MEMBERS of the phenomenal P-pop group SB19 swept a total of six awards at the 9th Wish Music Awards, which was held at the Araneta Coliseum.
The awards night is organized by radio station Wish 107.5 every January to recognize the best artists in the local music scene and their performances on the Wish Bus.
On Sunday night, the exceptional talents of SB19 members–Pablo, Stell, Ken, Josh, and Justin–were once again celebrated as they were named “Wish Group of the Year.” They bested rock band Lola Amour, pop rock band The Juans, and indie folk band Munimuni.
It was Josh who accepted the group’s award on behalf of his members. The group received a trophy and a cash prize of 25,000. Meanwhile, P100,000 will be donated to the Philippine Educational Theater Association through SB19’s win.
In his speech, Josh acknowledged the efforts of the members and their dedicated fans, collectively known as A’TIN.
“[On] behalf of my brothers, thank you so much. Alam niyo yung effort ng A’TIN at syempre, ng SB19, sobrang hindi matutumbasan yung connection natin lahat,” he said.
He added, “Salamat po sa opportunity. Sana makaulit pa.”
SB19 also won “Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year” for its hit song “GENTO” and “Wishclusive R&B Performance of the Year” for its soulful track “I Want You.” These two are part of the group’s six-track second extended play (EP) “Pagtatag!”
“GENTO” gained popularity overseas as international artists, including K-pop idols, took on its dance challenge on TikTok.
Josh also danced to the choreography of the song during the awards night.
“Itong ‘GENTO,’ honestly, it was just a weird idea na bahala na, ibibigay natin lahat dito. Kahit weird siya, basta maipakita namin kung sino kami, sino ang SB19,” the member said.
There were also individual awards that Josh and Ken received on Sunday.
Ken, also known as Felip, was named “Wishclusive Hip-hop Performance of the Year” for his solo single “Rocksta,” which he released in January 2023.
Josh bagged the special accolade “Wisher’s Choice Award,” which was given to the artist with the highest number of votes, and the “Wish Breakthrough Artist of the Year” award.
The quintet was last seen performing on stage together when they led the New Year countdown on Ayala Avenue in Makati on December 31, along with other local acts.
Pablo, Ken, Josh, and Justin attended the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 on the weekend, along with Popstar Princess Sarah Geronimo.
Other winners
These local artists also won the following awards:
Wishclusive Ballad Performance of the Year: The Ang Huling El Bimbo cast for “Ligaya/Ang Huling El Bimbo”
Wishclusive Rock/Alternative Performance of the Year: Dilaw for “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)”
Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year: TONEEJAY for “Bawat Piyesa (Secret Verse Version)
Wishclusive Contemporary R&B Performance of the Year: Zack Tabudlo for “Pano”
Wishclusive Collaboration of the Year: Sponge Cola and Morissette for “So Close”
Wish Pop Song of the Year: “Palagi” by TJ Monterde
Wish Ballad Song of the Year: “Kisame” by rhodessa
Wish R&B Song of the Year: “‘Di Na Babalik” by Leanne & Naara
Wish Rock/Alternative Song of the Year: “Parola” by Moonstar 88
Wish Hip-hop Song of the Year: “Rapstar” by Flow G
Wish Contemporary Folk Song of the Year: “Musika” by Dionela
Wish Contemporary R&B Song of the Year: “Paki Saby” by Sunkissed Lola
Wish Song Collaboration of the Year: “Tingin” by Cup of Joe and Janine Teñoso
Wish Artist of the Year: Flow G
KDR Icon of Music and Philanthropy: Performing Arts and Recreation Center Foundation chairman William Guido
KDR Icon of Musical Excellence: Martin Nievera
Kalye Song of the Year: “Elevate” by Jeff Grecia
Kalye Artist of the Year: Flow G
