Fête De La Musique In The Philippines 2024’s Main Stage Was A Feast For The Senses

Music is an art form that serves as a bridge between cultures – tying us to one another in the rich cultural tapestry that goes beyond nations.

As a universal language of its own that connects hearts and minds, music embodies the identity of its people, and the origins of Fête de la Musique have always prided itself as an event that not only champions music, but also weaves itself into the very fabric of culture worldwide –– transcending boundaries and bringing people together. Originating from France’s celebrated event of the same name, Fête de la Musique has become a global phenomenon, resonating with audiences across continents, especially with its presence here in the Philippine music scene.

Here in the Philippines, celebrating Fête de la Musique for the past 30 years has been particularly meaningful. It has provided a unique avenue for musical discovery and celebration, showcasing a diverse array of musical acts in a special, community-driven event. This year’s milestone 30th edition was a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to unite people from all walks of life –– and was a night where music lovers could immerse themselves in an eclectic mix of genres and discover new artists.

The celebration at the main stage brought together a diverse audience, creating a vibrant community united by their love for music with a seamless transition between sets showcased a tapestry of sounds and styles –– with each act contributing to the festival’s rich musical narrative.

The event began with SHANNi, whose soulful voice set a warm and intimate tone. She performed her original track “Sa Panaginip,” capturing the audience with her heartfelt delivery. Shanni’s set was also notably a family affair, featuring her brother and sister alongside her, which added a personal touch that resonated deeply with the crowd. Her covers of Clairo’s “Bags” and Lake Street Dive’s “Hypotheticals” were met with enthusiastic applause, laying a strong foundation for the night’s festivities.

Following her, Jason Dhakal, paired with LUSTBASS, brought a smooth and sultry vibe to the stage. Opening with “Can’t Get Enough” and seamlessly transitioning into “Ur Man,” Jason’s soulful voice and charismatic presence captivated the audience. His deep cut “wecouldbeal” showcased his musical depth, and his humorous interactions with the crowd added a layer of charm to his performance. Jason’s set concluded with a stunning cover of “Awitin Mo Ang Sasayaw Ko,” leaving the audience in awe and setting the stage for the next act.

The transition to jazz was marked by Jose Miguel’s collaboration with Sinosikat, offering a soothing contrast to Dhakal’s sultry R&B. Jose Miguel’s performance of “5 Star Overthinker” from his debut album, followed by “Free,” enveloped the audience in a jazzy embrace. Sinosikat? then elevated the evening with their blend of jazz and samba, performing their new single “Heart Calling” and classics like “So Blue” and “Magic.” Their reimagined version of Celeste Legaspi’s “Sabado” was a standout –– demonstrating their creative versatility and keeping the audience enthralled.

As the night progressed, Dwta’s performance injected a burst of infectious energy. Her new song “Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Nalang)” and hit “Padaba Taka” had the crowd moving and smiling. Dwta’s ability to connect with the audience was evident as she crooned “Ikaww ikaww..,” spreading joy and positive vibes. Her set’s high energy and engaging presence made her one of the evening’s highlights, ensuring the crowd remained lively and engaged.

The Jewelmer Jazz Band followed, bringing a touch of elegance with their eclectic jazz covers. Their rendition of “Tank!” from the animated series Cowboy Bebop was particularly well-received, and their set included a variety of tracks that showcased their musical prowess. The band’s ability to make jazz accessible and enjoyable resonated with the audience, providing a sophisticated interlude in the evening’s lineup.

The French DJ duo, C2C’s set brought a different flavor to the night with their electronic beats. Their remix of Daft Punk’s “Da Funk” energized the crowd with high spirits as an opener, drawing in a significant number of foreign attendees. As the eclectic mix of various remixed tunes in their set kept the audience dancing, it perfectly highlighted the festival’s ability to bridge different musical tastes and cultures.

Autotelic’s performance was a seamless continuation of the night’s diverse musical journey. Their live renditions of their hit songs like “Laro,” “Languyin,” and “Takipsilim” had the crowd swooning, with every aspect of their heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies resonating deeply with the audience. The band’s connection with their fans was palpable, as many sang along and swayed to the music, creating a communal atmosphere of enjoyment –– even from those who merely discovered them just then.

Morobeats then took the stage, drawing one of the biggest crowds of the night with their infectious energy and stellar beats. Their performance of “Pananabik” was a highlight of the night, showcasing their ability to hype the crowd and keep the energy high –– with the palpable excitement in the audience making their set one of the most memorable of the evening.

Dilaw’s set added an explosive rock dynamic to the festival. Their screamo rendition of “Uhaw” breathed new life into the track, while “Janice” was performed with great passion. The debut of two new unreleased tracks kept the audience engaged and excited, and in its own unique way, the rock band’s electric performance balanced intimacy with raw energy, leaving a lasting impression.

The night concluded with Any Name’s Okay, who opened their set with the crowd favorite “Yugto.” Their live renditions of their discography, including “Takbo”, “Vivid“, and the unreleased track “Tabing Dagat” showcased their impressive musical skills and strong connection with the audience. Fans wearing the band’s merchandise sang along, creating a sense of unity and shared experience as the group took to the main stage of the festival for the first time ever. They closed the night with a fantastic performance of “Cobalt Blue,” capping off the festival on a high note.

At its core, the 30th Fête de la Musique in the Philippines was more than just a series of performances; it was a celebration of music and community. The seamless transitions between diverse acts created a cohesive narrative that highlighted the universal language of music. Each artist brought something unique to the stage, allowing the audience to discover new sounds and connect with different musical styles.

The event’s authenticity and commitment to celebrating music were evident in the joy and engagement of the crowd. From soulful ballads to electrifying rock, smooth jazz to infectious beats, Fête de la Musique was a feast for the ears and a joyous celebration of the power of live music. The diverse demographics of the audience, ranging from young children to seasoned music lovers, highlighted the festival’s wide appeal. This year’s festival was already off to a great start, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the richness of musical expression.

Over all, this year’s run at Fête de la Musique’s main stage not only underscored the rich cultural tapestry that binds us but also demonstrated how music can transcend boundaries, fostering a sense of global unity and shared human experience. Celebrating thirty years of this festival in the Philippines has reaffirmed the power of music as a universal bridge –– bringing people together in a shared celebration of life, culture, and the timeless joy of music.

The 30th Fëte De La Musique continues next week on June 28; with the festival featuring pocket stages that truly embody the heart and soul of what the festival is all about –– offering even more opportunities for audiences to discover and enjoy the diverse world of music. Check out the full list of pocket stages here.