SB19's Global Rise, Local Snub

Source: https://www.youtube.com/@officialSB19

When I first looked into the songs charting on Billboard’s global charts, I wasn’t too surprised to see SB19 from the Philippines among the few non-U.S. artists performing so well. Their success globally is a clear testament to their immense talent and the strong fanbases they’ve cultivated, both locally and internationally. The fact that they are resonating with people worldwide speaks volumes about their musical appeal.

Naturally, given their international success, one would expect SB19 to be highlighted locally as well. But to my surprise, that hasn’t been the case. Instead, their accomplishments seem to be brushed aside or relegated to a lesser category. This disconnect is largely because the traditional gatekeepers of the Philippine music scene continue to favor their own metrics, prioritizing their traditional favorites and what they consider mainstream OPM.

While P-Pop is gaining global momentum, it still isn't fully accepted as part of the mainstream Filipino music scene. These gatekeepers—including radio stations, media outlets, and local music platforms—continue to champion OPM music that tends to be more acoustic, ballad-based, or generally traditional. As a result, even though SB19's music is on par with, if not superior to, many traditional OPM songs, their global success is overshadowed by an industry that still clings to its favorites.

What’s especially frustrating is that despite their cross-border success, songs by SB19—no matter how diverse their repertoire—are still categorized as P-Pop rather than being recognized alongside mainstream OPM hits. This creates a sense of being boxed in: their musical achievements aren’t fully acknowledged for what they are. Instead, they’re placed in a separate category, which limits their recognition and impact. This not only marginalizes the genre but also disregards the evolution of what OPM can become.

In short, the success of SB19 should be celebrated as part of the mainstream Philippine music scene. However, by still treating them as “P-Pop” acts, the traditional gatekeepers are not only downplaying their global influence but also failing to acknowledge the true caliber of their music, which could easily rival, if not surpass, many traditional OPM songs that dominate the charts. It's a clear case of the industry clinging to its old standards instead of embracing the new wave of Filipino talent that's clearly making waves globally.