The 'King of Moro Songs' croons for peace

By GIAN C. GERONIMO, GMA NEWS

Published October 31, 2012 7:10am

Datu Khomeini Bansuan , the "King of Moro Songs"

He’s got charisma, a magnetic aura that reminds one of a boy band’s charm. His vocal quality is first-rate, a warmer, less edged version of a Freddie Aguilar voice. Most of his songs may sound alien to Luzon listeners, except for his version of the Michael Bolton song “Said I Loved You But I Lied." Dhatu Khomeini Bansuan, the “King of Moro Songs," sings that ballad in his native Maguindanao language. King Bansuan is more popular in southern Philippines than anywhere else, given that he sings and performs proudly in his mother tongue. But king or not, his majesty was all smiles with everyone as he humbly ladled out food at a recent event in Maguindanao organized by Malacanang's peace office to help celebrate the landmark Bangsamoro peace agreement.

Boyish charm aside, Bansuan is first and foremost a performing artist who’s very much aware that the power of his craft may be the best way to deliver the message of peace. “Napakalaking tulong po ang ginagawa ng kanta,” Bansuan said. “Dinadaan namin sa kanta, kasi kahit mga bata, maiintindihan nila.

He’s stepping it up a notch as he mentioned recording a song with Philippine-born music star Allan Pineda, a.k.a. apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas. Bansuan said they recorded it last week, and it is tentatively titled “Pinoy United”.

Bansuan was among the lone Mindanao celebrities at the peace promotion event in a place formerly racked by conflict. Among the other peace ambassadors: former Sugarfree frontman Ebe Dancel and actor Epi Quizon.

As peace ambassadors, they assist in activities organized by Malacanang's Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), helping spread the word of peace through efforts like the feeding program, parlor games and, in the case of Dancel and Bansuan, through song.

Music is part of OPAPP’s effort to mobilize well-known personalities involved in various fields to further peace efforts.

Dancel, meanwhile, has already recorded and released a song as his contribution to OPAPP’s peace efforts. Titled “Iisa”, the song can be downloaded for free.

Other musicians who are also peace ambassadors are Karylle, Christian Bautista, Gloc-9, Noel Cabangon, and Sam Concepcion. — Danny Manalo/KG/HS, GMA News

Tags: opapp, bansuan, kingofmorosongs, peaceambassadors