SB19 spotlights Francis M at historic Lollapalooza debut

SB19 paid tribute to late Filipino rap icon Francis Magalona during its historic debut at Lollapalooza in Chicago, giving festivalgoers a preview of its rendition of the rapper’s classic anthem “Mga Kababayan.”

The P-pop group performed at the Allianz Stage in Grant Park on July 30 (July 31, Philippine time), becoming the first homegrown Filipino act to perform at the internationally renowned music festival.

After performing a mix of their hits including “DAM,” “GENTO,” “LAWLESS,” “Emoji,” “MAPA,” and “Wakas,” SB19 performed a preview of their cover of Francis M’s “Mga Kababayan.”

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The group’s rendition will be featured in the upcoming DreamWorks animated film “Forgotten Island,” starring Liza Soberano, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Lea Salonga in the voice cast.

Francis M, often hailed as the “King of Pinoy Rap,” was known for blending rap with socially relevant themes and nationalism through songs such as “Mga Kababayan,” “Kaleidoscope World,” and “Kabataan Para Sa Kinabukasan,” among others.

The rapper died in 2009 after battling leukemia.

MGA KABABAYAN, THIS IS SB19 FROM THE PHILIPPINES!🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/N5v3Qu77IU

— ً (@intojcs) July 30, 2026

Meanwhile, following the tribute, SB19 returned to its high-energy performances of “VISA,” “DUNGKA!”—which featured an appearance by Chicago Bulls mascot Benny the Bull—and closed their set with “CRIMZONE.”

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After their Lollapalooza appearance, a Senate resolution was filed on Friday, to honor SB19 for their historic performance at the Chicago-based music festival.

Before taking the festival stage, the five-member act became the first Filipino group to participate in a ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game and also performed at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.

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The group is also scheduled to appear at Summer Sonic 2026 in Osaka and Tokyo later this month alongside fellow Filipino acts BINI and ena mori. /edv