Agaw Agimat: The Philippines' Modern Folk Rock Phenomenon
Agaw Agimat is a Filipino folk rock band known for its powerful fusion of traditional indigenous sounds with contemporary rock energy. Hailing from Quezon City, the group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 album Lakbay, which was certified gold in the Philippines and spawned several charting singles on local radio.
Early career
The band formed in 2012, initially performing at university fairs and small Manila venues. Their early sound was a raw mix of acoustic folk and protest music, drawing from Filipino legends and current social issues. A self-released EP, Daan, in 2014 caught the attention of independent label Backspacer Records, which signed them the following year.
Breakthrough
Agaw Agimat's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Halimaw. The track's driving rhythm and lyrical storytelling resonated widely, leading to heavy rotation on major FM stations and topping the chart of influential station DWLS for two weeks. This success paved the way for their debut album Lakbay in 2018, which solidified their place in the local rock scene.
Key tracks
Halimaw — This breakthrough single became an anthem for its generation, blending electric guitar riffs with a narrative about inner strength.
Lakbay — The title track from their gold-certified album features a collaboration with kulintang master Joey Ayala, showcasing their commitment to integrating indigenous instruments.
Bathala — A slower, more atmospheric song that highlights the band's lyrical depth and has become a staple in their live performances.
Sigaw sa Kabila — This 2020 release marked a heavier rock direction and was used as the theme song for a popular Philippine television drama series.
The band's subsequent work, including the 2021 album Tagisan, explored more complex production while staying true to their folk rock roots. They have collaborated with artists like rock vocalist Ebe Dancel and performed at major festivals such as the Wanderland Music & Arts Festival. Agaw Agimat continues to be a vital voice in the Philippine music landscape, consistently selling out mid-sized venues across the archipelago.
Fans of Agaw Agimat often appreciate the work of similar artists in the Filipino rock scene. Ben&Ben shares their folk-inspired instrumentation and heartfelt songwriting. IV Of Spades offers a comparable blend of retro and modern rock influences with a distinct visual style. The Ransom Collective delivers a similar energetic and folk-driven live performance experience.
The music of Agaw Agimat is regularly featured on a variety of radio stations accessible through our platform, including prominent Filipino rock FM stations, online alternative rock streams, and independent music radio stations focusing on Southeast Asian talent. Their most popular tracks maintain steady rotation, introducing their unique folk rock sound to new audiences daily.
Listeners can explore the distinct sound of Agaw Agimat through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their catalog, from early anthems to latest releases, on dedicated rock and alternative music channels broadcasting across the Philippines and internationally.
