As December unfolds and 2023 draws to a close, everyone is left scrambling to fill their last few weeks with fun. But by this time of the year, when the activities tend to become more predictable and repetitive, we wonder what else we could do to colour our days. If you’re running out of time and options, boy do I have the trick for you. Introducing the Sentosa Music Fest! The island is opening its shores to the masses for you to groove to the beats and jump to the shore-shaking fun happening from now till the end of the year!
Sentosa has always been synonymous with sunny relaxation. But in December, as the sun sets and the night grows dark, the island transforms itself into a haven for music affectionists. With events like the DJ Spin Off to the ever-popular ZoukOut, Sentosa is gifting you the opportunity to bask in the unparalleled vibes this December!
As you’re reading this, some of the events may have since turned into unforgettable memories of nights passed – or in this case, forgettable, depending on how much of the night you party animals can actually remember. But every event in Sentosa’s Music Fest deserves a special place in our hearts, so let me help jog your memory before we go into opportunities for you to create new ones!
A recap
DJ Spin Off
Electronic dance music (EDM) is becoming a hot trend in the music scene. Defined by its pulsating beats and creative mixes, EDM is taking the country by storm. The DJ Spin Off saw familiar faces presenting their electrifying beats on a major stage. The event saw a star-studded panel of judges, including Ollie ‘des, Mad Jester, Cherish, and Andrew Chow, as they decided who would take home the crown.
As someone whose music portfolio consists of quitting piano at the ripe old age of nine, I have never been able to fathom just how these DJs pull hard hits out of their station in real time. I find it amazing how intuitive EDM music is, and how every DJ leaves a bit of their musical DNA in every mix they create.
After a long night of mixing, mastering and partying, the champion title was given to datjerms – with the first and second runner-ups being Carlo Tendi and Lester Chee! Whether you were at the scene headbanging to the incredible beats dropped by these DJs or missed this floor-shaking event, Sentosa is giving everyone a second chance at catching these trailblazing DJs at other Sentosa events. DJ Jerms, himself, will be performing at the Sentosa Countdown Party, while both Carlo and Lester will be showcasing their talents at the Sand Bar Countdown Party. See you there!
ZoukOut
Everyone knows what this event is all about. But if you’ve been off social media for the past week, let me fill you in. ZoukOut graced the shores of Sentosa for its 20th run on 2 and 3 of December. This event was a must-go for those of you who enjoy getting lit in dim clubs. With a fantastic lineup hailing from all over the world, ZoukOut promised a night to remember, and it certainly delivered just that.
ZoukOut accompanied partygoers from the early afternoons to the crack of dawn as like-minded dance music enthusiasts let loose on Siloso Beach. As they danced the night away to the soundtracks of new memories being made, those in attendance experienced a level of fun they didn’t know they needed.
Scrolling through social media the next day, my feed was flooded with friends immortalising the fun they had the night before. I can’t lie; I was green with jealousy as I saw them recount the night’s wonders, but one thing you’ve got to love about ZoukOut is its consistency! So for all you readers feeling the same green monster lurking in you, we can always soak in ZoukOut’s incredible atmosphere next year!
What’s coming next?
Starting to feel the FOMO hitting in full effect? Have no fear, for the Sentosa Music Fest is just getting started. Remember the feeling you have right now as you read about the fun-filled events Sentosa has presented. As you scroll further, remember that the island has never failed to offer visitors a euphoric experience and that you wouldn’t want to miss out on this stunning festival.
Jazz by the Cove
Now, let’s shift our focus to a more wholesome music genre; Jazz by the Cove is serving up soul-touching performances across six fantastic days for Sentosa Music Fest. Picture this: Buttery smooth jazz fills the air as you melt into the beach and forget about your worries – now what kind of masochist would ever want to deprive themselves of that?
Jazz by the Cove brings names like Giacomo Turra from Italy, Soejima Toshiki from Japan and Sheila Majid from Malaysia to their shores for your listening pleasure. With a lineup of more than 15 jazz performers, this event will be nothing short of a vibe. With themed nights like Ladies of Jazz and Japan Jam, you’re in for an energy rejuvenation as you let yourself get lost in the art of jazz and allow the magic of the music to whisk you away.
As someone who has grown to love jazz music, I can’t wait to be gathered with people who share the same fervent affection for the genre as we accompany each other through the nights and let the music coddle and consume us.
Date: 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 December 2023
Location: Sentosa Cove
Time: 6.30 pm to 10 pm
Jazz by the Cove is committed to bringing you the best of what jazz has to offer from a multitude of different performances and perspectives! Make sure to check out their official website for a complete list of times and lineups.
Sentosa Christmas
Now, what’s December if there isn’t a celebration for Christmas? Rather than freezing in white snow, Sentosa invites you to its shores to unwind on its sandy beaches for Christmas.
Sentosa Christmas promises to bring visitors on a musical journey at various locations throughout the island. With performances by names like The Apex Project, Lorong Boys and the Chordinate Singers, there won’t be a moment where your ears are left bored. Whether you fancy some soothing acapella or endearing wind instrument performances, Sentosa Christmas is ready to put you in the Christmas mood this December!
But why stop there? As part of Sentosa Christmas, Resorts World Sentosa is also offering an extensive range of music-themed wonders as part of their year-end celebrations! Remember to keep your eyes peeled for those happenings as well!
Date: 2, 9, 16 and 20 to 25 December 2023
Location: Various locations around Sentosa
Personally for me, Christmas started in October, but it’s never too late (or too early) to join in the holiday cheer and prepare yourself for the year-end festivities! Drop by Sentosa Christmas’s official website for the complete list of happenings.
Sentosa Countdown Party
As much as we would like to stop the clock before 2023 turns into 2024, we can’t. We can do nothing about the time that has slipped through our fingers. But what we can do is usher in the new year with the Sentosa Countdown Party – presented by Mastercard! This year’s edition of the party will be a family-friendly affair where attendees can expect to be kept busy with picnic and play zones, as well as amazing live performances, outdoor movie screenings and mouth-watering food from an array of food stalls.
The main show starts as the sky turns darker and as midnight approaches. Sentosa personally invites you and your loved ones to lie under the starry night and watch as a choir of 550 drones light up the dark sky. The show, which runs for 10 minutes, will pay homage to the island and as the minutes inch closer, the countdown will commence, finishing with a beautiful fireworks display!
Date: 31 December 2023
Location: Palawan Green
Time: 4 pm to 1 am
The Sentosa Countdown Party is a spectacle that’s not to be missed! While the picnic and play zones and the drone show are free of charge to island goers, the Countdown party itself is a ticketed event. So, make sure to quickly secure your tickets for this end-of-year special!
As December flashes before our eyes, the Sentosa Music Fest is creating a tapestry of unique musical events for us to savour. From the electrifying energy of ZoukOut, the soulful melodies of Jazz by the Cove, the festive tunes of Sentosa Christmas to the grand finale of the Sentosa Countdown Party, each event paints a stroke on the canvas of year-end celebrations.
Join us as we bid farewell to the year against the backdrop of music and merriment on the shores of Sentosa!
Visuals Courtesy of Sentosa.
