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Pablo, Josue share process behind the making of SB19 song 'Visa'
Pablo and Josue shared the creative process behind SB19's song "Visa," which the group submitted for the consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The two artists, who are also known as Radkidz, produced the song for the P-pop Kings. Pablo, SB19's leader, is the song's composer and lyricist.
In an Instagram Reel, he shared that the song was written due to visa issues faced by Filipinos who want to make it internationally.
"As Filipino artists, there are a lot of requirements and restrictions we need to go through to show our talent, our music to the whole world," Pablo said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The song is also about "bisa" or effect, he said.
"Sometimes we have that mindset where Filipino artists have to be recognized internationally before they are taken seriously and supported in their own country," Pablo said.
"At the end of the day, that's what we want to challenge. Why do we need to be known in other countries before we believe in what we have here in our own country," he added.
Pablo then said that their approach to the sound and lyrics is satire because words are sometimes better received when said jokingly. To that end, they made a funny sound using a trumpet as the main instrument and added farts and other comic sounds.
In the chorus, they layered failing and festive sounds.
"Actually, its main melody niya, it's effect is like comedic," Josue said.
Pablo added that in the lyrics, they pronounced "to follow" as "to pallow."
"It's like a rebellious act where you don't have to follow the pronunciation of English because this is who we are," he said, and added that it is not something degrading.
The wordplay of "Visa" represents international recognition, while "Bisa" asks if it is really effective.
The word "Noypi," which is also repeated several times in the song, was recorded with multiple people. To make it sound like a lot of people were singing, this part was panned, meaning that some sounds will only be heard on the left, right, or center to create a stereo feeling.
"Like somehow, it's like a curse and a blessing to be Pinoy. That's what I want to say," Pablo said.
In the bridge, Pablo said they used sounds similar to them being at a restaurant with bottles and cutleries, with the trumpet sounding like a fart.
"What's said there, here it's happy, although there are people pulling you down, like spaghetti going down and up," Pablo said.
The lyrics also mention half-blooded Filipinos making waves and celebrated across the world.
"It's like the contrast that maybe a fair chance can be given to Pinoys who are struggling here, who are pushing forward or championing Filipino music all over the world," Pablo said.
"Just listen to it. Kasi a little support from your own people can do a lot," he added.
"Visa" was released in February as the lead single of SB19's album "Wakas at Simula." It was submitted as Best Asian Pop Music Performance for the Grammy Awards.
SB19's latest single, "Lawless," was also submitted for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
SB19 is a tourism ambassador for the Philippines. The group recently made history as the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza, one of the world's biggest music festivals.
Earlier, Senator Bam Aquino filed a bill seeking support for Filipino creatives who are paving the way for global recognition. SB19 and their company 1Z Entertainment helped craft the bill.
Composed of Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, SB19 is known for their songs "MAPA," "GENTO," and "Dungka!"
—Nika Roque/MGP, GMA News
