Filipino girl group KAIA continues to deliver another inescapable bop in the form of “TANGA”—out today via Sony Music Entertainment. Produced and composed by Zack Tabudlo, one of the country’s most sought-after hitmakers, the track blends pop confection with a lightness and ‘90s R&B flair.
For the five-piece alphas, the opportunity to collaborate with Zack Tabudlo was a dream come true.
“At first, it was hard to believe that we were actually given the opportunity to work with him, especially since we’ve been fans of his music for so long,” the group shares in a collective statement. “From our trainee days and pre-debut era, we would sing along to his songs, and now, it feels surreal to have collaborated with him on TANGA. We’ve been preparing this song and keeping it a secret since last year, and we’re so excited to finally share it with you all soon.”
At its core, “TANGA” centers on a love that borders on naiveté, a relatable feeling that some people go through at some point in their life. Balancing a humorous, light vibe with a sense of introspection, the song tells the all-too-familiar story of choosing to ignore the red flags in a relationship just to hold on a little longer.
KAIA explains the rationale of interpreting a material that doubles as a cautionary tale. “When we first listened to the song, it made us feel less alone. It’s like a reminder that it’s okay to go through a phase where you feel ‘tanga’ in love, as long as you eventually find your way back. The contrast between the playful sound and the introspective lyrics makes the song even more special: it’s a journey of realizing your worth. And in the end, you see that the people who truly care for you, like your family and friends, have always been there to support you.”
Beyond lending his expertise as a songwriter and producer, Zack was integral in adding a unique dimension to KAIA’s well-roundedness, allowing them to showcase their range and versatility with a more nuanced approach.
According to the Walang Biruan phenoms, the award-winning chart-topper was very detail-oriented as a collaborator, pushing them to own their artistry in the recording booth, which it turns out, was actually his home.
“The whole process felt so organic,” KAIA describes the collaborative process between them and Zack. “He encouraged us to be looser and freer in creating our own ad-libs and melodies. Zack also introduced us to new styles and techniques, which made the experience even more exciting. Seeing how he works and how effortlessly he brings a song to life was truly inspiring.”
With “TANGA” marking a pivot to an interesting sonic direction for the girl group, KAIA is currently gearing up for their upcoming EP, which they hint will feature “new styles, fresh vibes, and music that truly represents us.”
KAIA’s “TANGA” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Entertainment.