FRANCIS MAGALONA (1964-2009)

FRANCIS MAGALONA (1964-2009)

The graphic lyrics and the scrapes of local and foreign rappers with the law have made rap music controversial, earning it a spot on the watch list of parents and censors. But Francis Magalona’s music was different. Yes, he was acknowledged as the King of Philippine Rap but he did not promote promiscuity or delinquency in his music. Yes, he had tattoos on his body, but he was not a gang lord. Rather, he was the proud head of a large family, so conservative and very Filipino in his appreciation of life.

His rapping did not make him rich but he enriched the youth who listened to Mga Kababayan Ko, Ito ang Gusto Ko, and Kaleidoscope World with lessons about their heritage and reminding them of age-old values threatened by modernity. He expressed his patriotism through his songs, teaching the youth again that there are a million ways to serve the country. His music revealed his pride in the Filipino and love of country and made nationalism look cool. He accomplished this through rap music, a medium that has been tainted by violence and censorship.

Francis Magalona’s talent made him a legend in the local music scene, but it was the messages in his songs that made him a bigger person, the reason why his loss is deeply felt.

- Prospero E. Pulma Jr. -