Singaporean DJ Likki Low Showcases Local Sounds at Tomorrowland 2023

Singaporean DJ Likie Low, performing under her stage name Likki, made waves at Tomorrowland 2023 by blending everyday sounds from her homeland into a 30-minute electronic dance music set. Her performance on July 25 showcased an inventive mix of Singapore’s cultural and urban soundscape, including train announcements, bird calls, and traditional Chinese melodies.

A Symphony of Singapore’s Identity

Likki’s set featured the familiar MRT announcement, “Sila berhati-hati di ruang platform” (“Please mind the platform gap” in Malay), a phrase ingrained in the daily lives of Singaporeans. She also incorporated the distinct cry of the Asian koel, a bird whose call resonates across Singapore’s neighborhoods. Adding a personal touch, Likki threaded the sound of the erhu, a traditional Chinese two-stringed instrument she has played since childhood, into her music. These elements transformed everyday Singaporean sounds into a unique dance music experience for the global audience at one of the world’s premier electronic music festivals.

Representing Singaporean Identity on a Global Stage

At 27, Likki is among the few Singaporeans to perform at Tomorrowland, an annual festival that draws thousands of electronic music fans from around the world. For her, this performance was not just about music but also about cultural representation. “Since I got to play Tomorrowland, and it might be the first and the last chance in my life I get to do that, I wanted to incorporate every single part of myself,” she said. Likki emphasized her desire to showcase her identity as a Singaporean Chinese, even if the nuances of her culture might not be immediately understood by the global audience.

Her set also referenced Ang Mo Kio Avenue, a residential district in Singapore, further grounding her performance in her roots. “It’s like showing myself as a Singaporean Chinese, even though people there won’t understand what an Ang Mo Kio Avenue is,” she explained.

Why It Matters

Likki’s performance highlights the growing trend of artists using global platforms to introduce local sounds and traditions to international audiences. By weaving Singapore’s urban and cultural identity into her music, she not only showcased her personal artistry but also brought a piece of Singapore to one of the most significant stages in electronic dance music. Her innovative approach underscores the potential for music to serve as a bridge between cultures, offering audiences a glimpse into the everyday life and heritage of her homeland.

Source: South China Morning Post