Gento (song)

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"Gento"
The cover art for "Gento": The song's title, "Gento", is written in gold material on top of a rusty brown background.
Single by SB19
from the EP Pagtatag!
Language
  • English
  • Tagalog
ReleasedMay 19, 2023 (2023-05-19)
Genre
Length3:52
LabelSony Philippines
Songwriter(s)John Paulo Nase
Producer(s)
  • John Paulo Nase
  • Joshua Daniel Nase
  • Simon Servida
SB19 singles chronology
"Nyebe"
(2022) 		"Gento"
(2023) 		"Moonlight"
(2024)
Music video
"Gento" on YouTube

"Gento" (stylized in all uppercase) is a song recorded by the Filipino boy band SB19 for their second extended play (EP), Pagtatag! (2023). The band's leader, Pablo, wrote the song and co-produced it with Joshua Daniel Nase and Simon Servida. A pop and hip hop track, it is about empowerment and uses gold mining as a metaphor for achieving success, alluding to the band's career. The song was released via Sony Music Philippines on May 19, 2023, as the EP's lead single.

Most reviews from music critics favored the single's catchy lyricism, but one criticized it for its unvarying energy. The song was the band's first entry on two of Billboard's record charts: World Digital Song Sales—a first among Filipino groups—and the Philippines Songs charts, peaking at numbers eight and eleven, respectively. A dance challenge set to the song became a trend on TikTok. The accompanying music video, directed by Kerbs Balagtas, depicted the band members mining for gold. The group promoted the song with live performances and included it on the set list of their Pagtatag! World Tour (2023). The song has received multiple accolades, including the Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year award at the Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2024.

Background and release[edit]

In late 2022, the Filipino boy band SB19 embarked on their first world tour with the WYAT (Where You At) Tour.[1] While touring, the boy band told in an interview with CNN Philippines that the group is working on a new music release planned for 2023.[2] Later, in a press conference, the band's leader, Pablo, revealed that the group's forthcoming music release would based off from the word "pagtatag" (lit. 'establishment'). Other members added that they would explore different music genres and life experiences.[3]

On April 29, 2023, SB19 posted a trailer for their second extended play (EP), Pagtatag!, on YouTube, and announced it would be released on June 9, 2023.[4][5] It marked the band's first new musical release since Pagsibol (2021).[6] The trailer also indicated that the EP would be preceded by a single, which was untitled at the time.[4][5] The group revealed the title of the EP's lead single, "Gento", on May 10, 2023, and made it available for pre-save on digital streaming platforms.[7] Sony Music Philippines released "Gento" on May 19, 2023.[8]

Composition and lyrics[edit]

"Gento"
A 23-second sample of the song's chorus, which features strong bass beats and the use of word playing.[9][10]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Gento" is three minutes and 52 seconds long.[11] Pablo wrote the song and collaborated with his brother Joshua Daniel Nase and the record producer Simon Servida for the production.[12] Servida had previously worked with the band for Pagsibol.[13] Heo Chan-goo of Knob Sound Korea mixed and mastered the song.[12]

Musically, "Gento" is a blend of pop and hip hop, accompanied by an EDM break;[10] some journalists described the song as an EDM pop track.[8][14] The song features clapping sounds and strong bass beats in its production.[9] The lyrics—themed around empowerment—draw inspiration from "transformational change", which allude to SB19's career.[8][10] It includes a message about becoming successful by committing to small and incremental tasks, comparing it to the process of mining and refining gold;[10][14] particularly of how success is as rigorous as excavating it: "Di ka basta-basta makakakita ng gento" (lit. 'You just won't simply find something like this').[9] The lyrics incorporate wordplay, combining the words "ginto" (lit. 'gold') and "ganito" (lit. 'like this'), creating the word "gento" (also in Chavacano; lit. 'like this'),[15] which is utilized along with other similar words in the chorus.[10]

Reception[edit]

The song was met with generally favorable reviews from music critics. Upon its release, "Gento" was described as catchy, particularly its wordplay;[15][16][17] Rafael Bautista of Nylon Manila added that the song delivered an empowering message while being playful. He also remarked positively on the song's lyricism and the use of rhyming words: "[...] effortlessly weaving 'ganito', 'ginto', 'bento', and 'gento' into the lyrics".[10] The Daily Tribune noted that the song highlights SB19's strength and versatility, and that they continued to "test—and break—the limits with their unconventional sound and unbounded talent".[18] Writing for Mega magazine, Chlarine Gianan praised the boy band's vocals and rap, stating that they have put it on the "next level", and that the song's lyricism manifests seamless transitions between English and Tagalog, further holding up its catchiness and appeal.[9] Gabriel Saulog of Billboard Philippines praised the group's "confident delivery" and opined that "Gento" creates impact as Pagtatag!'s opening track.[17] In a separate review, Billboard Philippines ranked "Gento" as one of the top songs off of SB19's discography, labelling it "more interesting and cohesive" than their previous works. However, it was criticized for its unvarying energy throughout the song, making it appear "one-note".[19] CNN Philippines listed "Gento" as among the best Filipino songs of 2023.[20]

