Waiian to Give Backshots New Life with Anniversary Show
One of the top hip-hop albums of last year is getting a live show next week.
by JV Ordoñez
Published on May 7, 2026
Coming off a career-defining year with the release of Backshots, surging Filipino hip-hop star Waiian is bringing his boisterous rap tracks to life at the Backshow on May 15 at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City.
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The Makati rapper will refresh his third studio album filled with confessional storytelling, sonic experimentation, and out-of-left-field songwriting via a full-band affair.
"This album is one of my proudest works, and it's meant to be celebrated as a whole," he said. "It just felt right to do it now since our band has better synergy when we play together throughout the year.
Some of the biggest tracks that have crossed 30 million cumulative streams on Spotify from the LP you might have heard of include "Si Lods na Bahala," "Man in the Merror," and "Softie" featuring Nicole Anjela.
Waiian co-founded Liab Studios in 2020 with his partner Misha Salud and cultivated fame as a member of the local rap, urban art, and skateboarding collective Kartell'em.
The "Backshow" also has a lineup of local R&B and hip-hop acts such as the aforementioned collective Kartell'em, Karmela Roxy, Bad Indie Eye, Nicole Anjela, Shnti, Yorko, DJ Milky, DJ Bebi Keychain, Alisson Shore, and La Mave.
You can get tickets for the stellar hip-hop spectacle at 123 Block here, with limited merch to be made available at the venue.
Merch available at the show
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Esquire PH's resident music scribe, wristwatch disciple, and essayist fluent in niche internet subcultures and Philippine politics.