While most music festivals are all about the line-up and big acts, Singapore-born Tropika, now into its second year, takes it a step further.
Expanding into a two-day affair this time, the socially conscious music festival happening from Aug 3-4 is equal parts fun and serious. Expect beats and booze, but also deep conversations about society and politics.
On the first day starting from 4pm is the festival proper. Held at Golden Mile Tower’s car park (where Great Escape used to be), live performances and DJ sets spanning genres from Afro-Cuban jazz to tropical house await.
There’ll be a market and vendors will be setting up shop, so you can get your drinks and nosh sorted there. And in line with Tropika’s sustainability and wellness push, only vegan and vegetarian options are available. The party continues indoors at Intermission Bar after 10.30pm, where together with music collective Kampong Boogie, DJs will be keeping the tunes alive till the wee hours.
Get some rest, for on the second day, a more introspective line-up lies ahead. Starting 2pm (cause no one will be awake before noon) at Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee at Joo Chiat, the cosy vinyl cafe will be where intimate, serious discussion panels take place.
Expect the likes of journalist Kirsten Han and former member of parliament Viswa Sadasivan to deep-dive into topics regarding Singapore’s structural issues. Then, as you sip on a latte, have a chat with DJ Hugo Mendez (who would have been spinning the previous day) on his love for tropical music.
Tropika 2019 takes place Aug 3-4 at various venues. Tickets from $15 available here.