Commercially, "Gento" was SB19's debut on two of Billboard's music charts; its commercial performance was considered by the Inquirer's Allan Policarpio a "resounding success" for the group.[21] "Gento" debuted and peaked at number eight on the World Digital Song Sales chart dated June 3, 2023,[22] and debuted at number 17 on the Philippines Songs chart dated June 17, 2023.[23] For earning a spot on the former, it made the band the first Filipino group to do so.[24][25] The song peaked at number 11 on the Philippines Songs chart issued on June 24, 2023.[26] "Gento" amassed over 30 million combined streams on Spotify and music video views on YouTube in the song's first two months since its release.[21]

Accolades[edit]

"Gento" received three award nominations in 2023, each of which the song ended up winning: the Song of the Year at the TikTok Awards Philippines 2023,[27] and the Philippine Pop Song of the Year and the Philippine Pop Video of the Year at the Philippine Pop–PPOP Awards 2023.[28] Sony Music Philippines sent the song as an entry for the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award at the 66th Grammy Awards;[29] however, it fell short of a nomination.[30] In 2024, the song won the Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year award at the Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2024.[31]

Awards and nominations for "Gento"
Organization Year Award Result Ref.
Philippine Pop–PPOP Awards 2023 Philippine Pop Song of the Year Won
[28]
Philippine Pop Video of the Year Won
TikTok Awards Philippines Song of the Year Won
[27]
Wish 107.5 Music Awards 2024 Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year Won
[31]

Promotion[edit]

A group photo of SB19 on stage, each holding a handheld microphone.
SB19 at the Pagtatag! World Tour (2023); a performance of "Gento" opens each show.

The music video for "Gento", directed by Kerbs Balagtas, was released on May 19, 2023, on YouTube, the same day as the song's release.[10][32] Characterized by its grungy motif,[16] it depicts the group members looking for gold and dancing in a large quarry.[15] Jay Joseph Roncesvalles conceived the choreography for the video.[33] SB19 worked with the stylist duo Rainer Dagala and Em Millan and the designers Neric Beltran and Renan Pacson to create custom looks in the video that resemble miners. Pacson spoke with the Manila Bulletin and mentioned taking inspiration from traditional Levi's clothing—citing the brand's mining history as a factor—and the use of artificial intelligence in designing the looks for the video.[34]

SB19 promoted "Gento" with live performances. The band first performed the song on noontime variety show All-Out Sundays on May 21, 2023.[35] They reprised the song during their appearance on the Wish 107.5 Bus; an accompanying performance video was released on YouTube.[36] "Gento" served as the opening number of their second world tour, the Pagtatag! World Tour (2023).[37] In the United States, they put on a street performance of the song on Hollywood Boulevard[38] and at Times Square.[39] They also performed "Gento" on U.S. television—appearing on KTLA 5 Morning News on August 2, 2023,[40] and on Good Day New York on August 9, 2023.[41] At the Asia Artist Awards 2023—where SB19 was honored with the Best Artist (Singer) award—they performed "Gento" as part of a medley of their songs.[42][43] They released an official live performance video of the song via Vevo.[44]

The song became a trend on video sharing service TikTok upon its release, where users—including local and international influencers and celebrities—began posting videos of themselves dancing to the song's chorus, which quickly became a dance challenge.[33][45] The trend resulted in users using the song in over 1.7 million videos on the platform,[45] which helped expand SB19's reach to several regions around the world, including the United States and parts of Asia and Africa.[46]

Controversy[edit]

In an episode of the noontime variety show It's Showtime, dated June 10, 2023, a contestant for the show's game segment requested to dance to "Gento" on stage. The show's crew refused to play the song on air, which startled hosts Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis. Ganda jokingly expressed how playing it on the show would now require a fee, to which Curtis responded, "Really? Isn't playing the song on the show a good promotion for the music industry? [...] It's a pity."[47]

