Visayan reggae musician Budoy Marabiles has passed away at the age of 54.
His death was confirmed through multiple reports on Thursday, Dec. 4.
Marabiles earned recognition for popularizing Bisaya reggae as the frontman of the Cebu-based reggae band Junior Kilat, producing hits such as “Ako si M16”, “Buwad Suka Sili”, “Original Sigbin”, and “K-Fyne”.
Just months before his passing, Marabiles was spotted performing his song “Kawatan” during an anti-corruption rally in Cebu, where he sang before student groups and protesters.
Marabiles also was also among the housemates of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition in 2006, later recording “Budoy Ako,” the Visayan adaptation of the show’s theme song “Pinoy Ako.”
