It’s a sweltering 89 degrees in Indio, California, and the eight members of BINI are in a small trailer, buzzing with excitement. Electropop artist Slayyyter can be heard faintly outside. Fans eagerly await the group’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
BINI is dressed in stunning blue-turquoise outfits, ready to don warrior-like gold dresses for their act. Before they hit the stage, the women gather for a group prayer, a first for them. “It was special,” says Aiah, 25. “We felt connected.”
Hours after their debut performance, the group feels lighter. Just the day before, they released their new EP, Signals. They share a pre-performance mantra: “We’re not alone; we’re together.”
Stacey, 22, says they often find themselves getting emotional during rehearsals. “We told our coach not to make us cry,” Maloi, 23, adds with a laugh. The tears represent something big—BINI is the first musical group from the Philippines to perform at Coachella. Sheena, the youngest at 21, articulates what it means: “This is huge not just for us but for the entire country.”
Laurenti “Lauren” Dyogi, head of their management team, echoes the sentiment, highlighting the significance of the moment for the Philippines. The pressure weighs on them, but Aiah sees it positively. “It drives us to train harder. This moment was years in the making.”
Formed through the Star Hunt Academy in 2019, BINI trained for three years before debuting in 2021. They’ve since skyrocketed in popularity, with their 2023 hit “Pantropiko” marking a viral breakthrough that solidified their global appeal. “Every time I hear ‘Pantropiko,’ I feel proud to be Filipino,” Stacey shares.
Mikha, 22, admits they were emotional before going on stage, overwhelmed by the audience’s love. BINI opened their set with “Shagidi,” receiving an enthusiastic response as they transformed their outfits mid-performance.
The synergy between the group and their backup dancers highlights their deep connection. “We’re not just a girl group; we’re family,” Mikha says. They understand that this moment is not just theirs; it belongs to everyone who’s supported them.
BINI has also been buoyed by the energy of the festival. They recognize the challenge of performing for unfamiliar crowds but see it as an opportunity to win over new fans, the Blooms. The loud chants of their name during the show echoed this new support.
BINI understands the new pressures of fame, especially with social media’s immediate scrutiny. Mikha shares that they’ve learned to focus on what they can control. “We can’t please everyone, but we can take care of ourselves,” she explains.
Their bond has become essential in navigating fame’s ups and downs. “We’re a sisterhood,” Sheena says. “We help each other navigate the noise.”
Preparing for the following weekend at Coachella, they plan to continue oozing authenticity. “We aim for excellence, not perfection,” Mikha concludes. “It’s OK to make mistakes; it’s part of growth.”
After their interview, the group rushes to catch fellow Filipino artist Sophia performing at the festival. They reflect on their experience, recognizing its importance in shaping their narratives. Colet humorously summarizes the moment as “her-story,” and the others nod in agreement, capturing the essence of their journey.
This performance isn’t just a milestone for BINI; it’s a chance to inspire and connect with fans across the globe. As they step into the spotlight once again, their message remains clear: they are here to share their truth with pride and positivity—and they invite everyone along for the ride.
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BINI,Coachella,international,music,P-pop
