Two decades after leaving her mark on OPM with signature karaoke anthems, pop-rock singer Kitchie Nadal is returning to the Philippine stage with New Ground Manila.
Ahead of her show, the singer-songwriter behind early 2000s OPM staples like “Same Ground,” “Bulong,” and “Huwag Na Huwag Mong Sasabihin” shared that her latest project is both a reunion with fans and a collaboration with a new generation of Filipino musicians.
“They let me choose the artists I wanted to collaborate with. These were my personal picks. I’m thankful they all said yes right away,” Kitchie said.
Among those joining her are pop girl group KAIA, singer Zild, and hip-hop star Skusta Clee.
Kitchie added that the concert’s title is a follow-up to last year’s Same Ground, her 20th anniversary show.
“This time, we decided to call it New Ground because we wanted something different. We’re exploring new territory, through our audience, through music,” she noted.
The new direction includes not just guest performances but also reimagined versions of her earlier songs and a brand-new original single titled “Landas,” which will debut during the concert and drop on digital platforms.
Now based in Spain and raising a family, Kitchie said she was surprised to learn how much her early 2000s hits continue to resonate.
“The energy here is just different. I was surprised so many people still know the songs, even the younger generation. A lot of Gen Z fans go to gigs and bars and sing along. My band and I weren’t expecting that our songs would end up in their playlists, alongside today’s new artists,” Kitchie continued.
That enduring connection inspired her to push for collaborations with newer voices. She said she was particularly drawn to Skusta Clee’s evolution as an artist.
“We were watching one of his music videos—it was rock. I told myself, ‘I can do this.’ It felt like he was crossing from hip-hop to rock, which is something I’ve always wanted to explore. Before I got into the rock scene, I was actually into trip-hop,” she shared.
Though she’s been living abroad, Kitchie continues to write and record remotely and performs for smaller Filipino communities overseas.
“It gave new meaning to my career. Once you bring music into these spaces, you help breathe life into Filipino communities like restaurants, businesses, salons, everything. That’s what I feel my purpose has become while living in Spain,” added Kitchie.
The concert, she added, is a way to challenge herself and evolve.
“As an artist, it is necessary to grow. Anything that doesn’t grow is dead,” she said.
Kitchie’s New Ground Manila concert is happening on June 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.
