Ruby Ibarra - Bakunawa ft Ouida, Han Han & June Millington | LYRIC VISU...

Ruby Ibarra's "Bakunawa": A Sonic Ode to Filipino Heritage

Ruby Ibarra, a Filipino-American rapper, poet, and cultural advocate, continues to be a beacon of authenticity and empowerment in her artistry. Her song “Bakunawa,” featuring Ouida, Han Han, and June Millington, is a standout track that encapsulates her dedication to preserving and celebrating Filipino heritage while challenging societal norms.

The Myth of the Bakunawa

The title of the song, "Bakunawa," draws from Philippine mythology. The Bakunawa is a mythical sea serpent often depicted as a devourer of moons, symbolizing natural phenomena like eclipses. In Filipino folklore, it’s more than a creature—it represents the cosmic dance of destruction and renewal, a fitting metaphor for the themes of identity, struggle, and resilience that Ruby Ibarra masterfully weaves into the track.

A Fusion of Voices

The collaboration on "Bakunawa" is a celebration of unity in diversity. Each artist brings a unique voice and perspective:

• Ruby Ibarra: Known for her sharp lyricism and bilingual delivery, Ruby raps with passion and precision, blending English and Filipino to reflect the duality of her identity. Her verses explore the struggles of diaspora life, the fight against erasure, and the reclamation of cultural roots.
• Ouida: A soulful vocalist, Ouida’s melodic hooks provide a hauntingly beautiful counterbalance to the verses, evoking the mysticism and emotional depth associated with the Bakunawa legend.
• Han Han: Another prominent Filipina rapper, Han Han’s verse is a powerhouse of rhythm and storytelling, delving into the intersections of gender, race, and cultural pride.
• June Millington: A pioneering figure in rock and a trailblazer for women of color in the music industry, Millington lends her signature guitar work, infusing the track with a timeless, electrifying energy that ties together tradition and modernity.

Themes and Impact

“Bakunawa” is as much a cultural manifesto as it is a musical composition. The song's lyrics delve into themes of displacement, heritage, and the collective experience of the Filipino diaspora. Ruby Ibarra and her collaborators shed light on the struggles of preserving one’s identity amidst the pressures of assimilation.

The track is also a rallying cry for gender equality. By featuring an all-female lineup of powerful artists, “Bakunawa” challenges patriarchal structures in both music and society. It is an anthem of empowerment, a reminder that women’s voices are not only valid but vital in shaping the cultural narrative.

Musicality and Production

The production of “Bakunawa” seamlessly merges traditional Filipino instruments with modern beats, creating a soundscape that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The instrumentation echoes the fluidity of water, a nod to the Bakunawa's aquatic nature, while the percussive rhythms mirror the heartbeat of resistance and resilience.

Ruby Ibarra’s Legacy

Ruby Ibarra continues to redefine what it means to be an artist and an activist. Through songs like “Bakunawa,” she creates bridges between generations, nations, and cultures, reminding us of the power of music to tell stories, spark conversations, and inspire change.

In “Bakunawa,” Ruby Ibarra and her collaborators don’t just tell a story—they summon a movement, one that uplifts Filipino identity and empowers listeners to embrace their roots unapologetically.