This fresh take on the South Border classic also marks Bautista’s first release under Sony Music Entertainment.

Through his new record label, Sony Music Entertainment, Christian Bautista, Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, has released his much anticipated single, “Rainbow,”

With the help of Indonesian singer-songwriter Raisa, the poignant duet reimagines the South Border classic as a soulful pop-R&B ballad. Raisa’s velvety vocals and Christian Bautista’s smooth baritone combine to create a lush, emotionally charged arrangement that evokes the kind of connection and longing that lasts long after the final note.

“‘Rainbow’ is one of those songs that’s always stayed with me,” says Bautista. “It resonates deeply, not just in the Philippines, but also in Indonesia. Working on it with Raisa gave it new energy and meaning, and it felt right to share it in this way now.”

“Simply because I love this song—I grew up with this song—and I didn’t even know at first that it was a Filipino artist who sang it!” shares Raisa. “When I found out, I was surprised. It has such a special meaning—not just about love but about life. It’s a reassurance of rainbow after the rain. It’s something people can relate to and carry with them every day.”

Christian Bautista and Raisa’s rendition of “Rainbow” delivers a heartfelt interpretation of the timeless OPM classic, heralding an exciting new era for both Southeast Asian music icons. The collaboration was made possible thanks to a 13-city ASEAN concert in Japan, where Bautista and Raisa shared the stage as fellow performers.

Bautista recalls, “We got along very well as friends and as performers during that time. It became a natural idea for us to want to collaborate. We talked about the songs we both loved, and ‘Rainbow’ stood out for both of us. That’s when everything started to fall into place. It wasn’t just the melody, it’s message of hope, comfort, and being there for someone through life’s storms really resonated with both of us.”

“Christian is already so big in Indonesia—I grew up listening to him,” Raisa adds. “He’s such a great balladeer and vocalist. We finally got to spend time together on that Japan tour. What I admire most is his musicality and his beautiful personality. When the idea to collaborate came up, of course, I said yes.”

Christian Bautista has long held a strong presence in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia, where his music, performances, and sincere artistry have earned him a devoted following. Known for his romantic ballads and warm stage presence, he became a household name through his hit songs and regional television appearances. This deep connection with audiences in both countries makes his duet with Raisa not only meaningful but a natural and highly anticipated musical moment in the region.

“This has been a long-awaited collaboration for many of our fans across the region,” shares Bautista. “We’ve both heard from listeners in the Philippines and Indonesia who’ve been hoping for this moment, so it feels incredibly special—not just for us, but for everyone who’s supported our music. We’re truly grateful to Sony Music for helping bring it to life.”

“The Philippines is a huge market with so many great singers and amazing music,” Raisa notes. “I’ve never tapped into that market before, and I want to expand my reach. I hope the Filipino audience will welcome me.”

Raisa is a multi-awarded Indonesian singer-songwriter, celebrated for her soulful voice, heartfelt ballads, and elegant artistry that have made her a standout in the region’s music scene. Known for her ability to blend emotional depth with modern pop sensibilities, she has released numerous chart-topping singles and critically acclaimed albums. With millions of loyal listeners across Southeast Asia and collaborations with some of the region’s top talents, Raisa continues to shape the sound of contemporary Indonesian pop and remains one of its most influential and admired voices.

Their musical chemistry is evident in the track, with each of their distinct yet complementary vocals shining both individually and in harmony.

“With a timeless song like this, you really shouldn’t do too much,” Raisa explains. “We kept the arrangement close to the original but adjusted it to fit a male-female duet—some key changes, harmonies, and little details. Every step of the way, we made sure we honored the song. It’s such a huge song from the Philippines—we just wanted to do it justice.”

“We discovered how well our vocal styles complemented each other when we performed together,” Bautista shares. “We both give our all in every performance, but we also know when to step back and let the other shine. That balance was key in making this rendition emotionally captivating and honest.”

Paying homage to the original arrangement while infusing it with a contemporary, cross-cultural resonance was no small feat. With a collaborative team of both Filipino and Indonesian producers and arrangers, each attuned to the musical sensibilities of their cultures, the duet was crafted to resonate widely without losing its emotional core.

