Francis Magalona was a hero and an inspiration to those lives he has touched. I was in tears watching such artists as Gloc9 cry unabashedly in a televised tribute on “Eat Bulaga” on Saturday. My heart also went out to his children, especially the young ones who may not yet realize their loss.
I admire his wife Pia Arroyo-Magalona a lot because of her strength amid all the pain I’m sure she’s going through for the sake of family. Maxene likewise for her vow to continue keeping his dad proud.
Francis is special to most because of his passion towards whatever he does, be it as a rapper-musician, TV host, actor, and lately, as a photographer and entrepreneur. He puts his mind and soul in all his undertakings and do whatever it takes to make his creations something to remember.
There’s this one incredible performance he did as a guest in Gary V’s “Major Impact” concert in 1990 that changed my view of Kiko. Before this, I only thought of him as just another local artist mimicking American popular music, in his case, the emerging genre of rap at that time. But when I witnessed him first hand at the ULTRA, I had since been in awe of his talent and dedication to his work.
As Gary finished his set, the lights went out. Despite the darkness, the audience could see those on stage. It was Francis’s turn to perform “Mga Kababayan.” What we saw was a touching sight…Francis himself preparing his props, instruments, and other equipment for his number. Then when that familar ethnic-inspired beat was heard in extended play, people started to get excited. And when the voice “Ma-ma-mga-kababayan…” was heard, everyone was in pandemonium.
What surprised me was the crowd’s reaction to his music. Then when he stepped in to do his number, the crowd went berserk and danced and sang to his music as if it was a personal anthem. For a moment, I thought, it was a Francis M concert.
After this, he did an incredible duet with Gary that brought the house down. Gary shared this video on his “showdown” with Francis in his own YouTube channel and also presented it on “Eat Bulaga” last Saturday.
Since this concert, I thought Francis would become the biggest thing in Philippine music. He achieved even more–he became an inspiration that made other lives better, not only his own.
March 12th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
It is just unfortunate the the woman in Malakanyang thought of honoring Francis after he died and also German Moreno, giving Marian and Dingdong their stars before FrancisM. What a big hypocrisy on the part of the Master Showman.
March 12th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Francis M. “Man from Manila” “The Master Rapper” “Kiko” an artist, a father, a true patriot! your legacy will live forever in our minds, in our hearts and in our soul.Your music will live forever!
“Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin’ round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world”
March 12th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Francis is such a great talent… i admire him the first time I learned about him… he is one of my music heroes…gonna miss him so much… Rest in peace..and Rock heaven hard ayt??!!
March 12th, 2009 at 8:37 am
back in the 90’s, a war between the hiphoppers/rappers and rockers/punks was waged by a few unscrupulous selfish music fans, mediamen and artists. FrancisM took the liberty and courage to break that Berlin Wall. His fusion of hiphop music and various rock genres earned him more than just respect from both camps. He earned that unique honour of upholding unity and peace. He was an inspiration to bands and hiphop groups. Having played alongside FrancisM a handful of times, he gave nothing but inspiration and encouraging words to us struggling bands and artists. FrancisM will forever be in the hearts of his fellow artists and musicians. Rest in peace, Manong Kiko.
March 12th, 2009 at 2:33 am
FrancisM is a true poet of our times…he speaks of what ails our country thru his songs. No, he doesn’t go out, march on the streets and protest against the government for being insensitive to the nation’s plight. But he just raps it up. Whether by singing or delivering slogans emblazoned on his shirts…the message cuts right in the heart.
Yo, man! we heard you loud and clear! Your legacy lives on…forever.