Festival Melayu Ada

This is not a review. More like a recap.

Reached Taman Warisan, aka Town of the Dead, at approximately 2.00pm. It was anything BUT dead, thanks to a bunch of local artistes belting out their numbers. It made my hair stood on ends. The crowd was good. Music was great. Ambience realistic. Huh? Realistic? Yup. Because, call me a sentimental at heart if you wish, poetic justice was at its best. Just like the almost dead Taman Warisan (save for the occassional tourists and school learning journeys), the local musical scene was (has) brought to life (the Silent One).

I have heard of Zakiah. Just now I heard her. She was impressive. I have heard the chorus of Bahtera Cinta. Just now, I lived the song. And Cash was part of Konspirazy. I have heard Shah Raven as the dikir barat Juara. A few hours ago he was Shah Raven the rock vocalist, with tight pants and all. I knew a certain Primary Five boy who used to smile everytime he was asked to read in class. Just now he was far from shy - he was the keyboardist accompanying Zaibaktian. The latter, I knew as Lelaki Baru. Just now he was the Lelaki Baharu - the guy who can really clock with the audience. Ard the Bhumiband vocalist stood tall as a solo artiste. Very humble guy with nothing but humble talents. Kudos, Bro. You were great.

So many names, so little space to mention. You go, Melayu Singaporeans. I am very proud to be part of this great big family.

The only turn off was the shoutings of a so-called poetry recital. You scolding your audience? Or displaying a massive amount of energy to attract attention. Very ugly. Very very ugly. No. Repulsive.