Music is a great medium for bringing people together, hence the plethora of music festivals and events held throughout the world. Malaysia is no exception, as proven by the steady growth of festivals post pandemic.
Last year alone there were more than 330 shows held in Malaysia, compared to 294 in 2023, according to Puspal (Central Agency Committee for Application for Filming and Foreign Artists Presentations).
The growing number demonstrates people’s eagerness to participate in social gatherings where they can have fun while dancing away to music.
This year, there are plenty of music festivals happening on our shores. Here are five of the most interesting ones.
Unstop Music Festival (Date: Feb 8)
Featuring 14 acts in a single day, the Unstop Music Festival is taking place this Feb 8 at The Landing, KL Base Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur.
The event will be headlined by top international DJs Act Of Rage and Stan Christ, as well as Byorn, Wasted Penguinz, Primeshock and Pie Star.
Be on the lookout for one of Malaysia’s hottest DJs – Ph4ntam – who will also be playing a set or two.
Misfits Festival (Date: April 26)
Ben Nicky is no stranger to Malaysia, and this year the British DJ is set to perform in our country again. But this time, he’s not returning just as part of the lineup, he is the one curating the lineup.
The DJ is finally bringing his Misfits Festival here, set to take place on April 26 at Sunway Lagoon in Bandar Sunway, Selangor. There have understandably been some doubts on whether this show will go on as scheduled following the recent concert permit suspension in Selangor, but so far, the organiser has not made any announcement on its postponement of cancellation.
To keep things safe for everyone, some added security measures will be in place on the day.
Another upcoming music festival set to be held at the same venue is Neon Festival, scheduled for this May.
Round Festival (Dates: June 21-22)
Another event that’s finally landing in Malaysia five years after its debut is the Asean-Korea Music Festival, better known as Round Festival.
It was launched in 2020 by the Asean-Korea Cooperation Fund as a programme meant to promote cultural exchange between Asean countries and South Korea.
The first two editions were online-only shows because physical gatherings were, of course, prohibited during the global pandemic. Even the second edition, which was supposed to be in 2021, was eventually only held in early 2022.
In 2023, finally the first offline version was held, with Indonesia becoming the first Asean country to host the third edition of Round. Both the fourth and fifth editions were held in 2024, with South Korea hosting it in July, while Laos hosted it in November.
Finally, it’s Malaysia’s turn this June. The lineup has yet to be revealed, but based on previous performers, which included the likes of Got7’s Bambam and Malaysian band Gerhana Skacinta, fans can expect a diverse setlist highlighting the best from all countries involved.
The Crocker Range Festival (Date: To be announced)
Held in Keningau, Sabah since 2015, The Crocker Range Festival was conceived as a way to boost tourism in the district.
Aside from promoting local music through performances Sabahan by artists such as Stacy, Marsha Milan and Velvet Aduk, the festival also introduces attendees to local culture through the food and activities prepared.
For example, last November, the three-day festival included a traditional music competition involving instruments like sompoton (mouth organ) and kulintangan (gong and drum ensemble). There was also the manangon or storytelling competition.
There are no dates set for this year yet, but a post in December 2024 promises that a 2025 edition (or Season 8, as it is known) is coming. The usual concert along with cultural and handicraft workshop and exhibition are what can be expected.
Ombak Festival (Date: To be announced)
In September last year, Ombak Festival finally made its splashing debut at Desaru Coast in Johor.
It was a fun-filled long weekend for Malaysians who attended the three-day festival, which had not only music and food but also art installations.
Swedish rock band The Cardigans, American artistes Macy Gray and Nile Rodgers & CHIC, as well as multi-faceted Jamaican star Grace Jones were among the international performers who took the stage during the festival.
The lineup also included local artists like Bunga, Alena Murang, Joe Flizzow and Sonaone.
While no 2025 dates have been announced, the organisers have confirmed that the festival will return this year.
