CEBU, PHILIPPINES — Bisaya rappers Midnasty and Cookie$ collaborate to put Bisaya hip-hop on the global music scene with their new Spotify Singles track, “Wa Na Wa.” The track is the first of three original hip-hop songs that will be released as part of KALYE X — Spotify’s latest initiative dedicated to collaborations between artists, fans, and the community, which serves as an extension of the KALYE Hip-Hop brand to further spotlight the genre.
Pride of Dumaguete Arkho, Makoy, and Nikko of Midnasty, and Cebu pride Cookie$ take listeners to the heart of Bisaya hip-hop through “Wa Na Wa.” The lyrics are a powerful message of resilience, strength, and triumph over challenges, embodying the very essence of Bisaya pride. “Wa Na Wa” is also a testament to the artists’ journey and success — as they inspire listeners through their music.
“I have been dedicating my music and craft to take Bisaya hip-hop beyond Visayas, and this collaboration with Midnasty is an important step in that direction. Working with Spotify allows us to transcend boundaries and share the vibrant Bisaya culture through our music. I hope this latest track not only empowers our fans but also creates a legacy that resonates far beyond our hometown,” shared Cookie$.
Sharing how they use hip-hop as a platform for good, Midnasty shared, “Hip-hop has been an avenue for us to channel our energy into something positive. Through this exciting collaboration with Spotify, we get to introduce our unique sound to a wider audience. We want to inspire more people to embrace their passions, just like we have, and keep supporting hip-hop.”
“We are thrilled to see the energy and creativity of two music powerhouses from the Visayas region come together to launch a first-of-its-kind Spotify Single. It’s an outlet for artists to express themselves, engage their fans in a fresh way, and connect with new listeners. We are committed in amplifying the voices of these talented artists, celebrating Cebu’s talent and stories to a broader audience”, shared Kossy Ng, Head of Music at Spotify Asia.
KALYE X concert in the Queen City of the South!
Kicking off the first-ever series of Spotify KALYE X concerts, Spotify partnered with Wish 107.5 to bring the KALYE X party to Plaza Independencia in Cebu City where Midnasty and Cookie$ performed “Wa Na Wa” for the first time – live!
The celebration continued with a pulsating KALYE Xypher, in partnership with Rekta sa Kalye, live graffiti exhibitions by local street artists, and an encore of electrifying performances by Midnasty and Cookie$.
Continue to tune into Spotify Kalye Hi-Hop for “Wa Na Wa” and continue to follow the playlist for more exclusive content and the best of Philippines hip-hop beats. Spotify’s KALYE X concerts continue with upcoming stops in Davao on September 23 where the inventive collective Morobeats will reimagine the sound of Mindanao hip-hop and in Manila on October 28 where Gloc 9, Hero, and Ramdiss will pull off a three-way collaboration.
Stay tuned and follow @spotifyph on social media for updates.
