Musical Heritage of Southeast-Asian Countries: Music Fests and Their History

Existing since 1970, Cantopop has evolved from Cantonese music blending along with Western genres like- Jazz, Rock, Blues, Rhythm, Electronic pop, etc. Most of the music created is again highly sold within Hong Kong mostly attaining its success during the 1980s. These piece of musical art also reaches other Southeast-Asian countries like Singapore, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Pipa was the most famous instrument during the ancient ceremonial days in Hong Kong. It is a string instrument that resembles a guitar and produces sound due to a constant vibration among strings. However, Sino-British Orchestra was recognized as the most popular selection among young generation during the start of the 20th century and continues to be one of people’s favorite. Music available in stores offers a wide selection of various different genres and international taste like- Japanese pop, Korean Pop, English pop and Mandopop music.

Cantonese Opera - is a debatable type of music which is finally accepted to have originated in Northern China before spreading across different regions. It gained its popularity in Hong Kong as the first organized type of entertainment in Hong Kong. Its popularity can still be witnessed today in the form of tradition with different trends in different industries. It was the year 1950 when many refugees moved to Shanghai namely Northern-point popularizing and practicing in ceremonies all over again.

Inspired by Theatric Act, Cantonese Opera doesn’t fail to engulf the audience by their performances. People even say the modern play is way different than the ones performed at early years where script writing was more emphasized and worked upon than choreography, however, both acts resembles a mime performance where the audience needs to contribute to the play by paying attention to what is being articulated, learn and understand the story by themselves. Musicians constantly put the soul behind every move actors execute to make the play detailed and precise for the audience.

Rockit Fest - British has always been an inspiration to the locals here since decades is also a reason why Hong Kong started bringing English band like Feeder to perform and bring people together. It was in the year 2004; the fest began gaining its popularity after its inauguration in the year 2003. It was the same here when Hong Kongers witnessed something they never experienced before. With English band performances which were already popular among people, the fest recognized a revolutionary start to practicing International music publically inspiring thousands to be a part one more time. Ever since then Rockit is being celebrated every year with both international and local bands.

The Fest is also recognized as the one and only international music ceremony. Entertaining people during the month of October, they cover most genres targeting people of every age group. Victoria Park, the venue stages both band performances and DJs. These performances usually last for 3 days. To accommodate visitors with a complete package for a day, they are also provided with foods and drinks with the vibes all day. This fest offers a quality time one wants to spend with their closed ones or friends.

History

Rockits was much inspired by fests like Glastonburry, Fuji Rock Fest, etc. before breaking in. Didir lee and Nimal Jayawardena-Matrix Entertainment was the group behind bringing Rockit to the people of Hong Kong every year.

For the Locals

This fest not only entertains Kongers but also gives a platform for them to put their show alongside the international artists in regular intervals. This is after they are auditioned and competes with around 50 other bands at prelims. Although not everyone gets through with the process however it certainly motivates them to perform better next time hence enhancing the talent and spreading it more to other people. With such events and a craze for music, one can definitely say that Hong Kong is a Music port and will always be recognized as a land of musicians for its undying desire to practice music and have it as a part of their life and culture.

References:

1. http://www.hkoutdoors.com/hong-kong-news/rockit-2003-2004.html

2. http://bcstudies.com/sites/default/files/BCS_148_WINTER05_06_PE_55small.pdf

3. http://www.hkclubbing.com/articles/nightlife/rockit-music-festival-2004-now-3-days-.html