The emerging hip-hop titan celebrates the album’s growing impact with a full-scale anniversary concert
Filipino rapper WAIIAN celebrates the success of his 2025 album with the staging of “BACKSHOW” – The BACKSHOTS Late 1st Anniversary Show, co-presented by Sony Music Entertainment and Lightning in a Bottle Studios (LIAB Studios). The event serves as an anniversary tribute to his full-length album, BACKSHOTS.
With its release last year, BACKSHOTS has positioned itself as one of the most important Filipino hip-hop albums of the 2020s era: a crossover record that reinforces the importance of authenticity and staying true to one’s craft while refusing to conform to social expectations. To date, the critically acclaimed album has achieved over 30 million cumulative streams on Spotify alone, leaving an indelible impression among general listeners and music fans.
Originally envisioned prior to the album release, “BACKSHOW” aims to present the entirety of the album with a live band format, marking a first in his performance trajectory. WAIIAN considers the project one of his most personal and fulfilling works yet. “This album is one of my proudest works, and it’s meant to be celebrated as a whole, especially since I personally enjoyed creating and listening to it. It just felt right to do it now since our band has better synergy when we play together throughout the year.”
The anniversary show will also feature performances from a diverse roster of collaborators and emerging artists within WAIIAN’s creative community and his labelmates at LIAB, including Karmela Roxy, Bad Indie Eye, Nicole Anjela, SHNTI, Yorko, DJ MILKY, Kartell’em, DJ Bebi Keychain, Alisson Shore, and La Mave.
Over the past year, WAIIAN’s 2025 album, BACKSHOTS, has grown into a cult favorite, driven by its distinct sonic identity and riveting depth. WAIIAN attributes the record’s enduring appeal to his commitment to authenticity, taking pride in making music with lasting value rather than fleeting trends. The project has also drawn recognition from fellow artists across genres, further affirming its merit as a significant body of work within the realm of modern hip-hop and rap.
The staging of “BACKSHOW” aligns with WAIIAN’s inclusion in Spotify’s RADAR 2026 program and is an exciting prelude for another major album drop slated for release this year. The event will take place at 123 Block in Mandaluyong City on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Exclusive event merchandise will be available in limited quantities throughout the event.
Tickets to “BACKSHOW” – The BACKSHOTS Late 1st Anniversary Show are available here.