The Asian music world is buzzing with excitement as 2024 brings a series of major festivals and events that celebrate music, culture, and cross-cultural collaboration. Here’s a look at some of the most anticipated happenings across the continent.
TRENDY TAIPEI and JAM JAM ASIA: A Cross-National Musical Extravaganza
Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, is gearing up to host the 2024 “TRENDY TAIPEI—Music X Innovation,” a groundbreaking multinational festival set to ignite the music scene in Asia. This pilot edition, featuring 13 highlight events, will showcase the city’s rich cultural diversity and innovative spirit through a blend of music, TV entertainment, digital marketing, and tech industry insights.
A key highlight of the festival, JAM JAM ASIA, will take place on September 7 and 8 at the Taipei Music Center. With performances by 50 musical groups from across Asia, the event aims to foster musical exchange and promote the internationalization of Taiwanese music. The festival goes beyond concerts, offering a fusion of music and art that brings together artists and fans from various backgrounds to celebrate their shared passion for music.
Notable acts include South Korea’s ASMRZ, who will perform their hit “Good night, Ojosama,” and Japanese bands Cody・Lee and Billyrrom, known for their exotic musical flavors. The lineup also features Thai bands Polycat and Only Monday, Vietnam’s rap queen Suboi, and Japanese artists SIRUP and Hakubi. As part of the Asia Limited co-star project, Taiwan’s Thick Big Band and Cody・Lee will share the stage, while local hip-hop stars ddkogi88 and BSB will collaborate with South Korean vocalist DADA, highlighting the charm of cross-cultural musical exchange.
SB19 and BINI Honored at Billboard Korea’s ‘Billboard K POWER 100’
In other exciting news, P-pop icons SB19 and BINI are set to be honored at the launch event of Billboard Korea’s ‘Billboard K POWER 100’ in Seoul this month. The Kings of P-pop and the Nation’s Girl Group, as they are fondly known, will personally attend the event to receive their special awards, marking a significant milestone in their careers and further solidifying their influence in the Asian music scene.
Asia’s Top Music Festivals in 2024
The year is packed with incredible music festivals across Asia, each offering a unique blend of genres, cultures, and experiences.
- Wonderfruit (Thailand): This art, culture, music, and nature festival will be held from December 12 to 16 at The Fields at Siam Country Club in Chonburi. Known for its eclectic mix of performances and sustainable practices, Wonderfruit is a must-attend event.
- Clockenflap (Hong Kong): Scheduled for November 29 to December 1 at Central Harbourfront, this annual music and arts festival has previously featured artists like Yoasobi and PREP, promising an exciting lineup for 2024.
- Fuji Rock (Japan): Japan’s largest outdoor music festival will take place from July 26 to 28 at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture. With headliners like SZA and Peggy Gou, this festival is a highlight of the summer.
- Summer Sonic Festival (Japan): Just a month after Fuji Rock, Summer Sonic will hit Tokyo and Osaka on August 17 and 18, featuring international stars like Måneskin, OneRepublic, and Christina Aguilera, alongside popular K-pop acts like Ive and NCT Dream.
- Fete de la Musique (Philippines): Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Fete de la Musique will kick off on June 21 in Makati City, with additional stages in Baguio, Siargao, El Nido, and Siquijor, offering a diverse musical experience across the country.
- LaLaLa Festival (Indonesia): After a five-year hiatus, Jakarta’s LaLaLa Festival returns from August 23 to 25 with a lineup that includes Conan Gray, Madison Beer, and Bruno Major, among others.
- We The Fest (Indonesia): Celebrating its 10th anniversary from July 19 to 21 at the GBK Sports Complex in Jakarta, this festival will feature big names like J Balvin, Joji, and Bibi, with a special appearance by Filipino artist Ylona Garcia.
- Waterbomb and Hydro Manila: While Seoul’s Waterbomb festival will take place from July 5 to 7, extending to other Asian cities, Manila will host its own Hydro Manila on August 24, featuring international DJ Laidback Luke.
- Seoul World DJ Festival (South Korea): Set for June 15 and 16 at Seoul Land, this electronic dance music festival will showcase top EDM artists like Alan Walker and The Chainsmokers, making it a key event for dance music lovers.
With so many thrilling events lined up, 2024 promises to be an unforgettable year for music fans across Asia, offering a rich tapestry of sounds, cultures, and unforgettable experiences.
Pic credit: Firdaus Latif
