Festivalgoers want creativity in musical enjoyment

BY JAMES WONG & NURIN PATRA

KUCHING: While the 2024 Borneo Sonic Music Festival (BSMF) attracted over 20,000 fans in its second year, festivalgoers are calling for a ‘game changer’ with a more diverse and exciting lineup to keep the momentum going.

Many festivalgoers acknowledged the improvements in organisation and crowd management compared to last year but expressed hopes for a fresher musical experience.

Mohammad Shaherzuwan, a 19-year-old student, praised the management but felt the lineup lacked innovation.

Mohammad Shaherzuwan (centre).

“The organisation and crowd management were satisfactory, even with the initial delay on the first day due to rain. However, there needs to be a ‘game changer’—something groundbreaking compared to last year. The lineup feels too similar, and last year’s DJs were better.

“I’d love to see more artistes and bands like Insomniac. This year felt a bit more laid-back in comparison. However, the fireworks at the end of the show were a cherry on top,” he told the Sarawak Tribune.

Atifah Bolhassan, a 29-year-old lecturer, enjoyed the local talent but found the international lineup less engaging than last year’s.

Atifah (left).

“In terms of local artistes, this year was great. But last year’s Korean artistes, like Taeyang and CL, stood out more. This year’s lineup feels ‘less loud’ and less relevant.

“That said, the organisation was much better, especially the layout and LED screens. The video camera work was also improved,” she said.

As for the highlight of her night, she cited Bunga Citra Lestari and the fireworks after the show.

“For next year, I’d love to see artistes like G-Dragon or Jackson Wang. Sarawak is definitely capable of hosting performers with major crowd-pulling power,” she added.

Erna Syazliana, a 21-year-old student, also compared the event to last year.

Erna Syazliana (left).

“Last year’s lineup was more exciting for me, but I still had a great time this year, especially because Bunga Citra Lestari was there. I was also looking forward to seeing Dolla and Judika. For future festivals, we hope to see more bands such as Insomniac. As for K-pop, we’d love more artistes from YG Entertainment,” she said.

Siblings Gabriel Beckham Joseph, 25-year-old UNIMAS student, and Xavier Empharie Joseph, 15-year-old, SMK St Joseph student, hoped for a better lineup in the upcoming BSMF.

From left Gabriel and Xavier.

“As we got our tickets at the last minute, we were quite fortunate to get party zone area.  We definitely came here mainly for Jessi, as we are huge fans and love many of her songs.

“We enjoyed all the performances, it was fascinating even though we weren’t familiar with some of the artistes or singers, it was still a pleasure to watch. So for the next BSMF, I hope for an even better lineup than this year. Next year, I wish Blackpink would perform in Kuching, or maybe 2NE1 since they haven’t been here before.

“Overall, I found the management to be satisfactory as there were no significant issues, everything went smoothly, and the staff were very accommodating,” they said.

Arthemis

Arthemis, 21-year-old Unirazak student, was satisfied with the management of the event and were hopeful to see new artistes debuting here in the next BSMF.

“The first and last days of BSMF were lit! The management did a fantastic job, ensuring everyone had a great time, felt cool and happy! So for next year I really hoped to see more artistes from Korea, especially Jessi again, and I would love to have Blackpink perform as well.

“I’m also eager to see Baby Monster, particularly since they are still new. I want to catch their first performance here in the city,” she said.