Gospel rapper tops anti-corruption song tilt

Spinning catchy beats and simple lyrics over the familiar web of corrupt practices public officials are prone to, songwriter "Peter Parkher, the kwela rapper" bagged first prize in the anti-corruption songwriting competition hosted by the British Council.

"Kawawa naman ang mamamayan. Corrupt kayo dito, corrupt kayo dyan. Binoto po kayo ng buong sambayanan. Bakit pati kaban ng bayan pinakikialaman."

These were the hard-hitting lyrics spoken by 27-year-old Lemuel Samblero, aka Peter Parkher, in his winning entry, "Mahiya Naman Kayo," which the British Council said was a "clear favorite of the audience" because of its pointed lyrics and simple, catchy melody.

The rap song — arranged by Noel Macanaya, popularly known as DJ M.O.D. — was performed by Samblero before a overflowing crowd at the AFP Theater in Quezon City where the awards night was held last May 12.

"Para sa mahal nating politiko at sa mga nagtatrabaho sa ating gobyerno, Sana naman ay maging tapat kayo dahil kung hindi mahiya naman kayo," went Samblero’s words.

People waved their hands in the air while singing along with the rapper’s tune, according to the British Council.

Samblero’s song won over Jungee Marcelo’s "Walang Kurap" and Christine Bendebel’s "Crossroads," which landed in second and third place, respectively.

Samblero won a P250,000 cash prize from the European Union, plus an all-expenses paid trip to attend a music festival in the United Kingdom courtesy of the British Council.

Samblero has been called "Peter Parkher" since his childhood days because of his fondness for Spiderman. The words uttered to the superhero by his Uncle Ben in the Hollywood version of the Stan Lee comic book inspired Samblero to include children singing in the background of his award-winning rap.

"With great power comes great responsibility," was the message Spiderman learned from his uncle, and Samblero believes this is what politicians and public officials should also imbibe to serve as role models for the younger generation.

In "Mahiya Naman Kayo," he appeals to the men and women in government to "take pity on the people," and reminds them not to steal from the nation’s purse.

"Sana naman maawa po kayo sa bayan, ang para sa bayan ay para sa bayan… ang para sa inyo ay para sa inyo. Hindi pa ba sapat ang sweldo nyo? This is Peter Parkher, the Kwela rapper…"

Directing an acidic pun at corrupt officials, Samblero rhymes: "Akala ko ang buwaya ay nasa kanto, may mga buwaya din pala sa Palasyo. Sana ang mga corrupt maging pangit!"

A volunteer worker at a Christian ministry, Samblero also goes by the name of "Beracah, the gospel rapper."

He has released a gospel rap album entitled "Gospel Rap, Hindi Pa Huli Ang Lahat" under Praise Inc.

Samblero’s song was included in the commemorative CD released by the British Council that has all 10 song-finalists in the contest.

The competition is just one of the year-long activities of the "corruption prevention project" of the European Commission-Office of the Ombudsman (EC-OMB).

President Arroyo will be asked to choose the government’s anti-corruption theme song after the British Council sends her a copy of the commemorative CD.

Josue Claur, British Council’s program manager, said this was one of the recommendations of their consultant Tony Kwok, who also serves as Malacañang’s anti-corruption adviser.

However, Claur clarified they do not intend to distribute the CD commercially.

Instead, he said the British Council plans a massive broadcast of the songs through local radio and music television for the people to become more aware about the issue of corruption and join the EC-OMB in fighting graft and corruption.

The EC-OMB held the songwriting competition in line with the celebration of the 18th founding anniversary of the Office of the Ombudsman and anti-corruption month last May.

The other finalists included Gary Granada’s "Ang Kailangan Gawin," Robert David for "Kahit Na" and "Tayo Nang Maglingkod sa Bayan," Chona Borromeo’s "Simulan Natin," Ruben Lopez Jr.’s "I am a shield," Edu Reyes’ "Tigilan Mo Na Yan" and Mike Villegas’s "Sabay Tayong Magpalaki ng Maganda Ngayon."