Jamming with Inday Raffy
Inday Raffy
* Because of Mr. Sia, my life has improved. I was able to have my house repaired and I bought a multicab. Monthly guestings opened for me, too
* I hope that the value of our musicians be given a boost like in Cebu where they patronize their local talents well. Here, our youth would rather listen to foreign artists
HIS first song and album called "Inday" had been an Ilonggo favorite. This even made it to stations all over the country.
Since he was a kid, Inday Raffy or Rafael Buenavides, a native of Jalaud, Barotac Nuevo loved to sing and he entered in several contests.
He has joined several bands like Liquid Sky, Agape Band, Music Express and Classique Jam. He was also part of the Skyline Band when he was in Singapore.
During the 2007 elections, Inday Raffy has composed songs for politicians like Mayor Jerry Trenas, Mansueto Malabor, Councilor Joe Espinosa III, Pedro Hautea of Barotac Nuevo and Mayor Jett Rojas of Ajuy, among others.
Apart from his musical career, Inday Raffy is also a businessman. He has a consignment business of ‘turon' wherein he delivers 1,100 pieces to different sellers everyday.
Get to know more about our Ilonggo musician, Inday Raffy.
KATHY M. VILLALON (KMV): What songs have you made?
INDAY RAFFY (IR): Apart from Inday, there's the song for Iloilo Supermart, Arangkada for GMA and Magdagyang Na for Mang Inasal.
KMV: Tell us about your album Inday.
IR: It has eight songs, with two Ilonggo compositions entitled Inday and Nonoy.
KMV: Are you working on a second album?
IR: Yes. Mang Inasal has agreed to produce it. It has eight tracks plus bonus tracks of Mang Inasal and Deco's. The rest are in Tagalog.
KMV: Why do you have Tagalog songs?
IR: So that the album would be saleable outside of Iloilo City.
KMV: You've become a musical icon for Mang Inasal.
IR: Yes. I'm very thankful for the opportunity that Mr. Edgar Sia, the owner has given me. Because of him, my life has improved. I was able to have my house repaired and I bought a multicab. Monthly guestings opened for me, too. I've sung during the concerts of Apo Hiking Society, Matt Monroe Jr., Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar and Kamikaze and soon, at Jamie Rivera's concert on March 29.
KMV: In what way has your style evolved?
IR: Before, I sang slow, rock, rock and roll and pop. Then one recording company asked me what genre I really like to focus on. I thought that in my age I could no longer do rap or hiphop. But reggae is a neutral genre that does not focus on a particular social strata or age bracket. So, I ventured into reggae in 2005. Inday has a reggae beat.
KMV: What's your song composition process?
IR: I already make a song in my mind. Then, I grab my guitar and complete it. I also get inspiration from things I see along the way. One time, I saw a booklet about a movie "Burado Ba Ako Sa Puso Mo", so I made a song about it. I also make songs out of other people's experiences. My experiences, too.
KMV: How do you deal with fame?
IR: Simple lang. Before, when I hear my name over the radio, I was so happy. Now, I'm already used to it.
KMV: What's your secret to success?
IR: Fifty percent comes from God. The rest, I divide them into three Ps --- perseverance, patience and prayer. Ambition is not enough. When God sees that you have made sacrifices, He gives you what you want.
KMV: What's your advice to other artists?
IR: Persevere. Don't stop until you reach your dream. Ask help from God.
KMV: What's your dream for the Ilonggo music industry?
IR: That the value of our musicians be given a boost like in Cebu where they patronize their local talents well. Here, our youth would rather listen to foreign artists.
KMV: In what way can our artists attract the youth?
IR: They have to follow the trend. Also, there have been many Ilonggo songs produced but they did not become hits because they were not given priority in stations here.
KMV: For you, who is an effective musician?
IR: Someone who, with his or her song, can elicit goosebumps among the audience.
KMV: What legacy would you like to leave the Ilonggos?
IR: My Ilonggo songs. That I have done something and became known as a musician.