Filipino music is having a moment overseas, with BINI, James Reid, Maki, and The Itchyworms set for their respective UK and US tours this year. For these artists, touring the world is not just about breaking into the international scene — it’s about bringing a piece of home to Filipinos who can’t make it back to the Philippines just yet. There is a growing number of well-loved mainstream acts tapping in different parts of the world with Filipino artists proving their appeal stretches far beyond their own borders.
UK Tours
Take the P-pop group BINI, who have built a fanbase that spans North America, Europe and the Middle East. Following their Philippine Arena performance last February 15, BINI announced their first-ever world tour, which includes stops in New York, Dallas, and San Francisco, as well as iconic venues like the Wembley Arena in London and Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena — both with capacities that range between 12,000 to 19,000 seats. Much like P-pop boy group SB19’s 2023 “Patagtag! World Tour,” and pop artist ena mori’s shows in London with Sofar Sounds last year, it seems like high time for BINI to step onto the global stage.
Rock band The Itchyworms are also embarking on a UK tour with stops in Manchester, Liverpool, and London. Their shows will take place in smaller, more intimate venues, accommodating around 150 to 170 people.
North America Tours
Promoters like Washington D.C.’s Toggleswitch and YY Entertainment from Saskatoon have worked tirelessly to bring mainstream Filipino acts to North America — like rock bands Tanya Markova and Chicosci, and rappers Gloc-9 and Hev Abi. Silent Sanctuary — a band from the OPM rock canon of the 2000s — will be playing at the S.O.B.’s in New York City’s Lower Manhattan area. Better known as Sounds of Brazil, the venue can accommodate 400 guests, catering to fans of music outside of Europe and North America. James Reid and Maki are also touring together in Canada, presenting their quintessentially Filipino take on R&B pop for foreign audiences.
The beauty of these tours lies in their ability to transcend language and geography. According to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2023, there were approximately 2.16 million overseas Filipino workers worldwide. For Filipinos who can’t afford to fly back to the Philippines, these concerts are a connection to culture, community, and the sounds of home. And as more Filipino artists take their music abroad, they’re not just building careers — they’re building bridges.