“The biggest challenge was time,” Raisa admits. “We recorded together but couldn’t finish at the same time due to our tight schedules, so we had to complete parts separately. That’s hard for a duet—you have to match details like vibrato, phrasing… But in the end, we blended well, and I really think we gave the song something fresh while still paying homage to the original. And honestly, I think Filipino and Indonesian listeners have a lot in common—we both love ballads, romantic themes, 90s R&B, and a touch of nostalgia,” Raisa adds. “There’s a natural connection between our audiences.”

The multi-awarded Filipino pop icon explains, “Staying true to the spirit of the original while making it meaningful for today’s listeners was something we truly cared about,” shares Bautista. “We each brought our reflections into the song, hoping it would resonate in a deeper, more intimate way—wherever in the world it’s heard.”

As for what’s next? The fans have every reason to be excited.

“We’re currently planning joint performances and a music video,” Bautista teases. “This isn’t the end: it’s a continuation of a musical bridge between the Philippines and Indonesia. We hope to open more doors for future collaborations.”

“I certainly hope so,” says Raisa. “This song will truly come to life when performed in person. It’s just another reason for me to visit the Philippines—or for Christian to come back to Indonesia! When you collaborate with a dear friend, it’s always more fun to do things together. It makes the experience that much more soulful.”

Christian Bautista and Raisa’s song“Rainbow” is currently accessible on all major streaming services globally through Sony Music Entertainment.

Indonesia’s Feel Koplo x Toxicdev!, Thailand’s Valentina Ploy, China’s Shanghai Quitian, Philippines’ Lustbass, and more join this year’s edition of Southeast Asia’s first intra-regional showcase festival

The second wave of artists for this year’s AXEAN Festival has been revealed, solidifying the festival’s standing as one of the top venues for presenting the best and most innovative acts in Southeast Asia.

The renowned showcase festival, which continues its objective to support up-and-coming and established artists from the area and beyond, offers a varied and captivating lineup that invites audiences from across the world to get a firsthand look at Southeast Asia’s creative vitality.

New Additions to the lineup

Joining the previously announced batch of performers are some of Indonesia’s most celebrated acts, including Fanny Soegi, a rising singer-songwriter known for her introspective pop style, and a special collaboration between Feel Koplo and Toxic Dev!, aimed at reintroducing dangdut, a grassroots dance music genre from Indonesia.

Other headline-worthy acts from Southeast Asia that are set to drive the conversation forward are Thai-Italian singer-songwriter Valentina Ploy, Filipino electronic producer Lustbass, Singapore-based newcomer ALICIA DC, Malaysian indie rock/pop outfit Terrer, Cambodian collective La Cima Cartel, and Malaysian six-piece rock band Capt’n Trips and the Kid.

AXEAN Festival 2025 also maintains a very strong international lineup, including Mongolian art-rock experimentalists Blindfold, South Korean indie quartet Confined White, Chinese math-rock band Shanghai Quitian, South Korean five-piece act SIMILE LAND, French noise rock outfit Johnny Mafia, Japanese soul-funk adventurists Billyrrom.

With 43 artists representing over a dozen countries and territories, AXEAN Festival 2025 offers a wide spectrum of styles and sounds: from indie rock to hip-hop, folk to experimental, and more.

As AXEAN Festival co-founder and team leader Piyapong Muenprasertdee puts it, one of the most exciting shifts in the global music landscape—especially among younger audiences—is the breaking down of traditional genre boundaries and language barriers. “Music today is more fluid and borderless than ever, and this creates incredible opportunities for artists from all corners of the world to connect with new listeners. At AXEAN Festival, we aim to be a platform that champions this spirit of discovery and cross-cultural understanding. We’re especially excited to debut a new segment focused on electronic artists who incorporate their local cultural influences—creating genre-defying, globally relevant music that still feels deeply rooted.”

Beyond music, AXEAN Festival 2025 takes pride in celebrating Bali’s rich cultural identity with curated experiences through a more beefed-up local market featuring Balinese food, crafts, and products. These elements allow attendees to connect more deeply with the island’s creative community, making the festival a multidimensional cultural encounter.

