P-pop, short for Pinoy Pop, has been gaining momentum in the Philippines and beyond, thanks to a wave of talented groups who are bringing a unique blend of music, dance, and fashion to the stage. If you’re new to the scene or just curious about what makes P-pop so exciting, this article will introduce you to some of the most influential P-pop groups and explore why they’re making waves in the music industry.
What’s Inside
- What is P-pop?
- The Rise of P-pop
- SB19
- BGYO
- BINI
- G22
- KAIA
- Alamat
- VXON
- YGIG
- MNL48
- 1st.One
- Calista
- AJAA
What is P-pop?
P-pop, or Pinoy pop, is a genre of popular music originating from the Philippines. It combines elements of OPM (Original Pinoy Music) with modern genres like pop, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM). The genre is heavily influenced by K-pop, with groups often incorporating synchronized dance routines, catchy melodies, and fashionable aesthetics.
The Rise of P-pop
The rise of P-pop can be attributed to the growing influence of global pop culture, particularly K-pop. Filipino artists and producers have been inspired by the success of K-pop idols and have started to create their own unique sound and style. P-pop groups often undergo rigorous training in singing, dancing, and stage presence, similar to their K-pop counterparts, to ensure they deliver high-quality performances.
1. SB19
SB19 is one of the most well-known and influential groups in the P-pop scene. Formed in 2018, the five-member group—Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin—debuted with the single “Tilaluha,” but went viral for the “Go Up” dance video, leading to their popularity. They became the first Southeast Asian act to be nominated for a Billboard Music Award and to hit the top 10 on the Billboard Social 50.
Known as the “Kings of P-pop,” they’ve helped put Philippine pop music on the global stage. Their success has not only made them a leading act in contemporary P-pop, but has also paved the way for other P-pop groups, helping to put the genre on the map.
2. BGYO
BGYO, a five-member boy group that debuted in 2021, stands for “Becoming the Change, Going Further, You and I, Originally Filipino.” Known for powerful performances and meaningful lyrics, they quickly became P-pop favorites. Their debut single, “The Light,” tackles social issues and sets records by topping iTunes Philippines’ Top 100 albums chart for 12 consecutive days, the longest for any Filipino act.
Following their debut single, BGYO released “He’s Into Her” for a Philippine rom-com series of the same name. This single earned them their first major accolade, winning “Best Theme Song” at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards. In 2023, they gained international recognition in Grammy’s “The Many Sounds of Asian Pop” list.
3. BINI
BINI, originally called “Star Hunt Academy Girls” or SHA Girls, is an eight-member girl group that debuted in 2020 under Star Magic, the same management as BGYO. Known for their vibrant and empowering performances, BINI’s music promotes self-love and confidence, connecting with young audiences and those young at heart.
Hailed as the “Nation’s Girl Group,” BINI is gaining recognition both locally and internationally. They recently became the first Filipino P-pop group with the most listeners on Spotify and the first to top Billboard’s Philippine Songs chart. BINI also made history as the first Filipino pop act to perform at the KCON Music Festival, showcasing their single “Cherry on Top” at KCON LA 2024 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Related: Proud To Be Pinoy: 15 Filipino Artists Who Were Featured on Spotify’s Billboard in Times Square, NYC
4. G22
G22, dubbed the “Female Alphas of Philippine Pop,” is a P-pop girl group known for their bold performances. They debuted in February 2022 under Cornerstone Entertainment with the single “BANG!” (the ’22’ marks their debut year). Now a trio, G22 keeps wowing fans with dynamic choreography and powerful vocals, standing out in the P-pop scene with their unique style.
5. KAIA
KAIA is the sister group of SB19, and is also under ShowBT Philippines. Their name is inspired by the Cebuano word “kinaiya,” which means “inner character” or “personal individuality. It also resembles the Filipino word “kaya,” which means “capable of overcoming obstacles. KAIA debuted with the single “Blah Blah” in 2022. Their energetic performances and catchy songs about confidence and self-expression have quickly gained them a following.
6. Alamat
Alamat is a six-member boy group that debuted in 2020 under Viva Artists Agency and Ninuno Media. Hailing from different regions in the Philippines, they sing in various local languages. This unique approach not only sets them apart but also helps promote Filipino culture and languages. Alamat’s music often features multilingual lyrics and traditional Filipino musical elements, making their work a celebration of the country’s diversity.
7. VXON
Photo Source: @vxonofficial
VXON, pronounced as “Vision,” is a five-member boy group that debuted in 2022 with Cornerstone Entertainment. They’re making waves in P-pop with their unique mix of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Known for their high-energy performances and complex choreography, VXON stands out in the P-pop scene and has earned the nickname “Monsters of P-pop.”
8. YGIG
YGIG, also known as “You Go, I Go,” is a P-pop girl group under SBTown, that has been capturing attention with their unique sound and captivating performances. The group stands out for its catchy music and distinct blend of pop and other musical genres. YGIG’s members are known for their strong vocals, dynamic dance moves, and charismatic stage presence, making them a promising act in the P-pop scene.
9. MNL48
MNL48 is the Filipino sister group of the popular Japanese idol group AKB48. Launched in 2018, MNL48 has a large roster of members divided into different teams, similar to AKB48’s structure. The group’s music ranges from catchy pop tunes to more traditional Filipino songs, appealing to a broad audience. MNL48 is known for its “idols you can meet” concept, which allows fans to interact with the members through various events.
10. 1st.One
1st.One is a dynamic P-pop boy group under First One Entertainment. They’re known for their high-energy performances and diverse musical style. The group, made up of talented members, is gaining recognition in the P-pop industry with catchy songs and impressive dance routines. Their music blends pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements, making it appealing to a wide range of listeners.
11. Calista
Calista is a P-pop girl group that debuted in 2022 under Merlion Entertainment. Known for their fresh sound and engaging performances, Calista has quickly made a mark in the P-pop industry with their energetic stage presence and strong vocal abilities.
12. AJAA
AJAA, which stands for Ash, JC, Axl, and Alex, is a rising P-pop boy group shaking things up. They made their debut in September 2023 with their EP, “4Ü,” under Cornerstone Entertainment. With their high-energy performances, youthful, catchy tunes, AJAA blends modern pop with vibrant beats and striking visuals. Their fresh sound and dynamic stage presence are really helping them stand out in the P-pop scene!
P-pop is more than just a music genre; it’s a cultural movement that showcases the creativity and talent of Filipino artists. As more P-pop groups emerge and gain recognition, the genre will likely continue to grow and evolve, bringing fresh and exciting music to fans around the world. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, there’s no denying that P-pop is a powerful force in the music industry today.