Following the incident, social media users criticized SB19 online,[47] some describing them as "greedy".[48] Twitter users raised concern, leading to discussions about music royalties and the hosts' remarks, which made the phrase "respect local artists" trend on the platform.[47] Singer Sam Concepcion and record producer Thyro Alfaro also participated in the discussion online, expressing support for SB19.[47]

Credits and personnel[edit]

Credits are adapted from ABS-CBN News.[12]

Charts[edit]

Weekly peak chart positions for "Gento"
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Philippines (Billboard)[49] 11
US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[50] 8

References[edit]

  1. ^ "SB19 Announces WYAT World Tour Dates". Rappler. September 5, 2022. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  2. ^ "SB19 Announces New Album in the Works, Larger World Tour in 2023". CNN Philippines. November 27, 2022. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  3. ^ Antonio, Josiah (December 15, 2022). "SB19 Shares New Details on Upcoming Album". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "SB19 Drops Trailer for EP Pagtatag! and Teases World Tour". Rappler. April 30, 2023. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Mallorca, Hannah (May 1, 2023). "SB19's New Album Pagtatag Features Six Tracks; Cites Fun Time Working with Pepe Herrera in Comeback Trailer". Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 1, 2023. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  6. ^ Llemit, Kathleen (April 30, 2023). "SB19 Releases New EP Pagtatag Trailer". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  7. ^ "SB19 to Release New Single 'Gento' This May". Bandwagon. May 10, 2023. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c Basbas, Franchesca Judine (May 19, 2023). "SB19 Find Gold in New Single 'Gento'". Bandwagon. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d Gianan, Chlarine (May 22, 2023). "Why SB19's 'Gento' Is a Golden Release Today". Mega. ISSN 0117-5823. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Bautista, Rafael (May 19, 2023). "SB19 Strike Gold as They Show How It's Done in 'Gento'". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  11. ^ "Gento – Single by SB19 on Apple Music". Apple Music (PH). May 20, 2023. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c "SB19 Releases New Single 'Gento'". ABS-CBN News. May 19, 2023. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  13. ^ Lim, Ron (September 30, 2021). "SB19's Pablo Talks About the Work That Went into Pagsibol on 'Behind the Song' Podcast". GMA Network. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  14. ^ a b Abad, Ysa (June 12, 2023). "SB19 Strengthens Their Identity in Pagtatag! EP". Rappler. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  15. ^ a b c Madarang, Catalina Ricci (May 19, 2023). "SB19 Delivers Powerful New Dance Track 'Gento' Ahead of New EP". Interaksyon. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  16. ^ a b "SB19 Drops Catchy New Single 'Gento' with Grungy Music Video". GMA Integrated News. May 19, 2023. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Saulog, Gabriel (September 29, 2023). "SB19's Pagtatag! is a Masterclass in Confidence and Versatility – Review". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on October 20, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
  18. ^ "SB19 Goes for Gold with New Single 'Gento'". Daily Tribune. May 20, 2023. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  19. ^ "Every SB19 Song, Ranked". Billboard Philippines. December 6, 2023. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  20. ^ Gloria, Gaby; Reodica, Mariah; Urrutia, Ian; Pascual, Jam; Pareño, Elijah (December 29, 2023). "The 24 Best Filipino Songs of 2023". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  21. ^ a b Policarpio, Allan (July 18, 2023). "Stell on SB19's 'Nerve-wracking' Leap to Self-manage Career: If Not Now, When?". Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  22. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (May 31, 2023). "SB19's 'Gento' Enters Billboard's World Digital Song Sales Chart at No. 8". Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  23. ^ "Philippines Songs (Week of June 17, 2023)". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  24. ^ TV Patrol Weekend Playback – June 4, 2023 (Television production) (in Tagalog). ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center: ABS-CBN News. June 4, 2023. Event occurs at 34:42. Archived from the original on June 28, 2023. Retrieved June 28, 2023 – via YouTube. Patuloy ang success ng grupo, lalo na't sila ang kauna-unang P-pop group na pumasok sa Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart ngayong linggo. [Their success continues, as they are the first P-pop group to enter Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart this week.]
