’s only a matter of time, luck, and the right formula before they reach the top.
Aside from Alamat, KAIA, and G22, here are other P-pop groups that made a strong impression in the past year while showcasing their potential to emerge on top.
Alamat
With “Maharani” and “Dayang” making waves on social media, it’s clear that Alamat is on their way to being the next P-pop group capable of mainstream fame. The six-member boy group—consisting of Taneo, Mo, Jao, Tomas, R-Ji, and Alas who hail from different parts of the Philippines—aims to celebrate the diversity of Filipino culture through their music and fashion.
Article continues after this advertisement
The past year was a jampacked one for Alamat as they were one of the performers of a wellness brand’s “P-Pop Power” concert in August and held their second solo concert “Ragasa” last December, among other activities. They also collaborated with The Juans and KAIA for the songs “Gupit” and “Road to Mythic,” respectively.
Article continues after this advertisement
KAIA
The moment KAIA—consisting of Angela, Sophia, Alexa, Charice, and Charlotte was declared Rising Girl Group of the Year at the 9th P-pop Music Awards, it’s clear they’re on their way to greatness. The past year was a time for the female quintet took to themselves to take control of their careers whether through performing in events or promoting their music through various means.
“We’re very hands-on with what we do. All of our releases go through us. Everything must have a touch of KAIA,” Alexa told INQUIRER.net in a one-on-one interview in October 2024.
Their efforts are clearly paying off, as the quintet made a splash at the ASEAN-Korea Round Music Festival 2024, held their “KAIAVERSITY” fan concert, and released “You Did It” and “Walang Biruan,” among other pursuits.
G22
AJ, Alfea, and Jaz of G22 cemented themselves as one of the must-watch groups with their eye-catching visuals and magnetic stage presence. Whether it’s through belting high notes with ease or doing explosive routines, it’s no surprise they emerge as a standout performer wherever they go.
Dubbed the “Female Alphas of P-pop,” the past year was all about G22 establishing themselves as a trio. They released singles like “I Hate Boys,” “One Sided Love,” “Limitless,” and “It Lies Within,” graced several events, and made an appearance at China’s “Show it All.”
VXON
VXON—composed of C13, Franz, Patrick, Vince, and Sam—kicked off the year with the release of “Agila” which talks about spreading one’s wings. The past year was all about finding their sound and keeping it uniquely theirs. This was reflected in their album “20:20” which captures the quintet’s knack for producing grunge- and experimental rock-inspired music.
Aside from their album, the group performed in several events, appeared on shows in GMA and ABS-CBN, and had an entry at the PhilPop Himig Handog 2024.
HORI7ON
HORI7ON is navigating between the Philippines and South Korea in hopes of bridging both countries through music. The past year witnessed the group making a drastic improvement in their performances, vocal abilities, and stage presence which was reflected in their event appearances, “Daytour [Anchor High]” concert, and comeback stages for “Lucky” and “Sumayaw Sumunod.”
One of the group’s most noteworthy milestones was their latest single “Sumayaw Sumunod,” a reimagined take of The Boyfriends’ classic 1978 hit with inspiration from South Korean training.
New:ID
New:ID may be rookies, but their stage presence is enough to stake their claim on the industry. Their July 2024 debut was a chance for Thad, Macky, L, Wilson, and Jom to establish themselves away from their “Dream Maker” images, and their sharp movements and powerful voices in every stage appearance are proof they’re here to stay.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
AJAA
The moment AJAA dropped the single “Bes I Luv U” in the past year, it was clear that JC, Ash, Alex, and Axl refused to conform to the stereotypical image male artists often take on. The quartet stood firm on their bubblegum pop- and youth-inspired image which was reflected in their concept images and music.
YGIG
While YGIG only released “Universe” in 2024, the star power of Vien, Jewel, Hazelyn, Maeg, and Alexei is impossible to deny. The girl group is armed with eye-catching visuals, highly synchronized movements, effortless charm, and powerful vocals, and can captivate the audience whether it’s through an onstage performance or a mere social media post.
YGIG, along with their labelmates PLUUS, were the first Filipino groups to perform at the Waterbomb Festival in Incheon, South Korea, and also graced Billboard Philippines’ “mainstage” joint concert.
1ST ONE
1ST ONE—consisting of Ace, Alpha, J, Joker, Jason, and Max—had a jampacked 2024 as they released the singles “Paalam Na” and “Wala Ng Iba,” performed in several events including the 12th Philippine K-pop Convention and 3WAY’s press conference, and hosted launches for their upcoming music.
Despite their busy schedules, the P-pop boy group expressed their determination to move forward with “heart and grit,” as well as the hope to help raise the country’s flag in music.
BGYO
The past year has been a busy one for BGYO—composed of Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate — as they forged ahead despite going through several hurdles. They dropped five new singles, namely, “Patintero,” “Gigil,” “Trash,” “Andito Lang,” and “Uuwian,” and graced “ASAP Natin ‘To” in the Philippines, the US, and Canada, and other related shows. Aside from their busy schedules, Akira returned to the theater as he portrayed Rovic in “Tabing Ilog: The Musical.”
With their first extended play (or EP) set for release sometime this year, it’s clear that BGYO is having another jampacked year ahead of them.
