dwta plunges into an unapologetic exploration of her culture with 'Tabi!'. As she pivots from her usual musical signature, she shows off her musical prowess in a stunning tapestry of genre and music to create the song.
Known best for her rhythmic and melodious tracks that softly cradle her rich and meaningful songwriting, 'Tabi!' is a raw expression of the vivid vibrance of culture as she merges folk-driven elements with rough grunge-inspired beats, infusing a slight western touch with the bango strums that echo throughout the song. Her ability to balance and layer each sound, blending it seamlessly into the track, spotlights her artistic capabilities as she evolves and grows into her full capability as a musician.
dwta explains more about the choice to take a step away from her usual musical style as she shares: "As I spend more time in the scene, I get exposed to so many creatives and different sounds,” the acclaimed Filipino artist explains. “Naturally, I pick up influences along the way and my sound just evolves with it. 'Tabi!' is a reflection of that growth. You’ve already heard my softer side, so this time I wanted to show something bolder and more confident. It’s still me, just with a different energy.”
As she develops her sound as an artist, she defines her artistry with each new track. With 'Tabi!', she pays homage to her roots and her beginnings before she grew to become the performer she is today. In a way, 'Tabi!' symbolises her full-circle moment in returning to her roots and appreciating the impact her past has had on her present. “Tabi! feels like coming back to myself, remembering who I am, where I came from, and things I experienced growing up in the province. It’s like I’m finally making space for a stronger version of me," dwta muses.
Directed by Elyandre Miguel Dagli, the music video strengthens the overarching story of the song, as she sings the track while walking through a regular neighbourhood. People around her go about their lives regularly with children playing and people doing their laundry. It screams the message that no matter how much life changes some things will always stay the same.
'Tabi!' emphasises the importance of considering departure as a way to protect your peace, framing it in a way that it does not symbolise weakness in the slightest. The courage to remove the hurdle that stands in your way to prevent it from breaking you down shines brighter than the act of leaving. Whether it be leaving a toxic relationship, a bad habit, or even a friendship, letting go is the way to chart a new path to see where it will take you.
With 'Tabi!', dwta steps into a more assertive creative space, turning personal reflection and cultural grounding into a bold artistic statement. Blending heritage-driven textures with a renewed sense of confidence, the track marks both a return and a progression, reaffirming her evolving identity while opening the door to a more fearless chapter ahead.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-