'Harlem Shake's' Azealia Banks wows in exclusive Manila show

A sprawling residence at McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati became the venue for the by-invitation-only private show of American rapper, Azealia Banks. 

 

Banks was flown to Manila by Selecta, to perform at Magnum Ice Cream’s first anniversary party, Thursday night on February 26. The show lasted 45 minutes and was packed with adrenaline, leaving the star-studded audience wanting more.  

Recently gaining popularity in the Philippines, Azealia Banks is one of the many artists who have used YouTube as her portal to fame. This urban performer is responsible for the recent online dance craze, “Harlem Shake”, which some are saying might make everyone move on from Psy's “Gangnam Style”. 

 

The “Harlem Shake” song was originally released in May 2012 but the online phenomenon was born on January 30th, when a video blogger posted a video of himself and three others dressed in colorful, latex suits dancing to the song. And at last night’s event, Banks performing Harlem Shake and other tracks like “212”, got everyone on their feet.

 

A first timer in the country, Azealia was generous with compliments about Manila and its people throughout the show, so as an added treat, she veered away from her set list and did her own rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie”. After which she later said, “I know y’all think I’m just a rapper, but I can sing.” Her performace and candor was applauded by the crowd.

 

The guests thermselves were not short on luster. Aside from the brand’s celebrity endorsers like Raymond Gutierrez, Solenn Heusaff, Erwan Heusaff, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Liz Uy and Georgina Wilson, present at the event were GMA’s power couple, Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine, GMA Kapuso stars like Aljur Abrenica, Carla Abellana, Geoff Eigenman and Bianca King.

 

GMA host Tim Yap was also in attendance, and came with Miss Anette Gozon-Abrogar of GMA Films. Other personalities in media, society and politics also added to the mix.  

The night ended on a high note, and Azealia Banks on high spirits, as the young rapper tweeted “I want to stay in the Philippines.” – KDM/KG, GMA News