Deepening French cultural partnerships

AXEAN Festival remains firm in strengthening its longstanding collaboration with the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, along with the French Institute, which have played a pivotal role in supporting the festival’s creative, professional, and financial growth.

Over the years, the partnership has enabled knowledge exchange through delegations and panel discussions, supported the participation of French music professionals in songwriting camps, and facilitated artistic collaborations with Southeast Asian talents. Piyapong explains, “Their involvement this year is a continuation of this strong partnership and a shared commitment to fostering deeper cultural and professional ties between France and Southeast Asia.”

Strategic collaborations with Pentaport Rookie and MUSE ON

AXEAN Festival also aims to maintain its ties with South Korea’s Pentaport Rookie and MUSE ON, two initiatives committed to advancing the country’s burgeoning independent music scene. While K-pop has undeniably shaped the global music landscape, these collaborations aim to highlight the equally vibrant K-indie movement and bridge it with Southeast Asia’s creative communities.

Through these partnerships, Korean indie artists gain opportunities to perform for new audiences in Southeast Asia, while SEA acts are offered a pathway to showcase their work at prestigious platforms such as Pentaport Rock Festival in Korea. This is a mutually enriching cultural exchange that promotes artist mobility, transnational collaboration, and broader visibility for both scenes.

“Ultimately, it’s a strategic partnership that fosters mutual growth and amplifies the global visibility of both K-indie and Southeast Asian talents,” shares Piyapong.

Tickets are now available via:

Indonesia: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Indo

International: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025Inter

China: https://bit.ly/TicketAXEAN2025China

Details about the conference and the whole lineup will be revealed soon. As part of the strategy for the export of cultural and creative industries, the French Institute and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs are supporting the 2025 AXEAN Festival.

Including new tracks ‘DYNAMITE’ featuring WizKid and ‘MR. MEDIA’

Photo credit: Brent McKeever

Following her historic debut album, Grammy ®-winning international multi-platinum singer-songwriter TYLA has returned with her first new project. The new singles “BLISS” and “IS IT,” as well as more brand-new music, are included in the new song bundle, WWP. P is the producer of the four-track project. Priime and Sammy Soso, as well as WizKid’s cameo on “DYNAMITE.”

The singer insisted on going back to the studio after her year-ending homecoming performances in South Africa. As the title suggests, WWP provides the first look into those sessions. TYLA adds the jubilee “DYNAMITE” and the alluring “MR.” party-starters “BLISS” and “IS IT,” which are already having an impact on everything from the charts to well-known Coca-Cola marketing campaigns. MEDIA,” tracks that, without compromising any of TYLA’s vocal bravery, entice the listener to join in on the dance floor.

“DYNAMITE,” TYLA’s new collaboration with fellow African star WizKid, is one of the most hotly-coveted linkups in recent memory. For months, TYLA has teased the song at her global appearances – most recently at an exclusive listening session in London. Across social media her audience has expressed its anticipation for the official release of the song, the origins of which can be traced back to 2022. “When I thought of doing a mixtape called ‘WWP,’ I went back to all my old demos and I remembered the Wiz one,” TYLA told her London audience in July. “And it was still good, like, after three years! I just told him, ‘Let’s finish it because I want to drop it’.”

TYLA’s upwards trajectory continues, as she reaps the benefits of the impact of her debut campaign, which included the distinction of being the highest-charting African female soloist in Billboard 200 and Hot 100 history, as well as the first GRAMMY nomination and victory of her career. In addition TYLA’s standout singles “PUSH 2 START” and “JUMP” from her deluxe album TYLA+ are now RIAA Certified Gold.

Her megastar profile is demonstrated by the success of “BLISS,” which is featured in the new Coca-Cola ad “Road Trip.” She has had a summer filled with many highlights, including headlining performances at the renowned Open’er Festival in Poland and the Tipsy Festival in Barbados, as well as her contribution to the Smurfs soundtrack, “Everything Goes Blue.” This September, TYLA is also anticipated to play at New York’s prestigious Global Citizen Festival.

Photo credit: Brent McKeever

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