Filipino boy band SB19 turned Arena @ Expo into a sea of lightsticks, choreography and soaring harmonies on 24 August 2025. Back in Singapore for the first time since 2022, the five-piece P-pop phenomenon – Josh, Pablo, Stell, Ken and Justin delivered a two-and-a-half-hour spectacle that mixed high-octane performance with undeniable vocal prowess.
Since debuting in 2018, SB19 have consistently broken ceilings for Southeast Asian acts, from a historic Billboard Music Awards nomination to racking up hundreds of millions of streams. Their Singapore stop on the Simula At Wakas tour reaffirmed why they are widely seen as the pioneers of P-pop: each member brought distinct personality and skill, from Stell’s powerful belts and Pablo’s velvety tone to Josh’s slick raps, Ken’s weighty baritone and Justin’s soothing falsetto. Even while executing hard-hitting choreography in perfect synchronicity, their live vocals never wavered.
The show’s production drew inspiration from K-pop playbooks, complete with banners, photocards and elaborate staging, yet felt authentically Pinoy. Thoughtful set curation showcased the group’s range: adrenaline-fuelled numbers like “Gento” and “Crimzone” had the hall jumping, while soulful cuts such as “Time” revealed pristine harmonies. During “Crimzone”, the arena glowed crimson as fans pumped lightsticks in time with the beat, literally making “crimson drip”.
While SB19’s core fandom remains rooted in the Filipino community, Sunday’s crowd reflected a broader ASEAN appeal. Fans flew in from Indonesia and beyond, and English translations of Tagalog lyrics appeared on screen to include non-Filipino listeners.
Regional pride also took centre stage through two high-profile guest spots. Singapore’s own Benjamin Kheng joined SB19 for a smooth rendition of “I Want You”, joking afterwards that he picked the song “because there was no dancing” before greeting the audience in Filipino. Indonesian singer Aruma then led the group in a Bahasa Indonesia version of “Mapa”, her buttery vocals blending with the members’ flawless pronunciation as the crowd waved along in unison. Both collaborations underscored the cross-border potential of Southeast Asian pop when artists lift each other up.
For many first-time viewers, the concert felt like a glimpse of what the region’s music could look like on a global stage. With a blend of spectacle and sincerity, SB19 proved they are not just carrying the banner for Pinoy pop but helping to carve a path for the next wave of ASEAN talent.
As the lights came up and the group posed with dancers and fans for a final photo, the message was clear: Simula At Wakas was more than a stop on a world tour. It was a statement of intent that Southeast Asian artists can hold their own on the biggest stages, and that SB19 are leading the charge.
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