GenSan-based reggae band Kuerdas has released a new single titled Break the Silence in response to the corruption scandal that has recently shaken the country.
The song, composed by band leader Jayson “Angkol Onyok” Ugbaniel, channels frustration and sadness over the state of Philippine society.
“Aside from me and the group, I feel that the whole nation feels it too—the anger, frustration, and the need for change. This is something we all experience collectively as Filipinos, and the song is our way of expressing that shared voice,” he said.
Known for fun, emotional, and uplifting tracks, Kuerdas takes a bold turn with “Break the Silence.” The single carries a heavier, socially aware message, marked by urgent storytelling and grounded in reality.
“I want listeners to wake up and realize that staying silent only allows corruption to continue. Through this song, I hope people feel the urgency to speak out and not just accept what is happening. I want to spark awareness, courage, and a sense of responsibility,” Ugbaniel added.
The idea for the song emerged when Ugbaniel could no longer ignore the entrenched corruption he saw in daily news and community stories. The chorus came first, “like shouting everything I couldn’t say openly,” followed by a melody shaped by raw emotion.
Writing the verses proved more difficult, weighed down by the nation’s struggles, but eventually the words found their way back to him during quiet moments away from tours and gigs.
After recording a raw version on his phone, Ugbaniel shared it with the band for study and rehearsal. The process was fragmented yet deeply honest, evolving into more than a composition—it became a release of long-carried heaviness. Bandmates infused the track with arrangements and their distinct #kuerdasstylee, with Caloy and Lionel leading the studio recording to produce a powerful final output.
Kuerdas also shot a music video for “Break the Silence,” directed by Ugbaniel himself. He described the shoot as “tiring, smelly, and chaotic, but unforgettable,” adding that the experience brought humor and humanity to the process while still capturing the song’s message.
For now, the single stands alone, but the band is open to including it in a larger project—whether an EP, album, or advocacy-driven release. Fans can expect more music with purpose, reflecting the realities and experiences of artists and Filipinos alike.
Kuerdas hopes the song will encourage people in GenSan and across SOCCSKSARGEN to speak up about issues that matter.
“If it can start conversations or inspire others to create socially aware music, then we’ve done our part. Music is powerful, and if this song helps strengthen local movements or opens doors for meaningful collaborations, we would be grateful,” Ugbaniel said.
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