Breaking away from bubblegum pop stars, the Singapore Grand Prix announced today (Mar 5) a multi-genre, full line-up for its 12th edition happening this September. No less than Cardi B, Swedish House Mafia, Red Hot Chili Peppers and even Hans Zimmer will take the stage this Sep 20-22, joining the previously announced acts Muse, Fatboy Slim, Toots and the Maytals, and Larkin Poe. Elsewhere in the world, Dua Lipa and Jay Chou are shaking.
Rock fans will certainly be pleased, what with Muse (Sep 21) and this new inclusion of Californian rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers (Sep 22). It’s been a whopping 17 years since the latter’s last concert in Singapore in 2002, so expect some new tracks from their upcoming 12th studio album—plus, hopefully, some of the older classics.
Then there’s the eyebrow-raising Cardi B, ready to bring her unapologetic lyrics and personality to our conservative shores. The performance on Sep 21 will be her Singapore debut—and fresh off her historic win for Best Rap Album at the 61st Grammy Awards, making her the first female solo artist to receive the accolade.
But perhaps most surprising of all is Hans Zimmer (Sep 22), otherwise known as the grandfather of film scores. The maestro behind the soundtracks from Pirates of the Caribbean, Inception, The Dark Knight trilogy and The Lion King will personally take you through an orchestrated musical set, presented by a live symphony orchestra at The Wharf Stage.
Of course, the Grand Prix is always a prime time to showcase our local talents too. Taking the stage around the Circuit Park is rising R&B songstress Ffion with her chilled-out electro-pop sounds, and the jazzy, folk influences of musician Glen Wee. Other rising stars to look out for from around the world include Indian-American hip-hop artiste Raja Kumari, Bangkok-based tropical pop band Gym and Swim, swing crooners Swoon, and Afro-funk band Jupiter & Okwess—who list Congolese rumba rhythms and American soul as their musical influences.
Single-day Zone 4 Walkabout tickets (ie. where to catch all the performances) are priced at $98 (Fri), $188 (Sat) and $288 (Sun); three-day tickets have clean sold out. Act fast—you can bet the ‘80s and ‘90s kids are already on it.
Singapore Grand Prix 2019 returns Sep 20-22. The full line-up and more information here.
