Rap group Agaron pushing Waray to the forefront of the mainstream music
Agaron is the first of its kind, a Waray rap group based in Manila. Individually they have been rapping for a while now. Archie Malate aka Franchize is from Tacloban, got signed early on under GMA and released an album; Kim Obejas aka Deadkey is from Tacloban City and has released tracks under FlipMusic and Daniel Ytterdahl aka Denial RC is from Samar by way of Norway and is part of the Bone Thugs-n-Harmony affiliate Mo Thugs Philippines. These urban artists have been grinding it out as solo acts prior to forming the group.
They’re multilingual, speaking in Waray, Tagalog, Japanese and English. They have different backgrounds but their love for hip-hop is one that unites them.
They collectively brought in millions of views online. Has rocked shows countless times and now is the time for the Waray to shine. Like Karencitta’s hit song ‘Cebuana’ they found a different energy rapping in Waray. Find the love for the underdog, rooting for their own region in their own dialect. With hip-hop being a multi-faceted genre, being aspirational to their region is the plan. Pushing Waray to the fore front of the mainstream, is the hidden advocacy for creating their hits. Waray Waray Worldwide is their hiphop collective that boasts of rappers, singers, photographers and more that represent their region.
Kalayo means ‘fire’
With the song and video for the first single “Kalayo” which is a word that translates to “fire”. Fittingly featuring Maria Ozawa as the lead actress. The song talks about a steamy night spent by couples.
Bisan na matugnaw duro’t kapaso
Your body is on fire sanglit may nag-aaso
Tell me what you wanna do now yakni la ako
Puydi ta paglarabun it gab-i hasta maabo
Baga baga’n may kalayo
Baga baga’n may kalayo
You’re so hot just like kalayo
Baga baga ka’n kalayo
When asked how it is working with these Agaron, Maria said, “They are very professional, I especially loved the time stop effect of the video.” She also mentioned she had fun dressing up – this is for you guys to see. The video is directed by J. Estacio of Hellasolid. Watch out for the release of the Kalayo TShirt x Maria Ozawa.
Watch the full video here:
The song “Kalayo” is distributed by VIVA Records, the video was launched at House Manila last Feb 20, 2020. With guests Marija Debelic, CLR, Ex-Batallion and brought to you by Highminds Clothing, H-Audio and The Bar.
