Sound of Resistance: A Sociological Critique of “Kapangyarihan” by Ben&Ben and SB19
- deskvalor
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
By: Adel Santos
Introduction
Music serves as a powerful medium for social and political commentary, and "Kapangyarihan" by Ben&Ben featuring SB19 exemplifies this role. Released in 2021 under Pebble House, Vol. 1: Kuwaderno, the song critiques power, corruption, and injustice in the Philippines (Lago, 2021). Through emotionally charged lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, it reflects societal struggles and aligns with historical and contemporary issues of governance and authority.
This paper analyzes its lyrical content, musical composition, and reception to examine how the song engages with the nation’s socio-political landscape. Using a sociological lens, it explores how "Kapangyarihan" contributes to public discourse, particularly in discussions on oppression, resistance, and systemic abuse. Additionally, it investigates the song’s role within Filipino protest music, considering its influence on political awareness and collective consciousness. By resonating with marginalized communities and youth, "Kapangyarihan" serves as an anthem of defiance, urging citizens to question and challenge structures of power (Lago, 2021).
Body
"Kapangyarihan" delivers a compelling message about the dangers of unchecked authority. The song’s lyrics highlight themes of abuse, injustice, and the silencing of dissent. Phrases such as "Huwag matakot ipagsigawan, Kasalanan ang pang-aabuso" call upon listeners to resist oppression (Ben&Ben, 2021). The direct plea for activism is reinforced through the song’s gradual build-up, which mirrors the rising tension in the lyrics.
The instrumentation starts with a soft, haunting melody, creating an atmosphere of quiet despair, which then escalates into an intense, explosive crescendo. The dynamic progression mirrors the growing unrest and defiance expressed in the lyrics, symbolizing the building up of Filipinos’ frustration until it cannot be disregarded any longer. The collaboration between Ben&Ben and SB19 further amplifies the song’s emotional depth, as both groups are known for their strong fan bases and commitment to social awareness (Cruz, D., 2022).
The song’s release in 2021 coincided with a politically turbulent period in the Philippines, marked by increasing concerns over government corruption, extrajudicial killings, and threats to press freedom (Philippines, 2021). The lyrics encapsulate the sentiments of those who have witnessed abuse of power and systemic oppression firsthand, making it a cultural and political rallying cry. Numerous listeners interpreted the song as a direct response to pressing issues, particularly the administration’s alleged human rights violations, the suppression of dissent, and the erosion of democratic institutions, seeing it as a musical manifestation of their collective anger and desire for change.
Critical Analysis
Using Sociological Criticism, "Kapangyarihan" serves as a reflection of Filipino society’s frustrations with authoritarian tendencies and systemic injustice. The song’s title, which translates to "Power," immediately sets the stage for a discussion on the abuse of authority and its impact on the rise of oppression.
One of the song’s greatest strengths is its emotional intensity. The progression from a subdued opening to an explosive climax mirrors the collective frustration of Filipinos who feel persecuted. The collaboration with SB19 adds another layer of urgency, as their impassioned delivery transforms the song into a battle cry (ABS-CBN Corporation, n.d.). The song’s powerful imagery, such as "Mga bibig na tinakpan" (mouths that were silenced), resonates deeply with issues of press suppression and censorship in the country. Lago (2021) highlights how such symbolism reflects the real-life struggles of journalists and activists who have faced threats and repression for speaking out against injustices. By incorporating these themes, Kapangyarihan becomes more than just a song—it serves as a reflection of the nation’s fight for freedom of expression.
Moreover, "Kapangyarihan" successfully bridges mainstream OPM (Original Pilipino Music) with protest music, making political discourse more accessible to younger audiences. Unlike traditional protest songs that rely heavily on folk or rock influences, "Kapangyarihan" incorporates modern pop-rock elements, appealing to a broad demographic. Amid the growing influence of social media in activism, the song’s virality has amplified awareness and sparked discussions on governance, human rights, and democracy (Cruz, E., 2019). The song has also been used in protest rallies, further solidifying its status as a cultural and political anthem.
Despite its notable aspects, "Kapangyarihan" is not devoid of limitations. One limitation is its somewhat abstract lyrics. While those familiar with Philippine politics can easily grasp its meaning, some listeners may find the metaphors too vague or open to misinterpretation (Cruz, D., 2022). The ambiguity in the meaning of the lyrics could reduce its effectiveness as a protest anthem for those who require a clearer call to action. Unlike traditional protest songs that explicitly name and condemn political figures or policies, "Kapangyarihan" leaves room for multiple interpretations, which may dilute its impact. Additionally, the song’s mainstream appeal may limit its reach among sectors of society that do not engage with OPM or social media activism. Unlike grassroots protest anthems that resonate across different generations and socio-economic backgrounds, "Kapangyarihan" primarily appeals to younger, internet-savvy Filipinos, limiting its influence among older generations or marginalized communities who may not have direct access to digital platforms (Philippines, 2021).
Another critical aspect to consider is the broader societal issues "Kapangyarihan" highlights, including corruption, abuse of power, and the struggle for accountability. The song reflects deep-seated frustrations within Philippine society, where systemic injustices persist despite calls for reform. It underscores the tension between authority and resistance, echoing historical patterns of oppression and defiance. By amplifying these issues through music, "Kapangyarihan" contributes to ongoing conversations about governance, human rights, and civic responsibility, reinforcing the role of art in shaping collective awareness and discourse.
Conclusion
"Kapangyarihan" by Ben&Ben and SB19 is a bold musical statement that critiques the abuse of power and amplifies the voices of the oppressed. Through its evocative lyrics and powerful instrumentation, the song serves as both a warning and an encouragement to stand against injustice. The song’s emotionally charged delivery and compelling message have made it an influential anthem in contemporary Filipino music, effectively bridging entertainment with activism. However, its abstract nature and mainstream presentation may limit its accessibility and understanding to certain audiences, reducing its effectiveness as a protest song in some aspects. Nonetheless, its cultural and social significance remains undeniable in the addressing of political issues prevalent in the Philippines.
Ultimately, "Kapangyarihan" is a medium for the encouragement of vigilance and action, urging Filipinos to question those in power and fight for a just society (ABS-CBN Corporation, n.d.). The song underscores the responsibility of both artists and citizens to challenge injustices and advocate for meaningful change. As music continues to be a catalyst for resistance, "Kapangyarihan" stands as a reminder that art has the power to inspire, mobilize, and hold power to account.
REFERENCE LIST
ABS-CBN Corporation. (2022, May 05). SS. ABS-CBN.
cbn.com/entertainment/05/05/22/benben-sb19-in-powerful-kapangyarihan-performance
BenandBenVEVO. (2021b, August 28). Ben&Ben, SB19 - Kapangyarihan (feat. SB19) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrkxGbtJB6E
Cruz, E. S. (2019, September 18). Songs of protest. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2019/09/19/1953114/songs-protest
Cruz, D. (2022, May 24). WATCH: Ben&Ben, SB19 collab anew in “Kapangyarihan” performance video | Inquirer Entertainment. INQUIRER.net.
Lago, A. T. (2021, September 14). In ‘Pebble House, Vol 1: Kuwaderno,’ Ben&Ben shows the world what they can do. RAPPLER.
Philippines. (2021, January 13). Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/philippines
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