TGIF: Rapper-crooner-dancer triple-threat Fariz Jabba went all out as the headliner for 88rising’s Road to Future Asian Music (FAM) music series on 16 May.
Accompanied by powerhouse hip-hop DJs NASH D and PRAV, the three acts were curated by FAM to perform at the Singapore leg of the free music series at Hard Rock Cafe. Fariz Jabba also performed at the final showcase in Bangkok, alongside other SEA artists.
NASH D got the crowd grooving with his mixes, while PRAV played popular hits to get the crowd to the dance floor.
In partnership with Levi’s®, the Road To FAM shone the spotlight on homegrown hip-hop star Fariz Jabba as his drip was a customised Levi’s® outfit designed by Youths in Balaclava, a local Singaporean brand who had already debuted at Paris Fashion Week a few years ago.
Fariz Jabba introduced himself on stage with back-to-back unreleased rap tracks and got the crowd to put their hands up right from the start. The second track showcased his lyrical blend of hip-hop and Malay poeticism, with word plays on Que Sera, mata merah, hysteria.
The crowd did not lose to the heat as they sang along to the next song, ‘Kalah’ (Malay for lose). Even after five years since its release, the track’s cool swagger with witty lines was not lost on the crowd.
Fariz Jabba then brought the heat directly to the crowd with “Day One”, as the fans made way for him on the dance floor. It was definitely a homecoming treat for the fans who have supported him for seven years.
Fariz Jabba then brought out special guests for another unreleased rap track, “Chewing Gum”. The brain had to chew on the exquisitely well-written bars that was delivered in a mix of English, Malay, and Chinese.
This was followed by a switch-up to the afrobeat tune of “Ronaldinho”, complete with a dance break to the catchy Taki Taki beat. The song showcased the prowess of the musical storyteller who gets inspiration not just from Singapore, but from cultures all around the world.
Another unreleased song, “X Games”, conveyed his artistry and journey with a lo-fi Hip-Hop vibe. He also showed how “there ain’t nobody like him” and kept Fariz Jabba “on our minds” with another unreleased chill track.
The internet sensation then hit the stage with his longtime dancers to ‘Masa’ (Malay for time). The crowd instantly sang and grooved along to his classic hits.
Fariz Jabba also showed off his ‘Star Girl’, as he introduced his fiancée and partied with the crowd.
Followed by an emotionally charged track ‘Retreat’, the show continued with his classic tongue-in-cheek and fan-favourite hip-hop discography,’Skola Renda’ (Malay for Primary School) and ‘Ape Sia’ (Malay for What?!). Fans at the front who knew the lyrics by heart cutely declined when Fariz wanted to hand the mic to them.
Fariz Jabba also performed to a remixed version of ‘Dari Sini’ (Malay for From Here).
The crowd responded with enthusiasm to the fierce yet fun stage presence during the adrenaline-charged set, with an encore to ‘Retreat’. Fauxe ensured the setlist played smoothly from the DJ booth.
Overall, the one-hour headliner was full of playful charisma and presented various sounds in one night.
The Road To FAM is clear – the future is bright for our Singaporean rising artists, and they are ready to conquer the world.
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