After 15 long years, Grammy award-winning artist Akon is finally making his way back to the Philippines. The five-time Grammy nominee, known for global chart-topping hits like “Smack That”, “I Wanna Love You”, “Don’t Matter”, and “Right Now (Na Na Na)”, is set to headline V1BE Manila this December.
The renowned R&B superstar and philanthropist, currently on his ‘The Superfan Tour’, last performed in the Philippines during the Manila leg of his Freedom world tour in 2009.
INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS EZ MIL AND LUCAS TO JOIN THE V1BE
V1BE Manila will also feature international artists Ez Mil, Lucas, and the Dappest x adL duo.
Filipino-American rapper, singer, and songwriter Ezekiel Miller, better known as Ez Mil, will bring his pop, soul, hip-hop, and R&B influences to V1BE Manila. Ez Mil rose to prominence as the first Filipino artist to sign with Eminem’s Shady Records and is known for his hit song “Panalo”.
K-pop star Lucas, born in Hong Kong, is also set to return to Manila following his FIAT LUX fancon in June. The SM Entertainment talent has launched his comeback with the single “Renegade” this year and is currently on the Asian leg of his FIAT LUX tour.
V1BE Manila will also mark the first Philippine appearance of the hip-hop duo Dappest & adL. Hailing from Shillong, Northeast India, adL is a music producer and DJ who draws inspiration from African, Eastern, and Western cultures. Meanwhile, rapper, singer, and composer Dappest incorporates African-American cultural elements into his artistry. Together, they create a unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul, delivering a captivating sound.
FILIPINO HIP-HOP AND OPM ROYALTIES COMPLETE V1BE MANILA
Filipino rap royalty Gloc-9 – a trailblazer in the Pinoy hip-hop scene – is set to lead the hip-pop showcase at V1BE Manila. Known for hits like “Sirena”, “Simpleng Tao”, “Upuan”, and “Bagsakan”, Gloc-9 blends rap and pop with masterful storytelling, creating music that has become beloved by Filipinos.
Flow G, who rose to prominence as a member of Ex Battalion, has successfully transitioned to a solo music career with hits like “Pauwi Nako” and “Rapstar”. The Filipino rapper was the most-streamed artist in 2023, with over 200 million streams and several viral hits.
Completing the epic lineup are Filipino reggae, jazz, funk, and soul collective Chocolate Factory and contemporary hip-pop duo Legit Misfitz, both of whom will bring their charismatic stage presence and artistry to V1BE Manila.
