Home-grown Harmony: Sing60 Music Festival Hits All The Right Notes at Fort Canning Park!
Singapore’s vibrant music scene isn’t just alive; it’s absolutely thriving! And what better way to celebrate its rich tapestry than with a spectacular festival dedicated solely to home-grown talent? This past weekend, Fort Canning Park pulsated with the sounds of made-in-Singapore music as the Sing60 Music Festival kicked off, attracting over 6,300 music lovers on its opening day alone.
A worthy successor to the iconic Sing50 concert, Sing60 has upped the ante, transforming Fort Canning into a sprawling, two-day musical extravaganza featuring more than 60 local acts across various genres and generations. It was a true testament to the breadth and depth of Singaporean artistry, showcasing everything from nostalgic pop to cutting-edge electronic beats.
A Stellar Line-Up & Unforgettable Moments
Day one, December 6th, was packed with memorable performances. The “Homegrown Icons” segment on the Fort Canning Green stage delivered contemporary pop powerhouses, but the real highlight? A surprise reunion of beloved pop band The Sam Willows during singer Benjamin Kheng’s set! The crowd erupted as the popular quartet came together once more, reminding everyone of their enduring charm.
But the star power didn’t stop there. Audiences were treated to a captivating duet by singer-songwriters Charlie Lim and Corrinne May, and electrifying sets from R&B crooners Imran Ajmain and lullaboy, fierce rapper Lady Kash, and the ethereal indie/pop sounds of Shye. Hosted by the dynamic trio of Kiss92 DJs Kim Anne Tan and Joshua Simon, along with One FM 91.3 DJ Simon Lim, the energy never dipped.
Beyond the main stage, Sing60 embraced diversity. “Bandwagon Sessions” spotlighted the talents of the Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra alongside alternative rock outfit Carpet Golf and post-hardcore quintet Caracal. For electronic music enthusiasts, the “Bunker B2B” segment in the historical Battlebox offered unique back-to-back DJ sets and live performances, pairing different generations of artistes like Debbie Chia with The Weatherman, and Ollie Des with HBN.
Music with a Mission: Giving Back to the Community
What truly sets Sing60 apart is its heartwarming commitment to charity and community. Built on a “pay-it-forward” ethos, the festival ensures that for every ticket sold, a young person from an underserved background gets the chance to experience the magic of live music. This initiative alone speaks volumes about the festival’s heart.
Furthermore, the stages saw performances by talented individuals who were part of the ChildAid series of charity concerts, backed by UOB in aid of crucial funds for children. Another poignant moment was the segment featuring 60 young guitarists from Gift A Guitar, a brilliant charity initiative that provides instruments and lessons to underserved youth. The audience cheered as two of these young performers presented a guitar, signed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, to Sea Limited founder Forrest Li, who had won it in an auction for an astonishing $650,000! Funds raised from this initiative will empower 600 youth musicians.
Beyond the Beats: A Festival Village for All
It wasn’t just about the auditory delights! Festival-goers also explored the vibrant Festival Village, a marketplace celebrating home-grown food and lifestyle brands like La Birria Tacos and Aliwal Chess Club, providing a holistic experience that truly championed local talent in every form.
As Sing60 continues its celebration into Day 2 with more icons like Mandopop singer Mavis Hee, singer-actor Glenn Yong, and indie rock band The Great Spy Experiment, it’s clear that this festival is more than just a series of concerts. It’s a powerful statement – a dedication to nurturing talent, building community, and showcasing the incredible power and diversity of Singaporean music to the world.
Did you catch Sing60? Share your favourite moments and acts in the comments below!