SB19 Reigns Supreme at Inaugural Filipino Music Awards; Tyla Drops “Chanel” Ahead of Asia Tour, BARQ Makes Debut

The Philippine music scene is buzzing with major events, highlighted by the highly anticipated inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMAs) and significant releases from international and emerging artists. The FMAs, held on October 21, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, celebrated the best of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), solidifying its status as a premier awards show. Meanwhile, global sensation Tyla has unveiled her latest single, and the music scene welcomes a new hip-hop artist in Arkin Magalona, now known as BARQ. This year’s Filipino Music Awards marks a significant milestone in the OPM music scene.

SB19 Dominates the First Filipino Music Awards Ceremony

The P-POP powerhouse SB19 emerged as the night’s biggest winner at the first-ever Filipino Music Awards, securing an impressive six accolades. The group clinched the coveted Artist of the Year award and the People’s Choice Award for Artist at the Filipino Music Awards. Their hit song “DUNGKA!” took home both Pop Song of the Year and the People’s Song Choice Award. Further cementing their touring success, SB19’s “Simula at Wakas” tour was honored with both Concert of the Year and Tour of the Year awards. The “DUNGKA!” track, released in April 2025, is known for its wordplay and incorporation of Filipino culture in its music video, representing a high point for the Filipino Music Awards.

OPM band Cup of Joe also had a stellar night, earning two major awards at the Filipino Music Awards. Their critically acclaimed album “Silakbo” was awarded Album of the Year, and their hit single “Multo” secured Song of the Year. “Silakbo,” which explores the five stages of grief, has been lauded for its conceptual depth and emotional narrative. The song “Multo” itself made history as the first Filipino song to enter the Billboard Global 200, a testament to the growing influence recognized by the Filipino Music Awards.

The inaugural FMAs, presented by Modern Media Group, Inc. and produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp., aimed to honor the diverse landscape of Filipino music, featuring performances from a wide array of artists including BINI, IV of Spades, Ben&Ben, and Lolita Carbon. Legacy awards were also presented to icons like Jose Mari Chan (Lifetime Achievement) and the late Pilita Corrales (Tribute Award), underscoring the event’s commitment to celebrating all facets of Original Pilipino Music history, as highlighted by the Filipino Music Awards.

Tyla’s “Chanel” Arrives as Asia Tour Looms

In international entertainment news, GRAMMY-winning artist Tyla has released her highly anticipated new single and music video for “Chanel” on October 24, 2025. The track, which samples her Amapiano roots, comes just as the South African superstar prepares for her “We Wanna Party” Asia tour. The tour is scheduled to kick off in November, with stops planned in Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila on December 3, and Singapore on December 5. The release of Tyla’s “Chanel” follows her EP “WWP” and continues to build excitement for her global presence, a diverse landscape that the Filipino Music Awards also seeks to represent.

Arkin Magalona Debuts as BARQ, Showcasing Filipino Hip Hop

Adding a fresh voice to the hip-hop scene, Arkin Magalona, son of the late Francis Magalona, has officially launched his music career under the moniker BARQ. He has joined Sony Music Entertainment and released his debut single, “Shake Dat Thang,” on October 23, 2025, with its music video premiering the following day. Produced by Kyleaux, the song is an upbeat track inspired by Y2K hip-hop influences, aiming to redefine modern hip-hop with authenticity and flair. BARQ’s entry into the industry signals a new chapter for the Magalona musical legacy, promising to shake things up with his playful yet confident sound, a promising addition to the OPM music scene that the Filipino Music Awards celebrates.

The recent events showcase a vibrant and dynamic music industry, with Filipino artists achieving new heights domestically and internationally, while new artists emerge to contribute to the evolving entertainment landscape, a growth that the Filipino Music Awards aims to foster.