The sudden passing of OPM icon Haji Alejandro sent waves of sorrow across the Philippine music industry. But behind the emotional tributes and tearful performances, a shocking revelation has come to light: his death reportedly triggered a heated misunderstanding between fellow veteran singer Rey Valera and a known concert producer.

What was meant to be a peaceful tribute turned into an emotional fallout, with insiders revealing that grief, pride, and long-standing tensions may have played a role in the unexpected conflict.

A Tribute That Turned Into Tension

According to sources, a tribute concert was being planned in memory of Haji Alejandro, with many of his friends and colleagues — including Rey Valera — being invited to participate. However, disagreements over artist billing, creative control, and financial transparency reportedly led to friction between Valera and one of the concert’s main producers.

“Rey was emotional about Haji’s death. They had history, they had brotherhood,” said one insider. “He wanted the tribute to feel real — not commercial.”

It was during the planning stages of the tribute that Rey allegedly confronted the producer, accusing them of turning a moment of mourning into a money-making opportunity.

Rey Valera’s Side: “Let’s Honor, Not Monetize”

Friends close to Rey Valera say the singer was deeply hurt by Haji’s passing and was determined to ensure that any public tribute stayed true to who Haji was — a pioneer, a passionate performer, and a loyal friend.

“He wasn’t just another OPM legend — he was family to many of us,” Rey was quoted saying. “Don’t reduce his legacy to ticket sales.”

The confrontation reportedly escalated when Rey declined to appear in the tribute unless changes were made — prompting the producer to pull out Valera’s name from the program entirely.

The Producer’s Side: “There’s a Show to Run”

Meanwhile, the concert producer in question has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Rey’s reaction was “overly emotional” and that the production was intended to celebrate Haji’s music, not exploit his memory.

“We tried our best to involve everyone respectfully. But we can’t let one artist dictate the entire show.”

Music Industry Reacts: “This Is Sadder Than It Should Be”

As the controversy continues to unfold, fellow OPM artists have expressed sadness that a moment meant for unity and remembrance has been tainted by conflict.

“If Haji were here, he’d probably say, ‘Ayusin niyo ’yan. Music is love, not ego,’” one veteran singer commented.

Final Thought: When Grief Meets Showbiz

Haji Alejandro’s death was supposed to bring the OPM community closer. Instead, it exposed the deep emotional fault lines that exist behind the music — where grief, legacy, and artistic pride sometimes collide.

Whether the rift between Rey Valera and the producer will heal remains uncertain, but one thing is clear:

“The best tribute to Haji isn’t just a concert — it’s unity, humility, and the music he left behind.

On his death… Hajji ‘congratulated’ Rey and producer Many felt good when The Hitmakers member Rey Valera and concert producer-promoter Anna Puno congratulated Hajji Alejandro at his wake.

Rey and Anna had not spoken for several years after Rey made a statement in a press conference against the head of Starmedia Entertainment, Inc. who had produced The Hitmakers’ shows, here and abroad, several times.

Rey and Anna met at Hajji’s wake at The Heritage Park in Taguig City last Wednesday night and they finally ended their feud.

Those at the wake were delighted with their congratulations, especially Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuniga, who are also members of The Hitmakers.

According to some present, even though he has passed away, Hajji still ‘congratulated’ Rey and Anna, ha!

Oh, I hope that in the next show of The Hitmakers by Rey, Marco, and Nonoy, Anna will be the producer again, ha!

I’m sure Anna is already thinking about giving a tribute concert to Hajji.