Meet the Rebaños, a Power Couple in the Local Jazz Scene
A Lifetime of Making Music Together
Willie and Maria Angela Rebaño have been making music for over four decades. The Filipino power couple has made a name for themselves in the local jazz scene, entertaining audiences with their soulful performances.
The Concert that Showed How Much They Were Loved
Last month, FMT highlighted a benefit concert for Willie Rebaño to cover his medical costs owing to diabetes-related complications. The concert, which was held on November 3 at the Kind A Blue Club and Restaurant at the KL Jazz and Arts Centre, was a resounding success. Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Maria Angela shared that tickets were sold out, and she even had to turn people down.
Selling Out and Turning Down Fans
“We’re very thankful that you helped us to highlight our needs. It’s not easy being a musician, especially at our age and in my condition,” said Willie, 69. He is also moved by the support shown by the music community. “I didn’t know that a lot of my friends from the music scene cared about me. They all played for free,” he added.
Supportive Community
Artistes who performed at the event included Salamiah Hassan, Jimmy Sax, Grace Leong, V J Thison, Tom Anuar, and Rodin J S Kumar.
A Love That Transcends Decades
Willie, whose music career spans 50 years, was once a pianist and arranger with Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s orchestra. He has played for acclaimed artistes including Sheila Majid, Zain Azman, Sharifah Aini, Ning Baizura, and Hetty Koes Endang.
While Willie is incredibly dynamic on the piano and keyboard, his wife also lights up the stage with her powerful and soaring vocals. A professional singer since she was 17, Maria Angela has performed in Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, among others.
Despite their many successes, Willie shared that it is serving in their church’s music ministry that strengthens their bond.
Despite the highlights throughout their careers, there have been low moments as well – such as Pragasam’s sudden passing. In fact, the couple had been performing with Pragasam during a Christmas concert in December when he suffered heart failure onstage.
These days, they continue to serve in their church’s music ministry, perform at jazz clubs and functions, as well as teach classes – as much as Willie’s condition allows. As for their love for jazz, Maria Angela mused: “Through jazz, one learns how to adjust to others and give them space to express themselves.”
Meet Willie and Maria Angela Rebaño, a power couple in the local jazz scene who have been entertaining audiences for over four decades. Their love for music, faith, and each other has only grown stronger over the years, as they continue to share their talents with the world.
A: Willie Rebaño is a veteran musician and pianist who has had a career spanning 50 years. He has performed with acclaimed artistes, including Sheila Majid and The Platters.
A: Maria Angela Rebaño is a professional singer who has performed in several countries, including Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore.
A: The couple met at a jazz club in Kuala Lumpur and initially became friends. They found love in each other eventually.
A: The Rebaños are passionate about jazz, and they believe that through jazz, one learns to respect other musicians and give them space to express themselves.