Nine Cebuano artists gave fans a cloud nine experience as they performed at the “Love Cebu Music Festival” last July 6, 2024, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. For the first time ever, all featured artists were Cebuanos, making the event extra special.
The Wonggoys started the night right by giving the audience the closest feeling of a Cebuano experience with their take on the Sinulog song. Included in their set is also an original song, “Queens” as a tribute to their hometown. It was followed by “Ako” and their catchy but heartfelt composition, “Wa’y ‘Blema.”
(Photos by Charlotte Rañola and Dara Laine Solano)
Continuing the chill atmosphere is the 20-year-old Jolianne Salvado who charmed the audience with her newly released single, “I’ll be Somebody You Want” and her cover of “Lowkey” by the Indonesian singer-songwriter NIKI. More of her soothing voice was heard in her original songs, “I Can’t Sleep” and “Halfway There.”
Kurt Fick, the voice behind one of the biggest Vispop hits “Hahahahasula,” performed it once again. His other hugot and relatable love songs were “Puhon” with its light melody together with “DI NA” and “Unta Tanan” which was more on the R&B and funk side. He also entertained the audience with his cover of “Pangandoy” by Daryl Leong and “Labyu Langga” by Jerika Teodorico.
Dom Guyot’s wowed the audience with a literal face card props. He showcased powerful dance moves alongside his backup dancers with his songs “Free” and “Deja Tu Lover.” Balancing his lively performance was his soft R&Bs “Haven” and “Ambitions.”
Halfway through the event was the performance of Cebu’s Maoy Queen, Jacky Chang. Kicking off her set is the heartfelt cover of “Duyog” by Jewel Villaflores followed by a lively performance of “Salamin” and “Pantropiko” of BINI. Fans sang along as she ended her set with a soulful original, “Pero Atik Ra.”
Shoti serenaded his fans with a personal and acoustic performance on “Waiting 4 U” and his hit song “LDR.” The young singer-songwriter also announced that he will be dropping a song very soon.
Another singer-songwriter, Janine Berdin, demonstrated her powerful voice as she performed her cover of “Magazine” by Eraserheads and “Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo” by Yano. Showcasing her original compositions were “Mahika” and “Sitwasyonship.” Janine later on shared the spotlight with Guyot in “Habang-buhay” which they composed to represent their love for each other as best friends. The two went to the same high school and have been friends since then.
Mrld captures the audiences’ hearts with her lovestruck songs “Ligaya”, “Lihim”, “Ikaw Pa Rin”, “Sandali”, and “An Art Gallery Could Never Be As Unique As You”. She shared her joy of having to perform for the first time in Cebu.
JK Labajo did not disappoint as the most-awaited performer of the night. Fans cheered and sang along as he performed his 2017 song “Demonyo”. JK’s raw performance of his hit song “Buwan” took the audience to the moon as he did a ten-minute version featuring his band members and their instruments. Adding a variation to his set is the heartfelt performance of “Kasing Kasing” taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster ride.
Unlike the usual flow, JK expressed his thanks to the audience before performing his last song for the set.
“Daghang salamat sa mga ni anhi karong kagabihona. For giving us the time here today for watching all the artists here on stage. Mga proud Bisdak, mga proud Bisaya.”
As a performer and storyteller that he is, JK tore up the stage with his powerful performance of “ERE” along with the fans’ singing of the explicit lyrics. He intentionally did not finish the lyrics, further leaving the fans in the air. A witty yet relative way to end his performance. Someone from the audience even expressed her confusion and asked for JK’s popular song, “Shot Puno”.
Meanwhile, Shoti also expressed in an after-event interview his appreciation for the chance to perform and the Cebuanos’ support.
“I was supported by lots of Cebuano artists and Cebuanos are really talented. [And] I love the Cebuano people because they are really supportive. They were singing with me and it was just a wonderful time,” the young artist said.
The music festival has created opportunities for both flourishing ang established Cebuano artists to showcase their talent— an event created by Cebuanos for Cebuanos.