Francis Magalona
Francis Michael Durango Magalona (October 4, 1964 – March 6, 2009), also known as Francis M., was a Filipino rapper, singer, songwriter, television personality, actor, and entrepreneur. He is regarded as an influential figure in Pinoy hip hop.
Francis Magalona | |
---|---|
Born | Francis Michael Durango Magalona October 4, 1964 Manila, Philippines |
Died | March 6, 2009 44) Pasig, Philippines | (aged
Resting place | Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina |
Other names |
|
Spouse |
Pia Arroyo (m. 1985) |
Children | 8, including Maxene, Frank, Saab, and Elmo |
Parents |
|
Relatives |
|
Musical career | |
Genres |
|
Occupation(s) |
|
Instrument(s) |
|
Years active | 1984–2009 |
Labels | OctoArts International Inc. (now PolyEast Records) (1989–1993) BMG Records (Pilipinas), Inc. (now Sony Music) (1994–2006) |
Magalona was a son of actors Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran. He started as a breakdancer and appeared in the teen comedy film Bagets 2 (1984) and the variety show That's Entertainment (1987) while building his rap career.
His songs "Mga Kababayan", "Man from Manila", "Ito Ang Gusto Ko", "Kabataan Para sa Kinabukasan", "Watawat", "Luv 4 Lyf", and "Lando" (with Gloc-9) have each won the Awit Award for Best Rap Recording, while "Kaleidoscope World" is another notable single. His notable albums include Rap Is FrancisM (1992), FreeMan (1995), Happy Battle (1996), The Oddventures of Mr. Cool (1998), and FreeMan 2 (2000). Magalona also ventured into rock, fronting the band Hardware Syndrome. His music addressed social issues including politics, drug addiction, colonial mentality, and intellectual property rights. In television, Magalona was a presenter for MTV Asia, Channel V Philippines, and the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga! (1997–2009). He was also a judge on Philippine Idol (2006).
Magalona died of leukemia in 2009, aged 44.