Six young Filipino performers based in Dubai are making a bid for international recognition as JAMeela, a newly launched P-Pop group billed as the first of its kind to be formed in the United Arab Emirates.
The group’s musical direction is being shaped by Elipas Sibua, a music educator with international credentials who serves as performance and musical consultant. Choreography and mentorship fall to John Ewald Diaz Galit, a former GMA artist, while visual and public relations work is handled by Bril Juan.
JAMeela’s debut track, “JAMeela Hooray,” was composed by Sibua, with stage movement developed by Galit. A second track, “Cookie,” is also in the pipeline.
The group’s sound draws from pop, EDM, and dance music. According to those behind the project, the material is intended to reflect both Filipino cultural identity and the members’ experience growing up in the Middle East.
Months of training in vocals, dance, and performance preceded the group’s public launch, with the team stating that stage readiness for international audiences was a primary objective from the outset.
JAMeela’s backers have positioned the group as aspirational figures for young Filipinos living across the Gulf Cooperation Council region — an audience that, by their framing, has few homegrown acts to look to as models.
