The annual Music Matters Live is set to return to Singapore this weekend Sep 7-12 with a grand kick-off at Clarke Quay. This year, there’s more for music fans with a line-up of homegrown successes as well as new international favourites coming to the fore. Here are four major local names you should look out for.
ShiGGa Shay
This Singaporean hip-hop artist has successfully put Singapore on the map. Barely 26 this year, he has already enjoyed huge international success and then some. For one, he has performed alongside Black Eyed Peas’ rapper. He’s also featured on Stefanie Sun’s “Simply, Love” and had released a song with Dick Lee. Just when we thought he hit heyday, we find out about his performance at the White House state dinner after-party. With rap lyrics interspersed with Hokkien and Singlish, he is also a favorite here locally.
Inch Chua
Who hasn’t heard of Inch Chua? Our very own homegrown jazz vocalist is best known for her own bend of acoustic folk, alt rock and electronic music. A singer-songwriter, Chua was first exposed to the industry while still studying, where she fronted for several local bands before moving to the U.S. In 2016, she kicked off Charlie Puth’s concert with a haunting, soulful rendition of Puth’s “Done for Me”.
HubbaBubbas
Founded in 2011, HubbaBubbas is a post-acoustic trio often described as quirky and vibrant. They are unconventional in that they don’t fall neatly into any genres. Check out how they’re replaced the traditional percussionist role with a beatboxer, as put put their own spin and interpretation on pop with a distinct tinge of joy and carefreeness. Perfect for chasing away the blues.
DJ Ghetto
DJ Ghetto earned his reputation as Singapore’s best Scratch DJ in the hip-hop scene by making it into the quarter finals for World Supremacy, and two-time Singapore Champion at the World DJ Championships. Catch him live for some tight mixes and infectious, packed sets.
Music Matters Live takes place Sep 7-12. Full line-up of artists available here
