Freedom of expression is for communication, it is not a right that gives power to degrade another. Among the millenials, social media is a very powerful tool to make everybody else know how one feels. Very often, criticisms don’t match because of individual tastes. And so it goes, the endless battle of posts, statuses, memes and such all posted and viral on different parts of the internet.
“Kalimutan mo na yan, sige sige maglibang. Wag magpaka hibang. Dapat ay itawa lang.”
Last year, the group Ex Batallion released their song Hayaan Mo Sila. Ex Batallion is a group of men composed of rappers, singers, composers – artists if no one disagrees. The name of the group was formed for the reason that they are a batallion of former members of their respective frat groups, intimately to which they identify themselves a family. However, sometime between the last days of December and before the coming of January, an issue threatened the existence of their song on YouTube. Allegedly, the group stole the beat of Diamond Style’s “One Kiss”. The following year, January 4, Myx PH released an online article with the statement of Ex Batallion about the issue. They said that Hayaan Mo Sila was not taken down because it was stolen. They bought the beat from the owner before. Now that their song is popular it must have exceeded the limitations that they paid for. That is why the owner was asking for additional pay. As their song gained more popularity, so as the critics. Some people took them negatively, attacking and comparing the quality of their music. Despite the bashing many are still entertained of their songs. They still managed to stay up for each member of their family. The criticisms against them were taken positively by making videos shamelessly showing confidence of their work. Big stars like Vhong Navarro, Ronnie Alonte, and Loisa Andalio listen and make videos using their song.
Before we post our thoughts online, we should think if it could help. Instead, we can support them by listening to their songs. They did not create solely on profit. Nor did they let our minds rot for listening to the lyrics. Young talented men like them are what we need in the industry. People who put out their hearts to create music. People who share their souls to give out lessons. We do not need criticisms that encourages hate. Art is supposed to be your identity and expression. It is not something created to be approved. It is meant to be understood.
Comments are encouraged. Hatred is not. Please, time to bring peace to this world.
-your lovely writer
Likha ni Paraluman 