Alternative rock/pop boy band Sponge Cola, one of the most popular acts in the Philippines, will headline at the Jubilee Stage at Expo 2020 Dubai on 15 December, along with breakout artist Matthaios, on an all-Filipino line-up.
With a stellar collection of hit songs, pulled from an impressive catalogue of award-winning and critically acclaimed albums, Sponge Cola are set to get the Expo crowd singing along to fan favourites including Gemini, Di na Mababawi and Jeepney.
The band, who met at school in Quezon City, describe their music as a celebration of the highs and lows of life, with stories of love, heartbreak and triumph over adversity.
Yael Yuzon, Vocalist, Sponge Cola, said: “We celebrate the epic, but we occasionally write about something as mundane as black coffee. While some songs bear more weight than others, they all pretty much capture the spectrum of growing up. We can be intense, but we can also be casual.”
The band – who recently announced that their ninth album will be released via Sony Music Philippines next year – said they can’t wait to share their stories at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Erwin Armovit, Guitarist, Sponge Cola, said: “The thought of playing live again in front of a crowd after almost two years is truly exciting. We're looking forward to performing for everyone at Expo 2020, to meeting new people and to learning from the many interesting experiences that Expo 2020 can offer.”
Spotify’s Most Streamed Pinoy Hip-Hop Artist of 2020, Matthaios also focuses on telling stories through his songs to make his music more relatable. Matthaios’ viral hit Catriona, inspired by Filipina-Australian former Miss Universe Catriona Gray, has racked up more than 64 million views.
Matthaios, who hails from Las Pinas City, defines his self-penned tunes – which mix pop, hip-hop and R&B – as “urban pop”. His performance at Expo 2020 will be his first international show, which he labelled a “surreal experience”.
Matthaios said: “I know that there are a lot of Filipinos that are working in Dubai and I’m very excited to see them and to perform for them. I’m looking forward to showcasing Filipino talent on an international stage – [I] believe Expo 2020 is the perfect place for this.”
Sponge Cola and Matthaios will perform on the Jubilee stage from 2000 GST on 15 December. Entry is free for all Expo 2020 ticket-holders, but visitors are advised to arrive early.
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