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Pontianak band Syndrama performs during the MUARA showcase presented under Breaking The Border Campaign by ZASS Puravida at Star On Stage on April 29, 2026. Photo credit: DayakDailyAdvertisement
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, April 30: Pontianak alternative pop band Syndrama closed the MUARA showcase at Star On Stage on April 29 with a set that carried the crowd through to the end.
The band’s performance was simple but effective, anchored by emotionally driven songs that kept the audience engaged without much distraction.
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By then, most of the crowd had already settled into the night, either sitting near the stage or standing quietly at the back.
Earlier, the stage was set by a line-up of local performers, namely Viceroyz, an indie pop band from Kota Samarahan, who opened the night with an upbeat set that quickly lifted the energy in the room.
They were followed by Steff Fleur, a singer-songwriter whose more introspective performance slowed the pace and drew the crowd into a quieter, more personal space.
WP.Shhh, an indie pop band, then closed the local lineup with a textured set that eased the audience into the flow of the night ahead of the headline act.
Before the showcase, MUARA also hosted an outdoor sharing session built around a camping-style concept. The setup used low seating and “healing chairs”, arranged in an open space that made the discussion feel more casual than formal.
Moderated by Farouk Kamil of AOK Records, the session featured Melvin of Tiba Tiba Fest and Syndrama’s Galih Bismara representing Pontianak, alongside Kuching-based creatives Steff Fleur and Giacherie “Chary” Tipik of CatSound.co.
The discussion touched on the lived realities of building creative careers in both cities, including limitations in infrastructure, funding challenges and the need for stronger support systems, while also highlighting shared struggles and the importance of cross-border collaboration in sustaining growth.
Adding another layer to the showcase was a curated food experience led by Chef Wak of Star On Stage (S.O.S), designed to position food as part of the creative narrative.
Among the offerings were Borneo Fish & Chips served with homemade spicy sweet tartar sauce, Nasi Garlic Ayam Sepaha with sambal tumis and acar panggilan, Nasi Wangi paired with chix boxing and sambal bajak, and Mee Sampan served in a paper boat with crispy fried chicken and sambal gravy.
The inclusion of food, organisers noted, was meant to reflect how culinary expression can also serve as a bridge between cultures and communities — much like music and the arts.
Sarawakian gelato and soft-serve brand Lisse further added to the atmosphere by offering free ice cream throughout the event, contributing to the casual, communal feel that defined the night.
Presented under the “Breaking The Border” campaign by ZASS Puravida, MUARA was supported by Selamat Hepi Times, JARL Production, Lonyoi Terjun Media, Ginono Music Studio & Jamming, AOK Records, Barnada, Got You Kopi, Pinang Bistro, TinySlush, Takoboi, iCafe, DineWithFed Bakery & Café, Oregano, Khemah Café, Tiba Tiba Production, Artozh, Tumbuh, Everyone, Ngopidiaphen, Kek Lapis Mama Su, Cangke, Scents Co, TVS and Star On Stage. — DayakDaily
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