 Pic from Blakdyak's Album! |
From
Blakdyak's album "Noon at Ngayon" Ako ay isang model Doon sa Ermita Gabi-gabi sa disco At
nagpapabongga Sa pagka-istarir ay Talbog lahat sila Ang mga porma nila Ay nakakandaranpa
Pag ako ay sumayaw na |
Blakdyak Article
by Claire Agbayani-Isidro (1997)
For quite sometime in 1995, news had been
going around that there was an unique reggae act at Chatterbox along West Avenue. Of
course for a couple of years already, Manila has been receptive to music imported from the
sun-kissed isles of the Caribbean. But this act, then known as Blakdyak, was different in
that it appealed more to the masa
There was only one way to find out if the rumor were true. So we hit the road and
checked the guy out.
If only for his tight brown curls and very dark skin - the sight of the vocalist
was enough to merit attention. With legend Bob Marley's face splashed on his shirt - who
wouldn't take a second look? Well, at first sight, they do look alike.
But as soon as Blakdyak opened his mouth and interpreted Bob's "Waiting in
Vain", everybody took notice and struggled to get a good view. This was followed by
"reggae-d" and "ska-ed" versions of Michael Boloton's "To Love
Somebody" and Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight". You could also tell by
the way Blakdyak danced that he's got the rhythm only men of African-American descent
possess. (tipaklong's note:whatcha sayin' Claire? Filipinos can't dance? I beg to
disagree!!!!! )
It turns out, Blakdyak was previously known as Nuzhuz, Grand Finals winner of the
OPM contest in Eat Bulaga some years ago - where Freddie Aguilar was a judge.
Winning the contest was nothing to Blakdyak - who started taking interest in music
early in life. Interest in reggae band (and ska) was a logical development. "Lukso ng
Dugo", he surmised. After all, Blakdyak is the progeny of an American soldier of
Jamaican origin who was once stationed in Olongapo.
Back in first year hihgh school in Castillejos,Zambales, Blakdyak would join school
programs. Soon enough he was earning something like 300 pesos a night going as far as
Batangas, Subic and Puerto Galera to perform with road tour show greats as Apeng Daldal
and Palito.
Much as his band then would perform a predominantly reggae repertoire. He often
opted to pop songs, then rearranging them into reggae and/or ska.
Blakdyak soon found his way into bigger venues like the Folk Arts Theater where he
proved to be a hit among the young people - especially his rendition of original
"Modelong Charing" (to the tune of "Bikining Itim" though)
Blakdyak must have made such an impression on VIVA head honcho Vic del Rosario Jr.
for the latter to decide, on the day of Blakdyak's contract signing for a record deal with
VIVA - to sign him up too. As an actor for VIVA Films, and a talent for "Gillage
People". How's that for a grand slam?
Me thinks Blakdyak will enter every venue imaginable in the days to come and would
probably enter our subconscious (Heaven forbid!). But then it's not unlikely.