SB19 Pablo reflects on alcohol escapism with new single ‘Akala’

SB19’s Pablo (right) with his brother Josue. Image: Louis Anthony Duran via Facebook/John Paulo Nase

SB19’s leader and chief songwriter Pablo has dropped the new single “Akala,” a collaboration with his brother Josue about alcohol escapism and its failed promise to drinkers.

The song, which follows a “more laidback and dreamy vibe,” was released on the singer-songwriter’s social media and streaming platforms on Tuesday, Jan. 30. This came weeks after Pablo dropped the single “Determinado.”

“Even though [Josue and I] have different practices in terms of drinking, we agree on the idea that alcohol is not the answer to problems,” he said in a release. “I asked him if I could also write my verse in the song and tweak some parts and he agreed.”

Pablo also opened up about “Akala’s” creative process, where he “rearranged the letters of alak (or wine),” which are included in the lyrics, which eventually came about into the song’s title.

“I didn’t want the song to just be about getting wasted, so I thought of a way to introduce my perspective by rearranging the letters of ‘alak’ and that’s how ‘Akala’ materialized. My mother also pitched in a line in the song and it made more sense,” he said.

The song was brought to life during the pandemic, which initially started as Josue’s “partially written verse” about finding an escape from getting drunk.

“I added some singing parts and a hook and gave the song a resolution in terms of musical arrangement. We wanted it to be a song that’s easy to listen to and sing along to, just like how it is when friends gather and sing together,” said Pablo.

Before its official release, the SB19 member and Josue performed “Akala” at an esports event earlier this month.

Under the joint unit Radkidz, Pablo and Josue often “learn and draw inspiration” from one another as a music production duo.

They’re also credited as the composers of SB19’s smash hit “Gento” as well as the songs “I Want You” and “Freedom,” just to name a few.

Pablo, who was born John Paulo Nase, made his debut as the leader of SB19 in October 2018. He debuted as a soloist with “La Luna” in January 2022.

In a previous report, he hinted that a solo album is in the works and is eyeing a 2024 release. He has yet to disclose the details, as of this writing.