NOEL CABANGON AND CURTISMITH
KICK-OFF COKE STUDIO WITH UNIQUE COLLABORATION
The stark difference in genres is what makes the fusion of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) legend Noel Cabangon and Curtismith, one of today’s hottest rap artists, fresh. The pilot episode of Coke Studio features the unique pairing of both singers that unravels to be an ingenious way of defying their genres.
Cabangon is teamed-up with fast-rising hip hop and rap star Curtismith as part of the refreshing collaborations lined-up by Coke Studio. “It was a fun experience collaborating with him,” said the country singer of his experience with Curtismith. “He has so much energy in him.”
While differing in their musical genres, Cabangon and Curtismith are brought together by their dedication to their craft – pouring their thoughts and baring their souls into every line. This mindset transcends their age gap and genres – showing that they are similar in more ways.
“[An] artist can inspire change,” said Cabangon, who is known for his politically-themed singles. “It’s been proven. Wehave to be part of something bigger than ourselves; it’s part of being human.”
Curtismith’s generation is one that was expected to do well in school in order to earn a lot of money. “But there are more things that my generation should think about than just money. Follow your passions, take risks,” said the rap artist.
And it was exactly because of taking risks that he was able to catch the attention of billionaire Richard Branson when the latter visited the Philippines – instead of asking a question during the forum, he took it as an opportunity to showcase his rapping skills. Soon after, Branson’s assistant approached him to ask for a copy of the performance.
The duo, with all their respective quirks, called their collaboration as something “magical”, citing that Cabangon exudes a young heart while Curtismith is an old soul within.
“When Noel started to play, it started off slow and I was wondering if it was too slow, but Mito (Curtismith’s real name) found the beat right away,” said Raymund Marasigan, another artist who witnessed the duo’s rehearsals.
Watch how Noel Cabangon and Curtismith collaborate for a refreshing kind of music that celebrates their own genres in the first episode of Coke Studio. Catch it every Saturday at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on www.youtube.com/Coke StudioPH.