Sexbomb’s ‘Bakit Papa?’ gets R&B revival from P-pop girl group YARA

YARA. Image: Courtesy of Sony Music Philippines

SexBomb Girls’ novelty hit “Bakit Papa?” has been given a modern R&B update by rising P-pop girl group YARA, and described as having a more “sensual feel, matched with sultry choreography.”

The female quartet — composed of Gelou, Rocher, Christa, and Kim — dropped their version of the SexBomb Girls song on Friday, Sept. 22. The revamped song is co-produced by record producer Thyro Alfaro.

Compared to the high-energy and high-pitched melody of the original song, YARA’s version has a more R&B take, where the original “Laban-laban o bawi-bawi? Laban-laban o bawi-bawi? Get, get, aw!” chant is now being sung with a slower tempo.

The quartet’s version also included a minor switch in the lyrics, where the mention of Anjo Yllana was changed to Wally Bayola, and the line, “Mapera, galante, may expedition pa” was updated to “Mapera, galante, may Lamborghini pa”.

“This version of ‘Bakit Papa?’ is more R&B-leaning. It has a sensual feel, matched with sultry choreography… From styling to choreography, from coming up with promotional strategies to executing the material, we collaborated with our label to ensure that we get the best results possible,” YARA said in a release.

Prior to their debut, the girl group performed the song when they competed in the TV5 talent contest “PoPinoy” in 2021. They eventually emerged as the winners, along with fellow P-pop group VER5US.

YARA officially debuted in March 2023 with the single “ADDA.” They were formed by music label ShowBT Entertainment where they were trainees until leaving in 2018. EDV