Jay R, Kyla Go ‘Back In Time’ For Reunion Concert

Filipino singers Jay R and Kyla are ready to take their fans to a musical trip down memory lane as they headline a reunion concert aptly titled “Back In Time” at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City this Saturday, Sept. 2.

The longtime collaborators rose to fame in the early 2000s for their vocal harmony and mutual fondness of singing songs in the rhythm and blues (RnB) genre. Their upcoming concert is meant to celebrate 20 years of this musical partnership.

In separate interviews with OneNews.PH and News5, both Jay R and Kyla said they are thrilled to perform together again for their fans, who have always been supportive of their careers in the Philippine music industry.

According to Kyla, she feels nothing but excitement “because it’s been a while since Jay R and I had a concert. “Not just me but our followers, too, are eager to see us again together on stage,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Jay R considers the event a celebration of their friendship as well. “I’m so excited for this reunion project. We’re celebrating our tandem 20 years and, for me, it’s unbelievable. Ang bilis ng panahon (Time flies so fast),” he said.

Jay R believes their latest concert will most likely spark “nostalgia” not only for him and Kyla, but also those who love their music. “It’s exciting for fans to come together, celebrate our songs, sing and dance with us,” Jay R noted.

Jay R and Kyla broke into the mainstream entertainment industry as mainstays of the now defunct GMA musical variety program “SOP.” They were paired in different production numbers and presented to Filipino showbiz fanatics as the “Prince and Princess of RnB.”

Their harmonic duets went beyond the show. While both were successful solo artists in their own right, their chemistry on stage brought them to even greater heights, leading to various endorsement deals and chart-topping hits such as “Undeniable,” “Say That You Love Me,” and “Back In Time.”

Kyla acknowledged their mutual respect for each other as key to their strong work relationship. “Because our chemistry on stage is legit and absolutely) there’s magic when we sing on stage together,” she said.

Jay R, meanwhile, credits it to their “authenticity” that it becomes automatic for them to be in sync with each other and in rhythm whenever they perform. “I’m a fan of Kyla. So, whenever we are on stage and she sings, she always amazes me,” he said.

Both singers are known for their smooth singing voices that sound pleasant to any casual music fan. When they were starting out, songs in the pop and rock genres dominated the music scene. Their soulful rifts and runs paved the way for the RnB style of singing to get accepted in the mainstream.

Jay R shared that early in his music career, there were people doubting him about his vocal style, since most fans prefer listening to songs performed by singers, who are always hitting the high notes. “Dapat bibirit ka (You must belt it out),” he was told.

But the now 42-year-old recording artist and producer begged to differ. “I stayed authentic to myself. I didn’t want to change my music. I want to stick to what I love and what I do,” he said. In 2003, he released his debut studio album “Gameface” under Universal Records, which went on to win awards.

Kyla, on the other hand, took it as a compliment that she was able to contribute towards the popularity of RnB in the country. “I’m honored to be considered as an institution. It is heartwarming,” she said.

Meanwhile, both singers clarified that even though they have a great chemistry and fans were shipping them, they were never romantically involved with each other. Kyla is married to former basketball player Rich Alvarez while Jay R is a proud husband of singer-actress Mica Javier.

“We have the same vibe. We enjoy the same type of music. When we sing, we really get along, Kyla said.

“We have our separate lives... We have veered off in our own journey with our own families now. But after how many years, 20 years later, we are coming back together. It’s gonna be exciting to see what kind of chemistry we have now (after) 20 years, compared to when we started,” Jay R stressed.

“Back In Time: Kyla and Jay R The Reunion Concert” is presented and produced by GNN Pop, a subsidiary of the Manila-based events, PR, and multimedia outfit GNN Entertainment Productions and Katinko.

This serves as the local production’s debut offering for 2023, promising its audience top-notch pop-leaning shows, concerts, and festivals. The event is also co-presented by Cornerstone Entertainment, one of the leading multimedia entertainment agencies in the Philippines.

Tickets are still available via TicketNet Online and all TicketNet outlets nationwide.