South Border | |
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Origin | Davao City and Manila, Philippines |
Genres | P-pop, R&B, soul, neo-soul, progressive pop, jazz, adult contemporary, hip hop |
Years active | 1993–present |
Labels |
Sony Music Brown Hand Records Hot Seat Records |
Associated acts | Sabado Boys Side A Artstart Anthem Take One Freestyle Jinky Vidal |
Members |
Jay Durias Janno Queyquep Otep Concepcion Manuel Tabuñar Edward Picache Kell Gatdula |
Past members | Brix Ferraris Luke Mejares Duncan Ramos Vince Alaras Ric Junasa Tata Balane Butch Victoriano Paul Benitez Bagets Mendez Pido Lalimarmo Maki Ricafort Marlowe Mata Rancis de Leon Jack Rufo |
South Border is a Filipino pop and R&B lyric band formed in the 1990s who gained recognition in the music scene in the 2000s.
Originally formed in 1993, the band whose name is a tribute to their roots in Davao down south, first came into national prominence in 1996 when they launched their first self-titled album. It included a Jimmy Antiporda song entitled "May Pag-Ibig Pa Kaya" which they interpreted in the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival earlier that year. Another song, "Kahit Kailan" was awarded 1996 Song of the Year by various radio stations, thus giving them their first big hit.
The following year, the album reached gold, then platinum. South Border was all set for their first major concert at the Araneta Coliseum. As expected, thousands of their newfound fans trooped to fill the massive dome to the brim. Before the end of 1997, the exceptional talents of South Border was recognized by their peers in the industry when they won the most number of trophies at the 10th Awit Awards including Best Performance by a New Duo or Group, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Produced Record of the Year for their hit song, "Kahit Kailan". By the end of 1997, their debut album had gone triple platinum.
Not long after in the midst of a flourishing career, South Border found itself in the eye of a storm which called for a conspicuous change in their lineup. Luke Mejares replaced Brix Ferraris on lead vocals. But despite discouraging forecasts, South Border got back on their feet in no time. In a rush of creative adrenaline, the band doubled their efforts to finish their second album called Bump!. It featured "Sa ‘Yo", a haunting ballad that spoke of a heart’s yearning for a loved one and "Reborn", South Border’s first attempt at recording an instrumental piece reminiscent of their early jazz influences. In 1999, South Border once again caught the critical eye and received a total of 18 Katha Music awards including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Pop Song, and Best R&B Song—all for the song "Sa ‘Yo". The following year, the band released its first live recording which was well received by their fans and drew rave reviews from critics. At the turn of the new millennium, the band once again made waves with the success of "Habang Atin ang Gabi", the theme song from La Vida Rosa, a Rosanna Roces-Diether Ocampo film produced by Star Cinema, and later from Misibis Bay, a Ritz Azul drama series on TV5. The lyrics were written by scriptwriter Armando Lao and the music was composed by Jay Durias, who considers this song to be one of his best compositions and arrangements to date.