Watch the music video of “Emoji,” featuring Queen of C-Pop, JOLIN
SB19 ushers in a defining era with the release of Wakas at Simula, a monumental 24-track album that signals both an ending and a bold new beginning. More than just their sophomore full-length project, the record serves as a reflective close to their formative years while opening the door to what they describe as an “imperial phase” in their career.
Built on years of growth, Wakas at Simula traces SB19’s journey through self-discovery, identity-building, and the trust they’ve cultivated with fans. “At the same time, this marks a new beginning,” the group shares. “We hope to express ourselves more openly, explore deeper and more relatable themes, and move forward with clarity, care, and creative freedom.”
The album unfolds as a cohesive anthology, weaving together standout tracks from their acclaimed EP trilogy—Pagsibol, Pagtatag, and Simula at Wakas—alongside six brand-new songs that elevate their sonic direction. The result is a genre-fluid, maximalist pop record driven by the group’s signature intensity and charisma.
At the helm is SB19 leader Pablo, who carefully reimagined the project’s soundscape. Rather than simply revisiting past material, the group leaned into reinvention—introducing richer arrangements, dynamic layering, and a balance between raw emotion and refined production. Each track is designed to honor their origins while reflecting their evolution as artists.
Among the album’s standout moments is “Emoji,” a vibrant collaboration with C-Pop icon JOLIN. Blending club energy with Brazilian funk influences, the track explores the contrast between curated online personas and genuine human emotion. SB19 member Ken, who co-produced the song with PLAYERTWO’s Luke April, describes it as a fresh sonic direction—both playful and introspective.
The accompanying music video amplifies this concept through striking visuals, juxtaposing polished glamour with chaotic reality. As Justin explains, the dual-set design mirrors the tension between what people project online and what they truly feel beneath the surface.
The album also expands SB19’s global footprint with “Toyfriend,” a high-energy collaboration with Japanese group BE: FIRST. New tracks like the smooth R&B cut “Memories,” the experimental “Everblack,” and the emotionally charged ballad “Wakas” further showcase the group’s versatility and vocal strength.
In a nod to their roots, SB19 revisits songs from their 2021 EP Pagsibol, reworking them with deeper emotional nuance and refined artistry. “For us, it was about respect and progression,” Pablo shares. “Nostalgia grounded the album, while the new songs gave it momentum.”
Ahead of its release, the group unveiled the official tracklist during a global livestream on Weverse, drawing massive engagement and reaffirming their strong international fanbase.
SB19 is also set to take their music to the world stage, with upcoming performances at Lollapalooza in Chicago and Summer Sonic in Tokyo—two of the biggest music festivals globally.
With Wakas at Simula now available worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment, SB19 cements their status as trailblazers of P-Pop—fearlessly evolving while staying grounded in the journey that brought them here.
