Karera (Bini song)
"Karera" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Bini | ||||
from the EP Talaarawan | ||||
Language | Filipino | |||
English title | Race | |||
Released | September 22, 2023 | |||
Genre | Pop | |||
Length | 4:28 | |||
Label | Star Music | |||
Songwriter(s) |
| |||
Producer(s) |
| |||
Bini singles chronology | ||||
|
"Karera" (lit. 'Race') is a song by the Filipino girl group Bini, released on September 22, 2023. Written by Gianina Camille "Nica" Del Rosario and Julius James "Jumbo" De Belen, and composed by Jose Miguel Cortes, "Karera" is a pop track that addresses mental health, highlighting the importance of self-care and resilience against societal pressures. It was released by Star Music on September 22, 2023, as the first pre-release single the group's first extended play (EP), Talaarawan (2024).
Background and release
[edit]In September 2022, Bini released their second album, Feel Good. The album accumulated over five million streams on the online streaming platform Spotify,[1] with the album's single "I Feel Good" winning the International New Artist Song award at the 2023 Breaktudo Awards.[2] On September 12, 2023, "Karera" was introduced as part of Bini's comeback, accompanied by various promotional materials including individual video teasers, a music video trailer, and a dance choreo snippet.[3]
Star Music released "Karera" on September 22, 2023, as the first pre-release single for their EP, along with the music video which premiered on the same day.[4]
Composition and lyrics
[edit]"Karera" is four minutes and twenty-eight seconds long.[5] The track was written by Gianina Camille "Nica" Del Rosario and Julius James "Jumbo" De Belen of FlipMusic[a], with composition by Jose Miguel Cortes. Bini members Colet, Mikha, and Stacey contributed by writing the rap sections of the song.[4]
Originally pitched to a solo female artist, "Karera" was later picked up by Bini. Del Rosario, a frequent collaborator with the group, co-produced the song with De Belen, adapting it to suit Bini's eight-member dynamic.[6] Lyrically, "Karera" explores mental health, promoting self-care and encouraging listeners not to succumb to societal pressures.[7] Del Rosario, who has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), drew from her personal experiences to shape the song’s message.[6]
The track reflects a change in Bini's musical approach, presenting a new sound and theme centered on encouraging listeners to navigate life at their own pace and prioritize self-care.[8]
Reception
[edit]"Karera" received acclaim from critics for its message. Writing for Billboard Philippines, Kara Angan praised the track as a significant evolution of Bini's signature bubblegum pop sound, incorporating twinkly J-Pop-inspired production. She noted the song's "killer melody and hook", declaring it "one of the best — if not the best — P-Pop songs released this year [2023]".[9] Andrea Posadas, writing for Preen magazine, commended "Karera" as an upbeat self-care anthem that encourages listeners to take a breather from life's chaos. She highlighted the song's message that life is a journey with room for exploration and growth, rather than a race. Posadas also praised Bini's dedication to their craft, noting that members Colet, Mikha, and Stacey contributed to the songwriting, resulting in a meticulously executed and whimsical concept.[3]
The song's themes of self-acceptance and personal growth led to "Karera" being used as a graduation anthem by several schools and universities in the Philippines. Videos of performances during ceremonies, gained attention on social media. Ruru Pura, a teacher from Tagaytay City Science National High School-ISHS, noted that the song was chosen for its meaningful message, emphasizing that "life is not a race" and individuals have their own timelines. At the University of Santo Tomas, "Karera" was featured during a Baccalaureate Mass and pyromusical show.[10]
Performances
[edit]Bini performed "Karera", along with their other songs "I Feel Good" and "Pantropiko" on the Chinese reality show Show It All, showcasing Filipino talent on an international platform. The performances were aired on April 25 and May 2, 2024.[11][12] On June 3, Bini performed "Karera" at Star Magic All-Star Games as part of the event's halftime show.[13][14]
Accolades
[edit]Award | Year[b] | Category | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Awit Awards | 2024 | Best Inspirational Recording | Nominated | [15][16] |
Best Music Video | Nominated | |||
People's Voice Favorite Music Video of the Year | Won | |||
Catholic Mass Media Awards | 2024 | Best Inspirational Secular Song | Awardee | [17] |
Wish Music Awards | 2025 | Wishclusive Pop Performance of the Year | Won | [18] |
Listicles
[edit]Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Billboard Philippines | 2024 | 15 Songs to Celebrate Your Graduation to | Placed | [19] |
Charts
[edit]Weekly charts
[edit]Chart (2024) | Peak position |
---|---|
Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[20] | 7 |
Philippines (Top Philippine Songs)[21] | 4 |
Year-end charts
[edit]Chart (2024) | Peak
position |
---|---|
Philippines (Philippines Hot 100)[22] | 20 |
Philippines (Top Philippine Songs)[23] | 13 |
Notes
[edit]- ^ FlipMusic is a Philippine production house founded by its president and head producer Jumbo “Bojam” De Belen.
- ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.
References
[edit]- ^ Carbonilla, Hans (September 22, 2023). "Bini leads the race with new single 'Karera'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 25, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
- ^ Ranara, John Patrick Magno (November 17, 2023). "SB19 and Bini win at BreakTudo Awards 2023 in Brazil". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
- ^ a b Posadas, Andrea (September 22, 2023). "Bini's comeback single 'Karera' is an upbeat self-care anthem". Preen.ph. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ a b "Bini Sets The Pace In New Single "Karera"". Page One. September 20, 2023. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
- ^ "Karera - Song by Bini". Apple Music. September 23, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
- ^ a b "5 Facts About BINI's 'Karera' From Nica Del Rosario". billboardphilippines.com. April 18, 2024. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "BINI's 'Karera' tackles mental health, says composer Nica del Rosario". September 25, 2023. Archived from the original on June 10, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "BINI Drops 'Karera' Music Video". MYX Global. October 2, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "Top Filipino Songs of 2023: Juan Karlos, SB19, Bini, And More". Billboard Philippines. December 4, 2023. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ Gatchalian, Ched Rick (June 1, 2024). "'Karera' ng Bini, patok na graduation song sa mga eskwelahan" ["Karera" by Bini, a Hit Graduation Song in Schools]. ABS-CBN News (in Tagalog). Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (April 25, 2024). "BINI, G22 showcase P-pop talent, girl power in EXO Lay's show 'Show It All'". Inquirer. Archived from the original on May 5, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Felipe, MJ (May 2, 2024). "EXO's Lay praises BINI on China's 'Show It All'". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "BINI wows crowd with 'Karera' at Star Magic All Star Games". ABS-CBN News. June 3, 2024.
- ^ "'Better every year': BINI puts on a show at Star Magic All Star Games". ABS-CBN News. June 3, 2024. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "SB19, BINI, Lola Amour lead nominations for Awit Awards 2024". GMA Network. August 20, 2024. Archived from the original on August 20, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Here Are The Winners For The 37th Awit Awards: BINI, Lola Amour, SB19, And More". Billboard Philippines. December 5, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
- ^ @StarMusicPH (October 29, 2024). "Congratulations to the Nation's Girl Group @BINI_ph for receiving a Special Citation under the Best Inspirational Secular Song at the 46th Catholic Mass Media Awards! 🌸 This is for none other than #BINI_Karera ✨ (📷: The Catholic Mass Media Awards)" (Tweet). Retrieved October 29, 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "BINI Shine At The 10th Wish Music Awards, Bagging Three Major Awards". Billboard Philippines. January 19, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
- ^ "15 Songs to Celebrate Your Graduation to". Billboard Philippines. May 30, 2024. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "Philippines Hot 100 (Week of July 2, 2024)". Billboard Philippines. July 3, 2024. Archived from the original on July 3, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ "Top Philippine Songs (Week of July 6, 2024)". Billboard Philippines. July 3, 2024. Archived from the original on July 3, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
- ^ Gomez, Aldren (December 16, 2024). "Philippines Hot 100 - Billboard Philippines". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
- ^ Gomez, Aldren (December 16, 2024). "Top Philippine Songs - Billboard Philippines". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved December 20, 2024.