In case you weren’t aware, the concept of “baduy” hardly exists anymore. More and more people are embracing individuality, and many of us are celebrating it. Consequently, new music genres like Budots are receiving the spotlight they deserve. DJ Love’s recent success on Boiler Room and the irresistibly catchy Budots TikToks have proven that this homegrown genre should be a part of today’s music landscape.
Sherwin Tuna, widely known as DJ Love, is the inventive force behind Budots and an intriguing personality from Davao. Acknowledged as the pioneer of this emerging genre, Tuna’s modest origins as a high school dancer and music remixer laid the foundation for his remarkable journey as a globally recognized DJ and producer.
No To Drugs, Yes To Dance
Growing up in Camus St. in Davao, his neighborhood was filled with degenerates and lost kids that he wanted to help. He figured these troublemakers just wanted attention, they wanted to be seen, so he formed a group called Camus Team to round up these lost souls, keep them off the streets, and keep them busy with dancing and music. Providing them a spotlight and a sense of purpose.
That’s when he got into mixing songs and creating beats. He taught himself how to use FL Studio on an old Windows 98 computer, originally just for the neighborhood crew. He started incorporating sounds from his neighborhood, such as the noises of jeepneys, barking dogs, neighbors’ arguments, and “chismis,” to create what he proudly calls “Pure Bisaya Style.” This marked the beginning of a new sound which eventually would be known as “Budots.”
Live More Judge Less
We found out about him during his era of doing Facebook lives. It was a regular thing on our feeds during the height of the pandemic. Imagine hot sweaty afternoons with laser lights and DJ Love playing seemingly non stop Budots. It was a trip for anyone who’d tune in.
When asked about it he said he just started doing it because he needed something to do. He eventually put up a Gcash donation sign during his sets which helped him survive during the pandemic. He jokingly shares the first few reactions of people seeing him playing Budots, people thought he was on something and had nothing better to do but admits that he’s really not like that. The focus on his face was just driven by the challenge of DJing with outdated equipment in real time. No matter what the bashers were saying during that time, this journey opened up new opportunities for him, introducing both him and his music to a wider audience.
For The Culture
According to Sherwin, the roots of Budots can be traced back to Davao, deriving from the word “budong” for men and “budang” for women – which loosely translates to people who revel in nighttime partying.
Describing the unique sound of Budots, he artfully relates its inspiration to the ambiance of “squatters’ areas”: the barks of dogs, neighbors’ quarrels, noises on the streets, and the essence of a humble Davao home. By sampling these raw elements, he crafts an authentic sound that resonates with the people. Most of the samples, dubbed “leads,” are sourced from his neighborhood, transforming snippets of everyday life into infectious hooks and tracks.
Budots’ initial audience consisted of people from humble backgrounds who appreciated its hyperlocal sound. Although some discriminated against the genre for its mass appeal, Budots has evolved to be a celebrated music genre throughout the Philippines. Sherwin attributes this success to those who believed in the sound and helped break the stigma of “baduy“, ultimately transforming it into a respected cultural phenomenon.
Budots and beyond
The evolution of Budots now encompasses influences of mainstream genres such as trap, hip-hop, and house. Sherwin tells us that this growth is because of his peers, proudly acknowledging the impact they’ve had in advancing the genre to new heights.
Now he serves as a guiding light to the people who are new to the genre, making sure that there’s balance between the progression of the sound and the messages it tries to convey. Making sure that Budots continues to evolve gracefully and resonate with audiences of all ages.
Currently, DJ Love is signed to Eastern Margins with a new album out called “Budots World (Reloaded)” featuring a single and a music video, with a show in London on the way.
Keep up with DJ Love’s journey by following him on Facebook and Instagram. Visit his label, Eastern Margins, to find details about his upcoming shows.
