The inaugural day of the Sing60 Festival delighted audiences with an eclectic array of musical styles, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Singapore’s local music scene. Held across two stages at Fort Canning Park, the festival offered a carefully curated mix of light pop, post-hardcore, hip-hop, and ambient music, attracting fans of all ages.
R&B performers Imran Ajmain and Lullaboy impressed crowds with their flawless vocal runs and dynamic stage presence, while Shye brought shoegaze-infused pop to the forefront, captivating younger audiences with her distinctly Gen Z aesthetic. Fans of heavier music were treated to electrifying performances by post-hardcore bands Caracal and A Vacant Affair, who incited enthusiastic mosh-pits and energized the festival atmosphere.
One of the day’s most amusing and unexpected highlights was the sight of a person in a full black chicken costume dancing among the crowd. It was later revealed that this was Barci, the beloved Nando’s mascot, who had been stationed at the Festival Village promoting the brand’s famous peri-peri chicken. Barci’s playful antics—including dancing, posing for photos, and engaging with attendees—added a whimsical, light-hearted touch to the proceedings.
The festival also emphasised collaboration and national pride. Singer Benjamin Kheng performed his 2024 National Day Parade theme, Not Alone, alongside other artists, blending familiar patriotic melodies with contemporary flair. Throughout the day, joint performances and creative collaborations between musicians of different generations highlighted the festival’s commitment to fostering connections across Singapore’s vibrant music community.
In addition to the performances themselves, the festival created an immersive and interactive experience, allowing attendees to explore different musical genres, connect with artists, and enjoy the festive environment of Fort Canning Park. Sing60 has clearly positioned itself as a dynamic platform for local talent, demonstrating the city-state’s thriving and diverse music culture.
Sing60 Festival – Key Performances and Highlights
| Artist / Group | Genre | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Imran Ajmain & Lullaboy | R&B | Impressive vocal runs; crowd engagement |
| Shye | Shoegaze-pop | Gen Z appeal; visually and sonically immersive |
| Caracal & A Vacant Affair | Post-hardcore | High-energy mosh-pits; heavy music spectacle |
| Benjamin Kheng & collaborators | Pop / National | Performance of Not Alone; collaborative synergy |
| Barci (Nando’s mascot) | Entertainment / Mascot | Dancing, photo ops, playful audience interaction |
With its combination of music, humour, and community spirit, the first day of Sing60 Festival proved a memorable celebration of Singapore’s rich and varied musical landscape, setting an exciting precedent for the rest of the festival.