Now United finds harmony in diversity

Now United

Although the boys and girls of the pop music group Now United come from different countries and backgrounds, making friends with each other was surprisingly uncomplicated. After all, they’re in it for the same reason—to share their talents and love for performing with the rest of the world.

“When we were first formed, I wondered how we would all get along. But, it was easier than I could ever imagine. And it was mind-boggling, because we speak different languages and have different cultures,” Noah Urrea, who’s from the United States, said. “But because we love music so much, we got along easily, and discovered that we have other things in common.”

Singer-actor Bailey May, the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate who represents the Philippines in Now United, echoed Noah’s sentiments, saying that people of other nationalities are just as “loving” and “hospitable” as Filipinos.

“We want to spread the message of love. You can get along with anyone, and it doesn’t matter where you come from, what you look like, or how you talk,” added Joalin Loukamaa from Finland.

Created by talent manager-producer Simon Fuller—the man behind the iconic Spice Girls and the “Idol” franchise—Now United is composed of 14 singers and dancers aged 15 to 21, who were selected through various digital platforms.

Also in the group are: Any Gabrielly (Brazil), Diarra Sylla (Senegal), Jeong He-yoon (South Korea), Hina Yoshihara (Japan), Josh Beauchamp (Canada), Krystian Wang (China), Lamar Morris (United Kingdom), Sabina Hidalgo (Mexico), Shivani Paliwal (India), Sina Deinert (Germany) and Sofya Plotnikova (Russia).

Now United recently visited Manila for a series of mall shows (mounted by Wilbros Live and Frontrow), and released its new single, “What Are We Waiting For,” which has Bailey taking on one of the lead vocal parts.

Excerpts of the group’s chat with the entertainment press:

What is it like being in a group, instead of going solo?

Bailey: It’s definitely different. Being in the group is a great opportunity for me, because of the international exposure. It’s a step toward [my dream]… I have always wanted to be an international artist, to be in Hollywood since I was young. So, when I learned about this opportunity, I worked really hard. I competed with some amazing and talented people here. So far, it has been a dream come true.

Bailey May

What did you teach your group mates before your Manila stop?

Bailey: I taught them how to use po and opo to show respect for the elders.

How has Now United helped you as a performer?

Josh: I love to sing in the shower, but I mostly dance—I have been doing it since I was 6. But when I heard about Now United, I thought that, maybe I could become an all-around performer, like Michael Jackson and Chris Brown. I feel I’ve grown a lot.

How would you describe the group’s music?

Krystian: Simon Fuller told us that pop will always be here. Our music is poppy, at times with a bit of electronic sounds, but always fun to listen to… Traveling around the world, we see lots of cool stuff that aren’t big in the West and vice versa. We would like to bridge that gap.

Have you had the chance to listen to music from your bandmates’ countries? Any interesting finds?

He-yoon: We went to Senegal, and the sound there was surprising and interesting. I saw different dances, and the women there have such great rhythm. I thought it would be great if we could incorporate that energy into our music.

And I hope we can come up with a sound that is influenced by our different music cultures—K-pop, electronic, African and Latin beats and rhythms.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

Any: We did a flash mob performance at a school in Senegal, and the kids had a sparkle in their eyes. It was a very happy moment for them. And that’s our purpose, to give them a reason to be happy.