PUBLISHED March 14th, 2014 03:18 am | UPDATED January 20th, 2016 03:08 pm
Once upon a time, there used to be an awesome festival in Singapore by the name of WOMAD. For those not up on their music, WOMAD – which stands for World of Music, Art and Dance – was an epic music festival and global phenomenon founded by the rock gods Peter Gabriel and Thomas Grooman and for a while, Singapore relished its yearly existence in Fort Canning Park as the first WOMAD in South East Asia which brought together music and dance performances from more than 15 countries, including items by well-known artistes.
It’s been seven long years since the last WOMAD, and we’re guessing this has created an almighty seven year itch for world music because now a homegrown music festival – Culture Clash Festival – is here to go some way towards filling some of that aching gap.
In the true spirit of a world music festival, Culture Clash brings you an international lineup and the open-minded festival vibe with 5 ‘live’ acts and 6 DJ acts representing a global mix of progressive organic music from Latin to Afro, Batucada to soul and funk to brass band and more. If there are only three acts you catch at the Culture Clash Festival let them be:
All the way from Japan: Blitz and Squash Brand Band
A New Orleans brass band from Osaka, Japan that blends hip hop, jazz, funk and Latin with traditional New Orleans sounds, these guys have rocked clubs and streets since coming together in 1997. If they don’t get your toes tapping and your fingers snapping, then you might want to check your pulse.
Homegrown from Singapore: The Voodoo Sound
An award-winning Industrial Progressive-Rock Band from Singapore, 10-piece strong The Voodoo Sound blends elements of funk, metal and traditional ethnic rhythms into a tight concoction of intense, experiential music. Expect a sizeable line up of aggressive guitars, wild synthesizers and punchy drums along with an arsenal of powerful vocals for a fast, loud and crazy ass ride!
Unleashing some Greek with DJ Kostas Krep
The co-founder of Kilowatt Soundsystem, we have shaken our booties to KK before and are big fans of his love for the universality of music. You can expect a very eclectic set from this man with a plan, and being from the Balkans, a very Balkan inspired set, so let there be brass, and maybe even some plate throwing!
Of course, that’s only our top three in a full line up that includes other live acts such as Instigator Afrobeat Orchestra, The Good Life Project, The Mighty Mighty plus DJs Adit Permana, Bhayology, Ken, Shellsuit and Tzinas with more to be announced.
For a little bit of creative juice, swing by the Kyouiku Village – a cosy cluster of art installations plus art, music and dance performances and workshops curated by the Kilowatt crew, and be sure to pack up some yummies for a picnic on the fountain terrace while you laze, mooch and soak up world sounds.
Culture Clash Festival is taking place on Saturday 22nd March from 5pm at The Owl, 2 College Road
Alumni Medical Centre (Owl Bar), Singapore, 169850. For more information and ticketing please see the Peatix website here.