Busking: Embracing the Art of Street Performance
Busking communities continue to celebrate this passion-driven craft, redefining what it means for art to take up space.
Words Randolf Maala-Resueño
Photos courtesy of The Busking Community PH
March 15, 2025
Take off your headphones and listen to the streets. Where one stood amidst a busy crowd, instrument in hand, with an open case in front for spare change. A voice now bellowed a ballad, serenading those along you with love song after love song–their phones recording the sight. A modern harana right before our very eyes.
After the last strum of their guitar, a simple applause greeted the artist. Her face was now painted with a smile, fulfilled by a night of singing, performing, and the art of busking.
More than just for spare change
From the sidewalks of Bonifacio High Street to the fringes of Session Road, busking’s live entertainment value remains unmatched. Busking is simple: take your talents–singing, dancing, even magic tricks to the streets and perform to your heart’s content. But if it only were that easy.
The age-old tradition of this public performance art dates back as far as there were streets. It was the easiest way for artists and performers to share their talent and earn a living
But by the dawn of technological advancements, music streaming services and their accessibility trampled traditional ways and means for emerging performers to showcase their craft.
Bonded by passion
Nonetheless, it persisted. The late 2010s saw the emergence of various independent musicians who have taken to the streets to bloom the ever-expanding community of buskers in the country.
Communities of passion-driven artists like The Busking Community PH and Metro Buskers Club provide platforms for artists who are starting to dip their toes in the craft.
Recognition for its growing popularity also gained traction from major establishments. Businesses like coffee shops, bars, and malls provide safe spaces for buskers, empowering local artists to a hyped crowd they deserve.
Support the craft
These communities can only help enough for their members. By supporting these independent artists, who bared their souls for their passion and creativity, the local music industry in the country flourishes by promoting creativity in the field of music, professionalising the busking culture, and stabilizing profit for the artists.
Ultimately, tip whenever you can. After all, maybe your next busker will gain stardom soon–a luxury we manifest to all inspiring creatives in the music industry.
