Blakdyak's Tribe

The singer behind the hits “Modelong Charing” and “Good Boy,” Blakdyak, is back again in the local music scene, this time with his tribe. The group, now called Blakdyak’s Tribe recently launched their fourth Novelty Reggae album entitled “Blakdyak’s Tribe Sino Ba?” produced by Twinkle 21 Production, distributed by Viva Recording Company.

Blakdyak’s Tribe was officially introduced at a recent press conference held at Cowboy Grill in Malate. The band is composed of Blakdyak (vocals), Danilo Santos (percussion), Paul Lauricio (1st guitar), Aying Sayson (2nd guitar), Milo Ranes (bass), Jeson Davila (drums), and Noel Baniqued (keyboards). Asked why he formed a group instead of continuing his solo act, Blakdyak answered, “Di pa ako artista banda na kami, 18 years na kami magkakasama.”

Blakdyak, who admitted using abusive drugs before, proudly said that he is a changed man now. “Unprofessional ako dati, ngayon hindi na mangyayari. Pangako ko sa sarili ko ay marating ang tagumpay,” he enthused.

Asked how important this “second chance” is, he said, “Kasinghalaga ng buhay ko.” In his absence, Blakdyak with his band, toured Asia, USA, Europe, and Africa to perform.

New King of Novelty?

Now that the country’s King of Novelty, Yoyoy Villame, has passed away (last May 18, 2007), many have been wondering if Blakdyak will take his place as the new King of Novelty. He humbly answered, “Hayaan na natin ang titulong King of Novelty kay Yoyoy Villame. Mas gugustuhin kong Novelty Reggae King ang itawag sa akin.”

He now has a new music cause in mind: Enlivening the reggae music in the country. “Gusto kong buhayin ang reggae music sa bansa. Si Arnel Pineda [lead singer of Journey], nire-represent niya yung rock. Ako naman, gusto kong i-represent yung reggae sa Pilipinas. Medyo bumuwelo lang ako na magkaroon ng name. Ngayong nagka-name na ako, mas madali ko nang isama yung grupo,” he expressed.

Blakdyak’s Tribe’s newest album includes 10 tracks with its carrier single “Sino Ba?” which was written by Blakdyak and arranged by Ben Escasa. Other songs include “Skatalalong,” “Beep Beep,” “May Tama,” “Tumawa Ng Tumawa,” “Hoy Mistiso,” “Bahay Kubo,” “Musica,” and their own version of Tropical Depression’s original “Bilog Na Naman Ang Buwan.” “Dyaryo” is their own Tagalized version of the hit song “Jai Ho” of Pussycat Dolls.

‘Sino ba?’ Sino ba talaga ang tatay ko?

Half-Filipino and half-Barbadosian Blakdyak is still looking for his dad until now. In fact, the song “Sino Ba?” in their album is dedicated to his long lost American-African dad.

Is he still interested in finding and knowing his dad? “Oo, siyempre. Sa akin kasi okay lang [na hindi na]. Akala ko nga nakaligtas na ako. Tanggap ko na eh. Ang problema, yung mga anak ko. Hinahanap nila ang lolo nila. Dala-dala ko pa rin talaga, e. Yun lang wala talaga akong idea kung sino siya. Yun nga, sino ba?”

He said that in time, he wants to establish his name to fame. When this happens, he said, “Kapag nandun na [ako sa kasikatan], mapapansin yun. Ramdam ko kasi buhay pa siya.”

Apart from dwelling in his agony in his search for his father, Blakdyak still faces negative criticisms firing him. But for this, he has some words for his detractors, “Sa mga detractors ko, Diyos ko, ibahin niyo naman ang style niyo. Maganda siguro para maiba naman, sumabay kayo sa tiyempo. Try niyo yung kanta ko para mapansin ko kayo.”

Back for good

After his ventures abroad, Blakdyak said that he is staying for good and that he has no plans of going back abroad. “Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan. Dito ako nagsimula. Dito din ako mawawala,” he ended.

(Blakdyak’s Tribe will be having a series of shows to promote their album: Oct. 15 at Cowboy Grill Biñan, Laguna; Oct. 17 at Cowboy Grill Malate; Oct. 23, Cowboy Grill Las Piñas; Oct. 24, Puerto Princesa; Oct. 27, Pagcor Tagaytay; Oct. 30, Cowboy Grill Las Piñas; Nov. 20, Padis Point Novaliches; Nov. 27, Padis Point, Alabang; Nov. 29, Pagcor Angeles; and Nov. 30, Padis Point Edsa Shaw. Blakdyak’s Tribe’s album is now available at all record bars under Viva Recording Company.)