'Their songs are part of us': The enduring influence of OPM Legends on Filipino-Australian artists

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) continues to serve as a powerful expression of Filipino identity, weaving stories of love, resilience, and everyday life across generations. For artists like Jojo Sebastian, this connection runs deep, shaped by years of performing alongside OPM icons and carrying those influences into his work within the Filipino community in Australia.

Jojo Sebastian remains active in the local Filipino entertainment scene, contributing to community events and productions that celebrate Filipino culture and music. Image Source: Renan Legaspi

Key Points

• Sebastian believes that performing OPM abroad carries a deeper responsibility, to preserve and pass on Filipino culture through music.
• On May 1, Sebastian will take the stage once again, this time as one of the front act performers for the OPM Hitmakers concert in Australia including Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuniga, and Marco Sison.
• He adds that OPM continues to evolve, but the timeless music of artists like Valera, Zuniga, and Sison remains relevant across generations.

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