Hemp Republic is a Filipino reggae band
formed in UP Los Banos in 2000. The group was formed by Tonton Hatol
(lead guitar), Bunny Liwanag (vocals), Mags Gahol (rhythm guitar), Mabs
Tolentino (bass guitar), Al Sese (drums), and Alfred Pagsuyuin
(keyboards). The band’s first song was “Hey Body Rock”, which they
played in their first gig on March 26, 2000. The band was joined by Caio
Cadiz (percussion), Glober Calambro (trumpet) and Arjo
Ayende(Trombone). Since then, the band has had a lot of changes in their
roster (which included bassist Nikolaos Dritsopolous then current
bassist Eggy Mallari, and Jeck Cenidoza on trombone), but maintained
that same familiar Hemp sound that one can easily recognize.
The
band's first album, Welcome to Hemp Republic was released in April of
2005. The album contained ten tracks of reggae songs. In September 2005,
they released the music video of their first single, “Sabihin Mo” which
received radio play in NU 107 and Jam 88.3 Doobie Nights and airplay on
music channel MYX. Their follow-up single was the popular and inspiring
song "Fireflies" which was a big hit among reggae aficionados and fans.
The band continued to tour all over the country, sharing one love and
their inspiring music, a signature sound that has been created by the
sensual voice of vocalist Bunny Liwanag, paired with that familiar
melodic guitar lead from Tonton Hatol, the hypnotic bass lines from Eggy
Mallari, the heavy drum beats from Paolo Bartolome, and the excellent
execution on the keyboards of Alfred Pagsuyuin.
At present, Hemp
Republic has released a new Youtube-exclusive video for their other hit
song "Elbi Nights" which became an anthem to all students hailing from
UPLB. The long awaited 2nd album from the band will soon be released,
while the members of the band are currently in the process of
discovering different new venues all over the world to explore and share
their music internationally. The music of Hemp Republic is truly
unique, Pinoy reggae at its best.
Hemp Republic is a
Filipino reggae band formed in UP Los Banos in 2000. The group was
formed by Tonton Hatol (lead guitar), Bunny Liwanag (vocals), Mags Gahol
(rhythm guitar), Mabs Tolentino (bass guitar), Al Sese (drums), and
Alfred Pagsuyuin (keyboards). The band’s first song was “Hey Body Rock”,
which they played in their first gig on March 26, 2000. The band was
joined by Caio Cadiz (percussion), Glober Calambro (trumpet) and Arjo
Ayende(Trombone). Since then, the band has had a lot of...
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