Actor and musician Elijah Canlas, who releases music under the name “elijah,” steps into a new creative chapter with the release of his much-anticipated album South II. Known for his emotionally charged performances onscreen, Elijah now channels that same depth into music, crafting a project that offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the experiences that shaped his youth.
South II unfolds like a sonic memoir. Throughout the album, Elijah revisits the defining moments of his teenage years—times marked by misunderstandings, false accusations, and the constant pressure to fit in. Rather than responding with resentment, the record leans into reflection, exploring how perception, trust, and reputation can shape a young person’s journey toward self-understanding.
Beyond its heavier themes, the album also captures the everyday rhythms of adolescence: playful teasing, youthful immaturity, and the quiet insecurities that often linger beneath the surface. Recurring basketball references thread through the project, symbolizing camaraderie, discipline, and resilience—familiar touchstones that ground the narrative in shared spaces of growth and discovery.
While South II acknowledges moments of recklessness and brushes with risky environments, it does so with thoughtful nuance. These experiences are framed not as glorification, but as essential chapters in a broader story of learning, accountability, and personal evolution.
Leading the album is the focus track “u wanna be?”, an introspective anthem that confronts the pressures of external validation and societal expectations. Directed by Kiyo, the accompanying music video adopts a raw, intimate visual style that echoes the song’s themes of self-questioning and identity.
One of the album’s most poignant moments arrives with “Bituin.” Originally written by Elijah’s late brother JM, the song was later completed by the two as a tribute to their eldest brother Jerom, adding a deeply emotional layer to the record.
With South II, Elijah Canlas embraces a more expansive artistic identity—one that bridges acting and music while inviting listeners to reflect on their own past. Through stories of love, loss, mistakes, and growth, the album finds connection in the shared experiences that shape who we become.
South II is now available on all major streaming platforms worldwide. https://elijahcanlas.lnk.to/SouthIIMB
