PAPA OBET SESSIONS | From DJ to Recording Artist

Barangay LS 97.1 disc jock Papa Obet is now officially a recording artist as he releases “Papa Obet Sessions” EP under GMA Music, on-air and on digital streaming platforms worldwide.

Containing four tracks: “Ikaw Lang At Ako,” (composed and originally performed by Janno Gibbs), “Kung Mababalik Ko Lang,” by 604, “Kung Malaya Lang Ako,” by Kris Lawrence and Papa Obet’s original composition “Ang Una Kong Pasko,” this EP is a dream come true for him who shared during his interview that the ambition written in his high school yearbook was “to be a successful recording artist.”

“The EP was inspired by the Spotlight Music Sessions, an online music channel which showcases the talent of Pinoy artists through live performances,” he says.

“Ang Una Kong Pasko” is dedicated to the OFWs who are spending their Christmas away from their loved ones. “It was inspired by my experience when I had to spend Christmas on my own for the first time. And I dedicate this to the OFWs who are miles away from their families and are celebrating Christmas far from home for the first time,” shares Papa Obet.
Before becoming a Barangay LS disc jock, Papa Obet used to join various singing contests including GMA’s talent competition Protégé. He is also the songwriter behind Barangay LS’ theme song “Tayo Ay Forever” sang by Kapuso artists Ken Chan and Rita Daniela.

“I still can’t believe that my singing career could actually get this far. I’ve always wanted to be a radio DJ, but I’ve been singing since I was a child. I would join singing contests in Bataan and sometimes win. Then, I became a DJ here at Barangay LS and I’ve been here for 10 years. And now, GMA Music has given me an opportunity to be an official and legit recording artist and it has been really fun working with them,” says Papa Obet.

In a recent blogcon, Papa Obet said that he’d classify himself as a balladeer and has heavy influences from 80s and 90s male singers and performers from the likes of Janno Gibbs and Dingdong Avanzado. That it was his lifelong dream to sing and perform even before becoming a DJ.

To be a balladeer, he said, is to know by heart the song that you are singing. To know not only the melody and lyrics but also what it means and to sing each song with all your heart.

Papa Obet also said that OPM is very much alive right as compared to the early 2000s. There are a lot very talented and creative local artists right now which makes it even more challenging.

WATCH THE WHOLE INTERVIEW HERE: