Fifteen Cubes for Twenty Twenty Four at The New Hue VMA. Photo credits to Laurence Dominic
Manila, Philippines — The community gathered, in black and white. On July 20th, 2024, The New Hue, an independent community focused on championing local music and fostering a vibrant space for OPM, held its highly anticipated third Video Music Awards at The Astbury in Poblacion, Makati. The event saw a vibrant gathering of artists, producers, music labels, writers and directors all coming together to celebrate the diverse talents of the Original Pinoy Music scene.
Rock band Kjwan, Marc Abaya, Kelley Mangahas, Eo Marcos and Louis Isok reunited with Kean Cipriano and Sponge Cola's Yael YuzonTed Mark Cruz
Driven by a mission to elevate and amplify the voice of OPM, The New Hue has established itself as a driving force in the industry with a foundation of inclusivity, authenticity and community-building as their well-built core values upon which they celebrate OPM. Through initiatives like the annual Video Music Awards, the community aims to recognize and reward the exceptional artistry, talent, innovation, and contributions of Filipino musicians stretching across different genres have made.
“The OPM is alive!” exclaimed Kenaniah.
The night began with a black carpet arrival, where artists and industry figures did a strut down to pose for photos. Among the notable figures that graced the event were Sponge Cola, Kean Cipriano, Adie, Unique Salonga, Zild, Cup of Joe, Janine Tenoso, Hoest, , Ana Declaro, Alex Bruce and many more. The night was surely a vibrant display of honoring the diversity and talent within the OPM scene. Mix Fenix took the center stage as the charismatic host, guiding the audience through an evening of musical excellence.
The Black Carpet collective. Photo credits to Noel Salazar and OC Records FB page
This year's VMA started with a "Pre-show" to give the house party vibe the music component it needs to hype up everyone in attendance as early as 4PM. The floor was dominated by upcoming acts Jikamarie, Julia Q, Gello Marquez and Ryannah J.
Upcoming acts Jikamarie, Ryannah J, Julia Q and Gello Marquez at the Pre-show
The main show kicked off with an incredible performance from the rock band Kjwan, setting the tone for the night's lively celebration. Other acts that had made it to the stage included Maki, Angela Ken, Nhiko Sabiniano, Pappel, ALYSON, Manila Bombsquad, Duane of Mango Room, MRLD, and Illest Morena, whom further showcased the depth, diversity, and ability of music to connect people.
Main show was a feast with a showcase of OPM's different genre coming together
Community supporters served as award presentors in honoring this year's winners. Ena Mori, Razorback, Nina Sandejas, Vydd, Aia de Leon, Kenaniah, Bullet Dumas and Jayda were all present the Cube to its rightful owners. Not only personalities but so as entities such as Herschel Philippines, Corona, The Archives Booth, UIC, JBMusic, MP Canlas, Mangoroom, JCMedia, Astbury, The Media Mint and media alliance, Magic 89.9, who have been helpful in making the event possible were present at the gathering.
Community supporters turned award presentors at The New Hue VMA 2024
The awards were decided by the ecosystem of music supporters in the country. From public votes, community votes and media alliances, winners were crowned. This way, the VMA is established as a "community-based-award" that is earned not only by the streams but so as recognition from fellow artists and colleagues in the industry. The votes were not only based on the streams or views but rather the totality on the artist's hardwork and dedication to their craft for the period.
Unique Salonga and Panahon Music Video co-director, Kris Cazin, receiving the award for Music Video of the Year
Among the big winners were:
Male DJ of the Year: John Odin
Female DJ of the Year: Dara Carmina
Male Artist of the Year: Juan Karlos
Female Artist of the Year: Denise Julia
Group Artist of the Year: Cup of Joe
Hiphop Artist of The Year: Al James
Indie Artist of The Year: Illest Morena
New Artist of The Year: Dilaw
Bassist of The Year: Diego Manzano
Guitarist of the Year: Vie dela Rosa and Leon Altomonte
Drummer of the Year: Tim Marquez
Keyboardist of the Year: Pat Lasaten
Vocalist of the Year: Unique Salonga
Song of the Year: Ere by Juan Karlos
Music Video of the Year: Panahon by Unique Salonga
Illest Morena receiving her first-ever award as Indie Artist of the Year
"It's not about being the best. It's about trying your best." Tim Marquez of One Click Straight mentioned during his acceptance speech after being recognized as Dummer of the Year.
Tim Marquez receiving the Drummer of the Year award, one of the latest addition to the VMAs
The gathering also served as an avenue for break for the artists in attendance. You see artists performing for artists. The exchange of energy is totally different. It's not your usual music festival. Artists were given the chance to connect with one another.
The event's success underscores the continuously growing momentum and recognition for OPM. The New Hue stays true to its advocacy of creating a lively, diverse and inclusive environment; giving spotlight on incredible talents that continue to emerge from our local music community, and providing space where the rich sounds and stories of Pinoy music can thrive.
Watch out for the micro site to be launched soon to see everything that took place during the VMA 2024.
Creative Collective Executive Producer H Program Manager M Cover story Jas Rico Host Mix Fenix Photography Noel Salazar Videography Job Corpuz Genesis Carizon Video Assistant Elaine Laurel Backend Mark Canlas and MP Visuals Astbury Karen Gil-Velasco and team Record Labels and Independent teams OC Records Offshore Music Tarsier Records Sony Music Philippines Umusic Philippines TMP Industries Warner Music Philippines
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