SB19’s Stell hints solo debut after career surge

SB19’s Stell on the Billboard PH Women in Music blue carpet. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

With a knowing smile, SB19’s Stell hinted that a “lot of projects” are coming his way, and it’s something that fans should look forward to.

Stell made a surprise appearance at the Billboard Philippines Women in Music ceremony on March 22 in Taguig, where he served as a presenter for BINI’s Rising Star award.

“I’m honored to be here to present this award to our sisters in pop, BINI, with the Rising Star Award,” he said in his spiel. “Mula sa aming lima [sa SB19] para sa kanilang walo, congratulations! Masaya kami na dumating kayo sa P-pop industry. Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang Filipino music here and on the global stage.”

(I’m honored to be here to present this award to our sisters in pop, BINI, with the Rising Star Award. From the five of us in SB19 to the eight of them, congratulations! We’re happy that you’re part of the P-pop industry. Let’s boost Filipino music here and on the global stage together.)

But before presenting the award, he told reporters on the blue carpet that “a lot of projects” are coming up, touching on the possibility of a solo debut in the future.

“Naku, parang naghahanap kayo na may makita kayong something. Next for Stell is a lot of projects… Parang alam ko na hinihintay niyo dito eh,” he said. “There’s something to look forward to Stell dahil nagsimula ang solo projects [ng members] so I guess in the future, we will have that kind of project as well.”

(It’s like you’re looking to see something from me. Next for Stell is a lot of projects, but I know what you’re looking for. There’s something to look forward to Stell because the solo projects for the other members started so I guess in the future, we will have that kind of project as well.)

Ken is the first SB19 member to debut as a solo artist using the mononym Felip, followed by Pablo, Josh, and then Justin.

‘NEXT FOR STELL IS A LOT OF PROJECTS’

WATCH: SB19’s Stell hinted that “a lot of projects” are coming up in his arsenal during his interview on March 22, saying there’s “something to look forward to” after his bandmates debuted as solo artists.

When asked about SB19’s May… pic.twitter.com/4T7DtOrQqa

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 24, 2024

SB19’s ‘investment’

Apart from 1Z Entertainment’s new office, Stell said focusing on their individual and group pursuits is among SB19’s focus when asked what kind of “investments” they had done so far.

“Pinakabest talaga is ‘yung office kung saan makakagawa kami ng magagandang music, contents, and for our artistry talaga,” he said. “Pero ang ‘best’ na investment ay ang naipundar para sa sarili namin, para mas ma-expand ‘yung [kagustuhan] naming makatulong para maparinig sa global ang [Pinoy music].”

Touching on their massive fame, Stell, however, stressed that SB19 doesn’t see themselves as the “favorite” of music publications since all artists have their own contribution to “express themselves” and boost “Filipino talent” to the global stage.

“Hindi po namin iniisip na favorite kami, equal dapat. We need to support each other. Kung ano ang goal namin, hindi naman kaya naming abutin nang kami lang,” he said. “Dapat makakatulong at tutulong kami sa isa’t isa para maabot ang goal na ‘yun. At the end of the day, hindi lang naman kami ang makikinabang. Lahat din kami makikinabang.”

(We don’t see ourselves as the favorite. It should be equal. We need to support each other. We can’t achieve our goal as ourselves. We must help each other to reach the desired goal. At the end of the day, it’s not only us who would benefit from this. All of us would benefit from it.)

Among Stell’s recent solo pursuits include his coaching stint in GMA’s “The Voice Generations” and guest appearances on “iJuander,” as well as performances in various events.