As she celebrates her 25th year in the music industry, Philippine R&B Queen Kyla looked back on her remarkable journey and how she broke the norm as one of the pioneers of the R&B genre in the country.
In an interview with PUSH ABS-CBN ahead of her anniversary concert “The Kyla Soundscape: The Best of 25 Years,” the OPM icon opened up about how her signature R&B sound stood out during a time when the local music scene was dominated by ballads and novelty hits.
“I guess I could say na I was gutsy because during the time when I started in the industry like yung R&B genre, hindi pa siya well-loved or known, hindi pa siya fully embraced so I was really gutsy enough to do my thing and break the norm kasi dati mga novelty songs yung uso that time and more on birits and ballads and then when I entered I did this R&B song na ‘Bring It On’ then I released ‘Hanggang Ngayon’ na something so solemn and refreshing sa eras that time na early 2000s,” Kyla told PUSH ABS-CBN.
“25 years ago, I would say I was gutsier than right now, and I was not scared to do my thing,” she added.
Kyla also admitted that before finding success, she doubted whether her sound would be accepted by the Filipino audience.
“Before I started, I penetrated the music industry dito in the Philippines, I was already giving up hope na. I said ‘Mukhang hindi na ako matatanggap dito. I mean may sound I don’t think they will love it. Magsend na lang ako ng cassette tapes or recordings,” she said.
Despite her doubts, Kyla’s persistence paid off. She went on to redefine the OPM landscape, becoming one of the key figures who helped popularize R&B in the Philippines and inspiring a new generation of artists. Now, 25 years later, Kyla remains passionate about growth and musical exploration.
“Even after 25 years, I still want to explore that side of me, exploring new sounds and exploring like in terms of collaborating with musicians and writers. Something new kaya I want to do that,” she expressed. “Napakarami ko pang gustong gawin.”
As she prepares for her milestone concert this October 18, Kyla expressed her gratitude to fans and shared her simple wish for this celebration.
“On this anniversary, gusto ko lang magkaroon ng sold out show. That would be the very best gift to receive for my 25th year,” she remarked.
Earlier this month, Kyla returned to the music scene after seven years with her newest full-length album, Next Episode, which features all-original tracks. She shared that the project was a long time in the making.
“We really worked so hard for this album, the whole process and all of it, the recording, the song writing. It's been a journey. It’s been really really great, itong Next Episode,” Kyla told PUSH ABS-CBN.
READ: PH Queen of R&B Kyla grateful to work with Jonathan Manalo in new album ‘Next Episode’
Through the years, Kyla said her love for R&B has never faded: “My heart has remained strong from the very beginning since 25 years ago. I held on to that R&B heart in me. ‘Yung R&B na nasa puso ko, I held on to it for so long, I fought for it for 25 years until marindi na sila sa akin.”
Kyla added that she feels happy and inspired to see more artists embracing R&B today, saying it’s fulfilling to finally find others who share the same passion and musical identity.