SB19’s New Era: ‘Simula at Wakas’ and Their Rise to Global Pop Stardom
Filipino pop powerhouse SB19 has officially ushered in a new era with the release of their latest EP, Simula at Wakas, on April 25. The emotionally charged project, comprised of seven tracks, showcases the group’s evolution both musically and personally, masterfully blending experimental soundscapes with heartfelt lyrical storytelling.
In an online press conference held on June 7, SB19—comprised of Ken, Josh, Pablo, Stell, and Justin—opened up about their creative journey, goals for this comeback, and their aspirations for future collaborations. “Each member brings a different musical taste to the table, making our dynamic truly unique. We don’t just follow trends—we try to create something authentic and true to who we are,” the group stated proudly.
‘Simula at Wakas’, meaning “Beginning and End” in Tagalog, marks the final installment in their ambitious trilogy. SB19 shared that the EP was crafted to reflect on their highest achievements and how they could surpass them, even if it meant this could be their concluding chapter. “When we debuted, everything was experimental. Over time, we’ve grown technically, creatively, and spiritually. Our latest album is the culmination of all those lessons and experiences,” they said.
The album’s lead single, Time, is a soulful ballad that explores the meaning of living in the present moment. Preceding the EP’s release was DAM, a word derived from the Tagalog term “pakiramdam” (meaning “feeling”). This track emphasizes resilience and the unstoppable nature of those who’ve overcome adversity.
SB19’s recent accolades reflect their growing international impact. Their single DAM topped the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart, outperforming entries such as Nicki Minaj’s third No.1 attempt. This marked their second Billboard chart entry following GENTO—with DAM becoming their first No.1 hit on the chart.
They bagged ‘Collaboration of the Year’ with Gloc-9 for Kalakal and ‘Ballad Performance of the Year’ for ILAW at the 10th Wish Music Awards earlier this year. Their previous EP PAGTATAG! also earned them four awards including ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Album of the Year’ at the 16th Star Awards. By the end of 2024, they added two more trophies from the 37th Awit Awards for ‘GENTO’, cementing them as top-tier performers in both vocal and dance categories.
Beyond accolades, SB19 remains a force on digital platforms with over 627 million views and 3.87 million YouTube subscribers. Notably, they are the first Filipino pop group to be Grammy-entry approved, underscoring their rising global footprint.
Setting the stage for a global takeover, SB19 will kick off their world tour with a major show at the Philippine Arena on May 31, selling out in hours and prompting an additional show on June 1. Their tour includes stops in key cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Toronto, Tokyo, Sydney, Taipei, and Dubai.
The group also expressed a desire to collaborate with global superstars. “Bruno Mars instantly comes to mind—his music and performances are unparalleled. We’d also love to work with Adele, whose emotional depth would blend beautifully with our own style,” they shared.
Stell addressed the recent viral GENTO dance challenge led by Kai of EXO with gratitude: “It was surreal and incredibly touching,” he said, also nodding to the support from other K-pop groups like ENHYPEN and ATEEZ. “Even if we haven’t interacted directly, being able to connect online means a lot.”
Pablo concluded, “We’re incredibly proud of what GENTO has achieved. Watching other artists dance to our music and share it globally is an overwhelming and humbling experience.”
