It’s definitely a lit era for our beloved P-Pop groups as they take their talents to a bigger stage with trending performances and international nominations. And when it comes to getting that bag, P-Pop kings SB19 certainly did not come to play.
Their comeback hit song “WYAT” recently bagged major recognition as the Best Dance/Electronic Recording from the 36th Awit Awards, and the boys are also set to jam next month at the Asia Artist Awards 2023.
But if there’s anything that left us speechless lately, it’s the subtle clues on possible rebranding under a new name. This was not on our bingo card this week, bestie!
Hints That Got Us Overthinking
While social media speculations sometimes add fuel to the fire, we can’t help but overthink with these publicity changes that started with TM Tambayan’s post. Individual names were listed on the artist lineup, and host Ai Dela Cruz even introduced them as Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin.
Same thing applies to the Fusion PH Music Fest, where the boys were referred to as “Mahalima.” This was followed by the members dropping “SB19” on some of their social media bios.
A'TIN Besties, the first code got maxed out real quick! 😱 Fret not, 'cause we gotcha! 🧡#CelebrateFusionFreedom and watch your bias live this 11.11 as they continue their tour abroad!
— Fusion PH Music Fest (@FusionPHFest) November 9, 2023
Use the new code: "FUSIONMAHALIMA" on SM Tickets to get 50% off for the FIRST 100 users! ✨ pic.twitter.com/1I3VcTWXBt
During the “One Zone” fan meet event, no trace of their usual outro “this has been SB19” was heard from any member. What we got instead is the line “This is our home. This is our zone. This is One Zone,” which could have been used as a reference for the event. A special corner was also dedicated for fans to take on a logo redesign challenge. Jumping to conclusions is not a good sport, but maybe it could be a soft launch for a new group identity?
Not Just A Name
It’s no secret that SB19 is now a self-managed group under 1Z Entertainment, something they have been manifesting since their trainee season. But what a lot of people don’t know yet is that their previous management, ShowBT, still owns the trademark for the name SB19 until 2031, that’s according to the World Intellectual Property Organization. This has led people to believe that the recent adjustments are linked to former management and trademark issues.
As they shy away from using their original group name, we’ve seen a rollercoaster of emotions from their ever-supportive fanbase, A’TIN. Of course, it’s not easy to bid farewell to the OG, but at least the boys could personally pick a brand new identity that fits their artistry and the value that they bring to the music industry.
Rebranding is not a new thing. But we can’t deny that they already built a global presence under the name SB19. Hopefully, the question of whether the group would keep a tighter grip on SB19 or a full force redirection to a new name will finally be answered in the coming days. After all, it’s not SB19 without Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin, not the other way around. We will be supporting the boys what ever it will be!
