‘Upuan’ by Gloc-9 is still relevant until now
Filipino rap legend Gloc-9 revealed that event organizers occasionally prohibit him from performing his hit song Upuan.
He wrote the 2009 track featuring Jeazell Grutas while serving as a nursing student in crowded, understaffed public hospitals, where he witnessed poor families suffering due to a lack of resources
The song acts as a direct metaphor for political corruption, contrasting the luxurious lives of leaders sitting on high “chairs” (upuan) with the harsh poverty of ordinary citizens.
The track highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses, using the “chair” as a central metaphor for detached powe
During an interview on the podcast i-Listen with award-winning documentarist Kara David, mentioned that Upuan is still revelant until now even though it was released almost two decades ago. The veteran journalist added that she does not know if this is a good thing or not.
With the song’s theme, being relevant meant that corruption and power tripping are still existing.
The rapper shared what the late Master Rapper Francis Magalona told him about their songs. “Sir Kiks” told Gloc that when they released their songs, these are not theirs anymore. “Meron na silang sariling buhay nila,” Gloc shared, adding that he would sometimes ask himself if he is still worthy of his songs.
He also shared that some organizers explicitly ask him to drop the song from his setlist before a show, telling him, “Huwag mong kakantahin ‘yun ah.” He would be told that it’s “bawal” or prohibited.
The rapper said that it seemed that this is his first time telling the public about this. He admitted that at times, he would feel that he is taking for granted his creations.
Gloc would ponder on the possibility that it could have a different impact if he would sing it. “Minsan naiisip ko, kasalanan ko ba yun na hindi ko kinanta dahil sinabi sa akin na huwag kong kantahin?” he said.
While he often wants to perform the track, Gloc-9 chooses to comply with organizers’ requests to prioritize his safety and the security of his family.
“Iniisip ko na lang, kasi gusto kong umuwi sa anak ko, baka kasi pag kinanta ko, hindi ako makauwi sa anak ko,” he said.
Kara David added that whether Gloc sang it or not, people are singing this, and they know the meaning behind the song.