One word to describe Midnasty’s long-awaited comeback album? Hawod! Add another, and it’s hawod kaayo!
The phrase perfectly captures the pride and power behind the Bisaya rap trio’s latest release, “Tribute To Thyself.”
Ten years since their last full album, “Brave,” the Dumaguete-based trio returns with a record that’s both personal and powerful. True to their roots and tinuod nga istorya [real story], Midnasty opens up a new chapter with seven tracks that reflect their evolution not only as artists, but as mga tawo nga niagi og daghang pagsulay [people who have gone through many struggles].
“Ang journey man gud sa Brave is the world is for the bravest… we [had to] be brave ‘cause among gi-pursue ang what we love to do,” recalls Arkho, reflecting on how they chased their passion despite the odds.
Now, a decade later, much has changed — from collaborations to a growing community of fans. “Fast forward [to now], a lot has happened, our music has spread, people [collaborate] with us, and we have a community,” Arkho shares. “If ‘the world is for the bravest’ was the mantra of the last album, [this album’s mantra] is ‘man, you did good.’ [...] You need to say thank you, whatever tribute to yourself – like, you did a really good job for these past few years in the journey of Midnasty.”
Kung ang “Brave” maoy pasiklap sa ilang bibo nga estilo [If Brave was the showcase of their lively and energetic style], “Tribute To Thyself” marks a more mature, reflective phase. Songs like “GASIGA” are rooted in pagtuo (faith) and paglaum (hope), with Makoy reflecting on strength from a higher power. Meanwhile, “Arkohol” confronts mga pagsakit [painful experiences] and how one learns to cope.
But beyond the music, “Tribute To Thyself” serves as a message of pasalamat not only to themselves but to everyone who’s been part of their journey.
“Murag ang whole album kay designed nga inspiring and healing (It’s like the whole album was designed to be inspiring and healing),” shares Makoy.
With this comeback, Midnasty proves once again that they are truly hawod — commanding, confident, and always grounded in the Bisaya soul.
