Mojofly

Tale of Two Queens: The Distinct Sonic Eras of Mojofly In the history of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), few bands have pulled off a major frontman transition as flawlessly as Mojofly. Formed in 1999 by genius bassist Ricci Gurango after his departure from Hungry Young Poets, the band didn't just survive losing its iconic original singer—it reinvented itself and scored an entirely new wave of definitive rock anthems. The history of Mojofly is famously split into two glorious eras, defined by two of the most magnetic women to ever grace the Pinoy alternative rock scene: Kitchie Nadal and Lougee Basabas. The Kitchie Nadal Era (1999–2003): Whimsical Pop-Rock Radiance When Mojofly debuted, they brought an accessible, radio-friendly counterweight to the aggressive heavy metal movements of the late '90s. Fronted by the youthful, uniquely sweet-voiced Kitchie Nadal, the band specialized in melodic alternative pop-rock. Kitchie’s stage presence was effortlessly charming—a simple, acoustic-guitar-toting college student who could command an entire festival crowd. During this era, the band released two highly successful studio albums under Sony BMG: Birth Day (1999) and A Million Stories (2002). Kitchie's vocals helped launch beloved national radio hits like "Another Day" and "Scooter Boy," carving out a foundational space for women in mainstream OPM. However, in mid-2003, Kitchie abruptly left the band to complete her studies at De La Salle University and eventually launch an explosive, multi-platinum solo career. The Lougee Basabas Era (2004–Present): Edge, Energy, and Indie "Street Cred" Losing a recognizable lead vocalist usually spells doom for a band, but Ricci Gurango had a legendary ear for talent. Within mere days of Kitchie’s exit, Mojofly introduced Lougee Basabas as their new frontwoman. Lougee completely overhauled the band’s aesthetic, replacing the gentle folk-pop vibes with a sharp, edgy alternative rock sound and high-voltage, commanding vocal control. The impact was immediate. Lougee brought her own original songwriting to the table, co-writing the band's massive comeback hit, "Mata," which became an inescapable anthem of the mid-2000s Pinoy rock explosion. Under Lougee’s tenure, the group successfully went independent, releasing a self-titled EP and the critically acclaimed LP Mojofly Now (2005). Tracks like "Tumatakbo" won the MTV Pilipinas Music Award for Best Animated Video in 2006 and solidified their modern legacy. youtube/com/roviell