Is the ‘Pantropiko’ fever officially over?
BINI, often known as “The Nation’s girl group,” has continuously captured people’s attention in the Philippines and Southeast Asian countries. Their potent mix of compelling performances, relatability, and contagious enthusiasm have cemented their position as a significant force in the expanding P-Pop industry.
The eight-piece girl group had a tremendous year in 2024, making their breakthrough in March with the release of ‘Talaarawan,’ their debut EP. The album featured several tracks, including the widely popular “Pantropiko,” which struck a deep chord with fans.
Due to the song’s popularity on TikTok and Instagram, people posted inventive content and dance challenges, quickly becoming a huge social media sensation. BINI expanded its audience and into the public eye thanks to the exposure.
The group’s ascent was further demonstrated by their success on Spotify, where they ranked as the most-streamed P-Pop female group in the nation and held the top spot for three days in a row.
High expectations, meanwhile, are frequently associated with this success.
Seven months after their peak and the controversy surrounding their alleged “overpriced” ticket for their ‘Grand Biniverse’ concert, some have begun to wonder if BINI is still relevant, especially to casual listeners.
Social media users’ perceptions of BINI’s future direction have changed, reflecting this feeling.
One user on X posted how the group had lost its relevance for him, which garnered much attention and started a larger conversation.
A fan agreed and stated that the group’s English-language single, “Cherry on Top,” has impacted this irrelevance, saying that the group’s momentum had decreased due to this change in musical direction.
cherry on top ruined their momentum. they were smashing left n right for their pop tagalog songs, appealing to the masses… then they released an english song desperately trying to quickly break thru the intl scene https://t.co/8hrZUnE41D
— calvin ❦ adele (@superioradkins) October 12, 2024
This opinion reflects a more considerable worry that BINI may have jeopardized the relationship that had brought them popularity by departing from the genre that had first won them their fan base.
The debate around “Cherry on Top” also brings attention to a frequent problem many K-pop and P-pop acts have when trying to gain international recognition. While many fans value the group’s openness to experimenting with many genres and languages, others have a deep affinity for their musical style, especially when it incorporates linguistic or cultural components specific to the group’s identity.
As BINI moves through the subsequent phases of its career, striking a balance between remaining loyal to its origins and broadening its appeal internationally will be essential.
However, despite these challenges, BINI’s journey in 2024 is far from over. Their resilience and determination to navigate these obstacles speak volumes about their potential for future success.
Their long-term success will likely be determined by their capacity to consistently innovate, adapt, and respond to their supporters and detractors. It will be interesting to watch if they can regain the casual listener demographic or establish a stronger relationship with a more devoted, niche fan following as they strive to stay afloat in the competitive music industry.
Whether Cherry on Top is a mistake or a necessary change in BINI’s sound, how they react to their fans’ changing preferences and the changes in the worldwide music scene will determine their success in P-Pop going forward.
With such a strong foundation already in place, the group is well-positioned to pursue its global ambitions and continue to shape the future of P-Pop, a prospect that should excite and inspire its fans.
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