K-pop stars turn up the heat for 10,000 revellers at Waterbomb Singapore 2024
Benson Ang
The Straits Times
Aug 25, 2024
In their sunglasses, singlets and slippers, some 10,000 people had a splashing good time on the first day of Waterbomb Singapore 2024.
The two-day event took place at Sentosa's Siloso Beach, and this was the first time the water-themed music festival, which originated from South Korea, was being held here.
Saturday's balmy weather and cool sea breeze allowed for a day of beachy fun, as the crowd grooved along to tracks such as Dido's Thank You, Nicki Minaj's Starships and Illit's Magnetic.
The entertainment, which featured performances by K-pop, K-hip-hop and electronic dance music acts, kicked off at 3.10pm with a thumping 20-minute set by Singapore-based DJ Farah Farz. This was followed by a 20-minute performance by Singaporean singer-songwriter lullaboy, who sang numbers such as Cool and Shortcut To Heaven.
He said, "Singapore, let me see your hands in the air. Is anyone feeling a little bit hot?", before removing his top to enthusiastic cheers.
Although the venue had a dry area, the stage was located in its wet zone, with water cannon lining the front of the performance area. Four large ones onstage also allowed some stars, such as South Korean rapper Kid Milli, to spray water on the crowd.
Various stage effects, from lights and bubbles to bursts of fire and pyrotechnics, helped raise the excitement. And many audience members came prepared with colourful water guns and protective eyewear.
The first of six water spraying battles, or "Waterbomb time", took place at 3.50pm, during which two teams - orange and blue - battled it out, as water rained down around them.
During "Waterbomb time", a water spraying battle took place, during which two teams battled it out as water rained down around them. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Friends Kwan Jia Xin and Zoey Chong, who were in the blue team, had bought one-day tickets after they read about the event on social media.
Ms Kwan, 27, an administrative worker, said: "Although we got drenched, the water fights were very fun. We got sprayed at by people from the orange team. But the biggest blasts came from the stage."
Ms Chong, 26, a healthcare worker, said: "We knew we were going to get wet, so we brought extra clothes."
The Singaporeans are also fans of American rapper-singer Jessi, who took the stage at 8.20pm.
For Mr Kiwi Ng and Ms Carol Lim, who bought a one-day pass to the event, the biggest draw was also seeing Jessi perform for the first time. The Malaysians, who work in Singapore, are in a relationship.
Ms Lim, 26, who works in a bank, said: "I think her performances are electrifying and hot - perfect for a beach setting. I particularly like her new song Nunu Nana, which I sometimes use in my Instagram reels."
Mr Ng, 26, a financial consultant, said: "I have never been to such a beach event, and the fact that there are so many music acts is an added bonus. It has been a blast."
Guests had a splashing good time on the first day of Waterbomb Singapore 2024. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Apart from sets by DJs Ghetto and Nicole Chen, the day featured acts such as Singaporean singer Alyph, who crooned Malay songs such as the ballad Buat Selamanya.
The biggest acts took the stage after sunset.
At 9.20pm, South Korean singer Rain came on in a pair of loose jeans and a floral shirt. He took off his top after just one song, to reveal the red band of his Supreme-brand underwear, while rocking some sultry dance moves.
South Korean singer Rain took off his top after the first song in his set. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
American rapper Jay Park later had the crowd eating out of his hand during his 40-minute set, which featured hits such as Blue Check and Ain't No Party Like An AOMG Party. He also brought on Singaporean rapper Shigga Shay and South Korean rapper Koala as guest performers, and closed the show on a high a little after 11pm.
American rapper Jay Park got the crowd eating out of his hand during his 40-minute set, and closed the show on a high a little after 11pm. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Festivalgoers were seen visiting the food village and soju bar, taking selfies at the photo zones and playing games at the various booths.
The event is co-organised by Viu Scream Dates and Evergreen Group Holdings. Evergreen Group Holdings chief executive David Yong, who is currently facing legal troubles, was not seen at the event on Aug 24.
The party continues on Aug 25, with an estimated 9,000 people expected to catch performances by Thai rapper-singer BamBam, who is a member of K-pop boy group Got7; Thai singer Sorn, a former member of South Korean girl group CLC; and South Korean rapper Loco.
View more photos in the gallery.
