Last July 2024, KJwan took the stage at The Cozy Cove in Baguio City, delivering a high-energy performance of their iconic track “Daliri.” The show, organized by Nine Degrees North — a Warner Music Philippines sub-label based in Baguio — also featured contemporaries like Spongecola and rising acts such as Lola Amour and Written by the Stars. But it was KJwan, the once-in-a-generation nu-metal act, that stole the spotlight with their raw and unapologetic stage presence.
Fast forward seven months, footage of the performance resurfaced after it was reposted on Nine Degrees North’s Facebook page, which became the subject of a heated online debate. Casual listeners slammed the video, calling it “walang kwenta” and criticizing frontman Marc Abaya’s onstage antics, particularly when hesprayed water from his mouth into the crowd. Comments like “May pabuga pa… feeling rockstar” and “Kaya kinick out sa Sandwich kasi rockstar… tapos walang talent… ang papangit pa ng kanta” flooded the comment section, painting the band’s behavior as unruly and out of touch.
Live at the Cozy Cove shows are known for their laid-back, intimate vibe. Think sit-down crowds and softer, R&B-driven performances serenading the audience. The Cozy Cove is an institution for a smoother vibe. KJwan’s high-octane, chaotic performance of ”Daliri” was a stark contrast, pushing the envelope in a venue more accustomed to mellow tunes. For some, it was a breath of fresh air; for others, it was jarring.
The Impact of Kjwan 20 Years Later
Supporters of the band fired back urgedcritics to dig deeper before dismissing KJwan. One fan commented, “2025 na, libre na paggamit ng Google. Baka magulat kayo sa background nila at sa mga achievements nila, hindi lang sa music industry.” Another added, “Baka akala nung iba, ito yung tipong banda na ngayon lang umusbong. Kung hindi nyo feel ang ganitong genre, wag nyong pakinggan. Wag kayong mag-drop ng negative comments kasi iba yung dating nung prime nila, nung [sic] era nila. May mga napatunayan na yang mga yan.”
KJwan was formed by Marc Abaya after his departure from Sandwich, which leaned into a grunge-punk sound. KJwan, on the other hand, embraced the aggressive energy of nu-metal, releasing three albums: ”KJwan” (2004), “2 Step Marv” (2006), and “13 Seconds to Love” (2009) — all of which earned a dedicated following in the Philippine rock scene.
The “Daliri” performance at Cozy Cove wasn’t just a show; it was a statement. Love it or hate it, KJwan proved that rock music still has the power to shake things up, challenge norms, and spark conversations. And in a world where music often plays it safe, maybe that’s exactly what we need.
