SB19, BINI Embrace Grammys Asian Pop Category: Interview

As the Recording Academy prepares for the 69th Grammy Awards, two of the Philippines’ most prominent pop groups, SB19 and BINI, have stepped forward to discuss their participation in the newly established category for Best Asian Pop Music Performance. This category, introduced earlier in 2024, marks a significant development for Asian artists seeking greater acknowledgment on the international music stage.

The creation of the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category has sparked considerable debate since its announcement on June 16, 2024. Intended to highlight contemporary popular music rooted in Asian markets, it specifically calls out genres like K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop as examples. However, it requires submissions to feature meaningful use of Asian languages, creating a distinct space for Asian artists. Some industry voices, including globally renowned groups BTS and Stray Kids, have expressed reservations, fearing that regional categories might limit Asian artists’ opportunities in more general Grammy fields.

Despite these concerns, the Recording Academy affirmed its commitment to the category on October 1, following extensive consultations with artists, labels, and management teams, including those affiliated with BTS. The Academy’s CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., highlighted that many artists and industry stakeholders advocate strongly for the category’s retention, a sentiment reflected in the robust number of submissions—116 entries were recorded for the category this year.

SB19 and BINI, representing the Philippines, view the category as a valuable platform rather than a restriction. SB19, formed in 2018 and known for blending Tagalog and English in their music, has progressively expanded their influence beyond Southeast Asia. Their track record includes a landmark appearance at Lollapalooza in 2024 and topping the U.S. Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart with their bilingual single “DAM.” Their submission for the Best Asian Pop Music Performance category is “VISA,” a politically charged dance-pop track addressing Filipino experiences with immigration challenges, which also pays homage to Filipino Grammy winners.

BINI, formed through ABS-CBN’s Star Hunt Academy and debuting in 2021, has rapidly gained prominence with their lively bubblegum-pop style. Their breakthrough includes a historic performance at Coachella in 2024, the first for a Philippine-formed act. Their submission “Unang Kilig” exemplifies their vibrant sound and Filipino identity. Additionally, BINI is entered in the Best New Artist category, and their song “A Parallel World,” featured in the animated film Forgotten Island, is submitted for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Both groups emphasize that the new category offers essential visibility for Filipino and broader Asian music scenes, which have traditionally faced challenges gaining recognition among global award voters. They regard it as an entry point to greater opportunities rather than a limiting compartment. Members from both groups stress the importance of ensuring the category does not become a ceiling that prevents Asian artists from being considered for major general Grammy categories.

The emergence of this category coincides with a broader push to diversify Grammy voters and include more voices from different regions, reflecting the global nature of contemporary pop music. SB19 and BINI advocate for stronger participation from Southeast Asian artists in the category’s shaping process to more accurately represent their music and cultural narratives.

Winning the inaugural Best Asian Pop Music Performance Grammy would carry profound significance for both groups and the Filipino music community, symbolizing recognition of their artistry on a world stage and validating years of effort to elevate P-pop internationally. It would also serve as inspiration for aspiring Filipino musicians, reinforcing the viability of a global music career originating from the Philippines.

As the Grammy nominations are scheduled for announcement on November 16, the involvement of SB19 and BINI marks a milestone in expanding the representation of Southeast Asian artists in the Grammys. Their participation not only highlights their own achievements but also underscores the growing influence and evolving maturity of the Philippine pop music industry within the wider Asian and global contexts.

While the conversation on the category’s impact continues, SB19 and BINI remain committed to advancing Filipino music’s presence and fostering a more inclusive global music landscape. Their engagement with the Recording Academy and the Grammy process exemplifies a strategic effort to ensure that Asian artists, especially those from Southeast Asia, are heard and celebrated on major international platforms.