Gloc-9’s ‘Dapat Tama’ is the story of the Filipino nation

Two simple words—”Dapat Tama”—everyone should remember before voting on May 13. Gloc-9 makes that message clear in this anthem that he composed to wake up a somnolent nation. Indeed, a nation rendered almost numb in her seeming insurmountable struggles against crashing poverty and incorrigible corruption in government. However, there’s a most powerful line “Nasa atin ang kapangyarihan pag tayo ang kumibo” which offers each of us insight—and that is, the realization that the power to effect change lies in each of us and not in the candidates—so it is time we woke up and time we claim that power by casting our votes.

I don’t mind seeing “Dapat Tama” on TV over and over again. In fact, I look forward to its being shown each time knowing that the artist behind it is one of the best we have around today. What is so great about the song is that it is not only informative. It has also a catchy beat that you can bop your head to and the message is very powerful without being in your face.

What Gloc-9 has done here is to use music to convey a clear message. Not every artist can succesfully pull this off unless he knows exactly what he is saying and knows how to say it. Gloc-9 is no stranger to commenting and rapping on socio-political issues of our country. More importantly, only one who is truly nationalistic could have penned such a reflective and moving narrative of the Filipino nation! Clearly, “Dapat Tama” shows Gloc-9’s deep love of country and its people. Furthermore, as a rapper, his lyrical proficiency is truly phenomenal. And let’s not forget the rapid fire shooting out of his words never compromises the clarity of his enunciation.

When I got to read the complete lyrics of “Dapat Tama,” I found them to be direct to the point and profound. Not one word is wasted here and everything makes perfect sense. Perhaps, it is in songs like this that would make politicians realize that, once elected, they only sit in power for the people and they now have a sacred and moral duty to the people. Sometimes we need an artist just like Gloc-9 who has the guts and the courage to say things that have to be said:

“Dapat tama

(Sa isip at sa salita)

Dapat tama

(Lalong Lalo na sa gawa)

Dapat tama…

(Sama-sama nating i-tama ang mali)

(Nang ang bayan natin makabangon muli)

DAPAT TAMA!”