Rolly Wagas, a songwriter and performer from Compostela, Cebu Philippines whose songs convey love of God, people, country, and environment. A well known artist among the cause-oriented groups in Cebu, Philippines, Rolly's songs inspire and share the same vision and aspiration in their struggle for a genuine social change. He was the former lead guitarist of ANAKPAWIS BAND (SONS OF SWEAT) whose members are composed of his brothers (Ritchie, Edwin , Michael) and a lady singer named Raudebette. Their genre was a combination of folk/rock and country music which was greatly influenced by BOB DYLAN, PETER PAUL AND MARY, ASIN, FREDDIE AGUILAR, BUKLOD, and JOEY AYALA. The band released an album in early 90's entitled: BANGON UG PADAYON (ARISE AND GO FORTH) under the production of their eldest brother Gilbert, who was then the mayor of Compostela town at that time. A compilation of songs written by Rolly and his brother Ritchie in their own dialect (Cebuano), their songs depict the lives of the toiling masses and the never ending quest for peace and environmental protection. After they disbanded in 1997, Rolly Wagas went solo and formed a new back up group named: SINAGLAHI (light of the race). They were selected fron the different local rock and reggae bands in Compostela. From a basically folk and country style, Rolly Wagas experimented a fusion of folk, rock, ethnic, country, and reggae music all of which he wrote and arranged. Rolly Wagas at ang SINAGLAHI invaded Cebu's music scene and became a regular performer in rallies and events organized by cause-oriented groups, NGO's (Non-Government Organization), and PO's (People's Organizations). They experienced jamming with reknowned artists from Manila like JOEY AYALA, NOEL CABANGON, LAYAG, THE JERKS, AGAW AGIMAT and MUSIKANG BAYAN. Unfortunately SINAGLAHI lost steam and disbanded sometime in early 2000's. Rolly Wagas went solo again and released his first solo album entitled: BAYAN, KUMUSTA KA? (How are you my native land?) He wrote and arranged all the songs and played all the instruments during the recording which he personally produced. Back to his folk and country style, the album contains slow, solemn, and powerful lyrics conveying socio-political concerns and religious realities. He was also given a chance to be part of a project by MUSIKANG BAYAN. As the only Cebuano artist featured in the album, Rolly interpreted AYAW PAILAD which became well known among the Visayan speaking activists. The album featured known artists like Cokie Chua, Gary Granada, and The Jerks under the title of ANAK NG BAYAN. In late 2004, Rolly Wagas released an album entitled SUGBO: BANGON UG PADAYON. This is a revival of the songs in the album of ANAKPAWIS and produced by his brother Ritchie. The CD album received a warm support from the Visayan speaking people and is doing well in the market and airplay. His new album is being distributed by St. Paul's at SM Megamall, SM Davao, SM Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, Catholic Trade Cebu, and Daughters of St. Paul Cebu. Last April 13, 2006, Rolly Wagas migrated to the United States together with his family and is now residing in Pennsylvania. He is hoping to continue to share his music in a foreign land especially with his fellow OFW. |
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