Apl de Ap, Secondhand Serenade, IYAZ headline ‘9RACE’ music festival in Manila

Filipino-American rapper Apl de Ap, American one-man band Secondhand Serenade, British singer IYAZ, and OPM artists KZ Tandingan, TJ Monterde, and Dionela are set to headline the “9RACE” music festival in Manila this October.

The anniversary celebration and music festival will be held on Oct. 4, at the Big Dome, with Wilbros Live serving as organizer.

Leading the international lineup is Secondhand Serenade, the solo project of American rock musician John Vesely. The artist is best known for his multi-platinum hit “Fall For You,” which became a defining song of the late 2000s emo-pop era.

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Secondhand Serenade is also behind fan favorites including “Your Call,” “Vulnerable,” and “A Twist in My Story.”

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Also joining the lineup is Filipino-American rapper and producer Apl de Ap, a co-founder and member of Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas.

Apl de Ap has been part of some of the group’s biggest global hits, including “I Gotta Feeling,” “Boom Boom Pow,” and “Where Is the Love?” He is also known for songs that highlight his Filipino roots, such as “Bebot” and “The APL Song.”

IYAZ, meanwhile, will bring his R&B and pop sound to the festival. The British Virgin Islands-born singer rose to international fame with “Replay,” which became a major global hit in 2009. He also released popular tracks such as “Solo” and “Pretty Girls.”

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The OPM lineup, on the other hand, will be led by KZ Tandingan, known for her powerful vocals and hit song “Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako.”

Tandingan’s real life partner, singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, will also take the stage. He is known for OPM hits including “Palagi” and “Dating Tayo.”

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Completing the lineup is Dionela, one of the rising names in Filipino R&B. He gained recognition with songs such as “Sining” and “Marilag.”

The event forms part of the nine-year anniversary celebration of the wellness brand behind it.