  25. ^ Bautista, Rafael (October 18, 2023). "6 Times SB19 Made Billboard History". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  26. ^ "Philippines Songs (Week of June 24, 2023)". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  27. ^ a b Pasajol, Anne (October 1, 2023). "Francine Diaz, SB19, Ivana Alawi Win at TikTok Awards PH 2023". Inquirer. Archived from the original on October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  28. ^ a b Hicap, Jonathan (December 2, 2023). "Complete List of Winners at the 8th Philippine Pop–PPOP Awards". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  29. ^ "SB19's 'Gento' Now an Approved Entry to 66th Grammy Awards". Rappler. October 13, 2023. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  30. ^ Songco, Pauline (November 12, 2023). "Women Artists Dominate 2024 Grammy Nominations". Daily Tribune Life/Show. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2023.
  31. ^ a b Angan, Kara (January 14, 2024). "Here Are the Winners of the 9th Wish Music Awards". Billboard Philippines. ISSN 2984-9861. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  32. ^ "P-pop Supergroup SB19's 'Gento' Music Video Hits 1 Million Views". ABS-CBN News. May 22, 2023. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  33. ^ a b Bautista, Rafael (May 31, 2023). "SB19's 'Gento' Is Taking over TikTok—as It Should". Nylon Manila. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  34. ^ Legaspi, John (June 7, 2023). "Here's What You Need to Know About SB19's Looks in Their 'Gento' Music Video". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
  35. ^ "All-Out Sundays: SB19, Ibinahagi ang Pinagmulan ng Bagong Single na 'Gento'!" [All-Out Sundays: SB19 Shares the Origin of Their New Single "Gento"!] (in Tagalog). GMA Network. May 23, 2023. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
  36. ^ UNTV: Ito ang Balita – July 4, 2023 (Television production) (in Tagalog). UNTV News and Rescue. July 4, 2023. Event occurs at 1:00:13. Archived from the original on July 5, 2023. Retrieved July 5, 2023 – via YouTube. Samantala, muli sumampa sa one million views sa YouTube ang 'Gento' live performance ng SB19 sa Wish 107.5 Bus. [Meanwhile, SB19's "Gento" live performance on Wish 107.5 Bus reached one million views on YouTube.]
  37. ^ Lastrilla, Gary Ann (June 24, 2023). "SB19 Wows A'tin with Spectacular Performances at Manila Leg of Pagtatag!". Push. ABS-CBN Digital Media. Archived from the original on July 26, 2023. Retrieved July 26, 2023.
  38. ^ Rueda, Nimfa (August 3, 2023). "SB19 Takes U.S. by Storm, Shuts Down Hollywood Boulevard". GMA Integrated News. Archived from the original on August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  39. ^ Acebuche, Yoniel (August 31, 2023). "SB19 Draws Large Crowd at New York's Times Square During Street Dance Performance". The Philippine Star Life. Archived from the original on September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
  40. ^ "SB19 Performs 'Gento' on LA Morning Show, Trends on Twitter". ABS-CBN News. August 3, 2023. Archived from the original on August 3, 2023. Retrieved August 3, 2023.
  41. ^ "SB19 Returns to Good Day New York, Performs 'Gento'". ABS-CBN News. August 10, 2023. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  42. ^ Llemit, Kathleen (December 15, 2023). "SB19 Ends Asia Artist Awards 2023 with 2 Awards". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  43. ^ Iglesias, Iza (December 15, 2023). "Hori7on, SB19 Win at AAA 2023". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on December 15, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  44. ^ Catienza, Kleo (December 18, 2023). "SB19 Drops Vevo Performance After Settling Trademark Issues". Inquirer USA. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  45. ^ a b Mallorca, Hannah (August 22, 2023). "In the Spotlight: SB19's 'Gento' Gets These International Celebrities Grooving". Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 27, 2023. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  46. ^ Violata, Annalyn (July 2, 2023). "Trending Ngayon: SB19's 'Gento', Taylor Swift's the Eras Tour, Team Australia's 59 Medals at Special Olympics". SBS Filipino (Podcast) (in Tagalog). Special Broadcasting Service. Event occurs at 1:35. Archived from the original on August 5, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2023. Trending ang 'Gento' dance challenge sa TikTok, hindi lamang para sa mga kapwang Pinoy at Pilipino celebrity, ganon din sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo. Alam niyo ba na umabot na ito sa Amerika at iba't ibang bahagi ng Asya at maging sa Aprika? [The 'Gento' dance challenge is trending on TikTok, not only for fellow Filipinos and Filipino celebrities but also in different parts of the world. Did you know it has reached America, parts of Asia, and even Africa?]
  47. ^ a b c d Calanog, Dale (June 11, 2023). "SB19 Song Triggers Discussion on Music Royalties: 'Respect Local Artists'". Inquirer. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  48. ^ Taculao, Patricia (June 11, 2023). "'Respect Local Artists' Trends on Twitter, Sparks Debates About Song Royalties". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  49. ^ "SB19 Chart History (Philippines Songs)". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  50. ^ "SB19 Chart History (World Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 26, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
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