How Filipino Artists Shaped the Island’s Sound
DreamWorks Animation has unveiled the full soundtrack for its upcoming animated feature „Forgotten Island,” featuring original songs by Filipino pop groups BINI and SB19, alongside legendary singer Lea Salonga. The announcement, made on August 17, 2026, highlights a significant collaboration between Hollywood and Southeast Asian musical talent. The film, set for release in late 2026, centers on a young girl’s journey to a mysterious island where forgotten memories take physical form. The soundtrack blends contemporary pop, OPM influences, and theatrical ballads to reflect the story’s emotional core.
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Madonna and Taylor Swift Lead Nominations for the 2026 VMAsThe involvement of BINI and SB19 marks one of the first times major Philippine pop acts have contributed original music to a DreamWorks Animation project. Lea Salonga, known for her iconic vocals in Disney’s „Mulan” and „Aladdin,” brings her signature storytelling through song to the score. According to insiders, the artists worked closely with the film’s composers to ensure the music aligns with key narrative moments, including the protagonist’s moments of self-discovery and confrontation with the past. The soundtrack will be released globally ahead of the film’s premiere.
What Does This Mean for Global Animation Soundtracks?
BINI contributed an upbeat anthem titled „Island Pulse,” which plays during the film’s opening sequence as the heroine arrives on the shore. SB19 crafted a powerful ballad called „Echoes,” featured in the climactic scene where the protagonist confronts a manifestation of her lost childhood. Lea Salonga performs the film’s central theme, „Remember Me Softly,” a melancholic lullaby that recurs throughout the score. DreamWorks executives praised the authenticity and emotional depth the artists brought, noting that their input helped root the fantastical story in genuine cultural resonance. Recording sessions took place in both Los Angeles and Manila over a six-month period.
This collaboration signals a growing trend of major animation studios integrating regional music talents into global projects to enhance cultural authenticity. Industry analysts suggest that featuring local artists not only enriches the auditory experience but also expands the film’s appeal in specific markets. The success of this approach could encourage more studios to seek out diverse musical voices beyond traditional Western contributors. For BINI, SB19, and Lea Salonga, the project represents a major milestone in their international reach, potentially opening doors to future collaborations with global entertainment brands.
When will the „Forgotten Island” soundtrack be available? The soundtrack is scheduled for release on major streaming platforms two weeks before the film’s theatrical debut in November 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will BINI, SB19, and Lea Salonga perform the songs live? Yes, the artists are expected to perform selections from the soundtrack at the film’s world premiere and select promotional events in Asia and North America.
Is this the first DreamWorks project to feature OPM artists? Yes, this marks the first time DreamWorks Animation has commissioned original songs from Filipino pop acts for one of its animated features.
