What happened to SB19 during their Expo 2020 performance
Last March 16 was a night of mixed fulfillment and disappointment for A’TIN, the branding fandom of P-Pop powerhouse SB19. The matter of concern is how the group encountered disadvantageous mishaps in their appearance for Expo 2020 held in Dubai-UAE.
During SB19’s entire performance, the members confronted technical difficulties leading to adverse consequences. While their versatile attitude and professionalism in handling unforeseen events prevented any more predicaments, there is a shortcoming.
Nonetheless, the incident prompted the fans to an initial callout to protect their idols.
SB19 AT DUBAI EXPO 2020
To have SB19 perform for the reputable Dubai Expo 2020 was news but not an unexpected possibility. Especially for A’TIN, who has long manifested cross-border opportunities and worldwide domination for the dubbed kings of P-pop.
On March 15, this manifestation came true after a member, Josh, posted a clip on TikTok. According to him, they were informed of the event only four hours before their flight. In an interview, the quintet also shared how complying with the urgent requirements was a challenge, but they managed to get through.
With SB19’s first official world stage performance in place, it was only timely their fans do their part. And while those in the Philippines can only hope for a live stream, A’TIN from abroad made sure to be present to witness this milestone.
By then, what was left was to celebrate the accomplishment with enthusiasm, although without knowing what was to come.
Utter setbacks during SB19’s performance
SB19 has a pronounced history of a brimming stage presence in each performance. Not unexpectedly, they have but a hankering thirst for performing in front of actual audiences since the pandemic happened. Thus, the Dubai Expo 2020 was their first comeback of live production after such a long while.
In the said event, comedian Chad Kinis and singer Zephanie were among the lineup, with the P-Pop ensemble as the concluding act. For a powerful entrance, SB19 chose their opening with explosive What? And at that time, technical problems were already arising.
From the start, the background music was noticeably unstable. In addition, the malfunctioning microphones made it harder for the members to sing and dance simultaneously. As a result, the first song went over but with viewers, specifically online, barely getting hold of the entire show.
Overall, SB19 delivered nine hot tracks from their discographies. Included is the Billboard-record breaking song Bazinga, and MAPA, which they dedicated to OFWs in Dubai. On top of intervals in-between these songs, the technical problems remained untended.
Albeit the casuals may not have noticed, SB19 throughout made efforts to improvise on short talks for the viewers, presumingly to buy time. But aside from a staff approaching them onstage once, the evident glitches were as if, not an urgent matter.
A’TIN took to Twitter to express their dismay
The same night of SB19’s guesting at Dubai Expo 2020, fans sympathized through the platform regarding their idols in the unfortunate happening. They were quick to acknowledge the group’s compromise for the show as it must, to go on.
For instance, members had to louden their voices more than usual so fans would hear them. Twice in the running of the event, they were also interrupted in speech with the inappropriate timing of music placement. And all of that, which SB19 themselves had to apologize.
To be fair, testimonies of live viewers said that the actual show was far better in person. Thanks to SB19 being professional for the heart of their artistry. However, it still does not change the narrative that the problems coincidentally occurred since their appearance.
In consequence, the hashtag #SB19atDubaiExpo2020 became the no. 1 in Philippine Twitter trends with more than 540k tweets. Fans showered positive messages with the tagline, “SB19 YOU DID GREAT.”
Expo or officially known as World Fair is an over a hundred years international gathering meant to celebrate diversity. Their prestige is enough to justify why fans called out to their lapses.
On March 17, Dubai Expo apologized to the viewers through a reply sent to a Twitter user. In exchange, several conveyed their gratitude for the opportunity while acknowledging that sometimes, things happen beyond anyone’s control.
Personally, the statement was what I demanded to close this chapter. But to be completely honest, I think it’s the SB19, not the fans who are in need of a sincere apology— not one to show regrets or to proclaim feeling saddened, but to take full responsibility to do justice. That is the essence of genuine accountability.
SB19 is a five-member Filipino boy group behind the rebirth and revival of the now P-Pop. Not at all times, must their hardships be romanticized to glorify their success. They’ve been through so much paving the way, they deserve better.
