SB19 Honors Francis Magalona with Tribute at Historic Lollapalooza Debut

Filipino pop group SB19 paid homage to the late rap icon Francis Magalona during their groundbreaking performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, previewing their rendition of his classic anthem “Mga Kababayan.” The group took the stage at the Allianz Stage in Grant Park on July 30 (July 31 Philippine time), marking the first time a homegrown Filipino act performed at the internationally acclaimed music festival.

SB19’s setlist featured a dynamic mix of their hits, including “DAM,” “GENTO,” “LAWLESS,” “Emoji,” “MAPA,” and “Wakas,” before they delivered the special preview of their cover of Francis M’s “Mga Kababayan.” This rendition is slated to be part of the soundtrack for the upcoming DreamWorks animated film “Forgotten Island,” which boasts a voice cast including Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Lea Salonga.

Francis Magalona, often revered as the “King of Pinoy Rap,” was celebrated for fusing rap music with socially conscious themes and Filipino nationalism. His influential works include “Mga Kababayan,” “Kaleidoscope World,” and “Kabataan Para Sa Kinabukasan.” Magalona passed away in 2009 after a battle with leukemia, but his legacy continues to inspire artists like SB19.

Following the tribute, SB19 resumed their energetic performance with songs such as “VISA” and “DUNGKA!,” the latter featuring a special appearance by Benny the Bull, the mascot of the Chicago Bulls basketball team. The group concluded their set with the track “CRIMZONE,” leaving a lasting impression on the festival audience.

In recognition of their historic appearance at Lollapalooza, a Senate resolution was filed on the Friday following their performance to honor SB19’s achievement on the international stage. This milestone adds to the group’s growing list of firsts, including becoming the first Filipino group to participate in a ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game and performing at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles prior to Lollapalooza.

Looking ahead, SB19 is scheduled to perform at Summer Sonic 2026 in Osaka and Tokyo later in August, where they will share the stage with fellow Filipino acts BINI and ena mori. Their continued presence at major international events underscores their rising global influence and the expanding reach of Filipino pop music.

SB19’s Lollapalooza debut not only showcased their musical talents but also highlighted Filipino cultural pride through their tribute to Francis Magalona, bridging generations of Filipino artistry on a world-renowned platform. Their performance resonated with both local and international audiences, marking a significant moment for P-pop and Filipino representation in global music festivals.