Fête de la Musique PH 2025: Get to know the main stage headliners through these songs

Since 1994, Filipinos have looked forward to the annual grand celebration of Fête de la Musique, a free music event that brings diverse sounds to the public.

Known globally as World Music Day, this festive occasion originated in France in 1982 with the aim of making music accessible to everyone – not just concert-goers, but anyone passing by.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of Fête de la Musique in the Philippines, with the main stage taking place on June 21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City. The free show promises a lineup of 12 dynamic acts, including recently added big names like Armi Millare and Ely Buendia and The Methodists.

The theme for the 2025 edition is "Un Monde," which translates to "One World," symbolizing music's incredible power to connect people across all boundaries. Xavier Leroux, Executive Director of Alliance Francaise de Manille, highlighted this, stating, "Music has an unparalleled ability to transcend borders and connect people. This year, we aim to showcase how Filipino music resonates globally, truly making us all ‘One World’ through melody and rhythm."

Ahead of the main event, let's take a closer look at some of the headliners gracing the Fête de la Musique Philippines 2025 stage through some of their notable songs.

Filipino music icon Ely Buendia is a significant addition to the main stage roster. His performance comes just months after the release of 'Method Adaptor,' his second solo album, arriving 24 years after his first. Notably, the melody for one track, "Bulaklak Sa Buwan," had been developing for five years before the full song was realized.

Armi Millare also joins the Fête main stage following a series of well-received single releases throughout 2024. Her latest single, "Say It Again," offers a glimpse into her current musical journey.

James Reid will be presenting new music from the deluxe version of his 'jgh' EP, which dropped on June 6. The EP, short for "just got home," explores new sonic territories while delving into aspects of his personality previously unseen. His song "Sandal" is particularly special, written for a person navigating a difficult period, and it also marks James' first time writing a song in Filipino.

Representing international talent is the French jazz house trio Emile Londonien. They aim to captivate new listeners in the Philippines with their distinct sound, arriving fresh off the release of their 12-track album 'Inwards.' A standout track from this record is "In Motion."

From Japan, Ito Kashitaro returns to the Philippine stage, two years after his initial performance here for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Ito is widely recognized as the voice behind soundtracks for numerous popular anime series, including "VITA PHILOSOPHICA," one of the closing songs from the anime "My Happy Marriage."

The collaboration stage features Diego Mapa and Jay Gapasin of the duo Tarsius alongside Japanese-Filipina artist ena mori. Their combined set is expected to blend electronic rhythms with dream pop textures. You can check out Tarsius' latest single, "Vagabond," and ena mori's most recent drop, "little sunny baby," to get a feel for their styles.

Indie-folk band The Ridleys are set for their first appearance on the Fête main stage. They are coming off the success of their two-day, sold-out "Someday We’ll Make a Home" concerts held in late 2024. Their hit album "All These And More" anchored those shows, with "Strangest Love" being a fan favorite.

Another exciting collaborative performance brings together the band Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas and the duo Leanne & Naara. Expect their distinct sounds to merge on the Fête stage. Listen to Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas' 2016 hit, "Kumper," and Leanne & Naara's latest single, "Find Another Love," to prepare.

Janine is ready to share her signature folk-pop music at Fête, offering attendees a potential preview just three months before her first-ever solo concert in September. Her latest single, "Pikit Mata," is a good introduction to her sound.

Finally, the Filipino percussion ensemble Brigada will bring vibrant Afro-Brazilian beats to World Music Day. Their song, "Crazy Shaker," is a perfect example of their energetic sound.

The Fête de la Musique main stage event begins at 3 pm on Saturday, June 21, at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. In addition to the headliners, there will also be offstage performances by artists such as Bling Bling Papaya, Frank Ely, Marian Carmel, and Zsaris.