Filipino American rapper Apl.de.Ap has signed a music distribution deal with GMA Music for an upcoming three-track EP that will include collaborations with Filipino artists, including rock musician Bamboo.
The Black Eyed Peas founding member joined GMA Network executives Felipe S. Yalong and Rene Salta at a contract signing Aug. 14 at the network’s headquarters in Quezon City, Philippines. Yalong is GMA Network’s executive vice president and chief financial officer as well as GMA Music’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. Salta is GMA Music’s managing director.
The distribution agreement covers the digital release of Apl.de.Ap’s three-track EP. The artist said he is looking forward to creating content, releasing music and recognizing emerging Filipino talent.
“I can’t wait to create content, release music, collaboration, and acknowledging upcoming amazing, talented Filipino artists,” Apl.de.Ap said at the signing, according to GMA Music. “I’m very excited about this collaboration. Maraming salamat!”
One of the EP’s songs, “Why,” features Bamboo. Apl.de.Ap said the track reflects his love for the Philippines.
“For ‘Why,’ that’s the one I collaborated with Bamboo and it’s about my love for our country,” he said in a report on GMA’s “24 Oras.” “Beyond music and performing around the world, I always have our country in the back of my mind. How can I bridge my opportunity back home?”
Apl.de.Ap is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Black Eyed Peas, known for global hits including “Where Is the Love?,” “I Gotta Feeling,” “Pump It,” “Boom Boom Pow” and “Bebot.”
He said the forthcoming EP will also carry messages related to environmental protection and support for Filipino communities. Pointing to flooding in the Philippines, Apl.de.Ap said he hopes the music can prompt action.
“I’ve seen a lot of flooding all over the Philippines, so that’s why it’s important for these messages to be out there, to really call to action,” he said. “I still love our country, and I’d like to help.”
Beyond music, Apl.de.Ap said he is pursuing agriculture-related initiatives and tree-planting activities across the Philippines.
“I’m really excited about the agricultural program that I’m doing as well, tree planting throughout the Philippines,” he said. “I think that would help our farmers and families and communities.”
Yalong said the partnership could lead to further projects between Apl.de.Ap and GMA Music.
“I think this is just the start of more collaboration that will happen,” Yalong said. “We are so glad that you have chosen us to be your distribution partner for your digital works.”
