‘TikTok plays the biggest role in catapulting these songs into fame and dictating the streaming app’s daily roster of today’s hits.’
By Kynesha Robles
It’s the indie OPM scene’s moment in the mainstream limelight, as songs like “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” by Baguio-based alt group Dilaw and “Pasilyo” by Olongapeño band SunKissed Lola are leading the Spotify Philippines’ daily charts and surpassing mainstream international and local acts. “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” currently tops the local Top 50 chart and outsells foreign acts such as “Cupid” by South Korean girl group Fifty Fifty, “Kill Bill” and “Snooze” by SZA, and more.
TikTok plays the biggest role in catapulting these songs into fame and dictating the streaming app’s daily roster of today’s hits. When a song goes viral on TikTok, it’s suddenly everywhere. It leaks over to Facebook and Instagram Reels, starts popping up on conversations and Instagram stories and Twitter discussions, and eventually lands on charts.
As of writing, there are 961,000 posts to the 14-second audio of the chorus of “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat).” Similar with “Pasilyo,” users use both songs as soundtracks to their hopeless romantic musings on the video-sharing app. Users also post dancing videos that interpret the lyrics literally. On the word “uhaw,” people mimic drinking motions.
Sometimes with water bottles, most of the time with cleaning products. The song’s more mellow and melancholic version, “Uhaw” is also climbing the charts.
Another most-streamed indie OPM song is “Umaasa” by Calein, which was heralded by thousands as a “manifestation audio,” said to bring good fortune if used in a video. As of writing, the audio has been used in over 811,000 videos. Aside from these hopeful TikToks, “Umaasa” resonated most with crestfallen users who relate to its sorrowful lyrics.
Aside from TikTok’s rapid-fire ability to drive streams to artists, Dionela also utilized the platform’s potential to promote his song, “Musika.” In a 3-minute video, he shared the story behind his lyrics and clips from the early stages of his songwriting and production. “I just made a beautiful love song because of my girlfriend playing with my piano,” he wrote on the video caption. “Realizing she’s the reason (for) the song, I’m starting to feel the butterflies in my stomach at this moment.”
Among other songs by independent OPM artists that were popularized by TikTok are “panaginip” by iluna, “Estranghero” and “Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko” by Cup of Joe, and “Bahala Na” by Kenaniah.
