Love The World Soul Rock Bistro stages a Seventh-month getai in honor of the Holy Ghost.
Contributed By Nicolette Ng
In Chinese tradition, it is believed that during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the “gates of hell” open and “hungry ghosts” are released to wander on Earth, in search of food.
During this period, many outdoor concerts performed in makeshift tents are held at night as a form of entertainment for these “wandering ghosts.” These concerts, also known as getai performances, are characterized by eye-catching backdrops, multi-colored spotlights and glittery costumes. Usually hosted in Hokkien, a local Chinese dialect, performers don loud and extravagant costumes while performing to entertain the “ghosts” and the audience.
For many, particularly the youth, the getai is seen as a superstitious tradition meant for the older generation. Not so for Samuel Seong Koon, director of Love The World Soul Rock Bistro, who decided to swim against the current by re-packaging and conceptualizing the getai as something that is not superstitious—but rather, sanctified and contemporary.
On Aug. 21, a large crowd spilled into the bistro, eagerly anticipating the start of the event, coined “Holy Ghost Getai,” complete with decorations of vibrant colors and loud banners. Borrowing the tradition of song, dance and multi-colored performances, the purpose of the event, according to Seong, is not to please “wandering ghosts” but rather, to glorify the Holy Ghost.
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| CN PHOTO: Gay Sen Min |
“We are also celebrating in the seventh month; we are celebrating the goodness of God in our lives,” said Justene Er, emcee of the event.
Only its second year, the event is fast gaining awareness and popularity. This year’s program featured newer and younger acts such as Chen Yi Yuan, 19, contestant of singing competition, Campus Superstar. Other performances included trio Candy Girls, comprising Doreen Lau, Trina Teo and Joyce Wee. Seong himself also took the stage to sing a few songs and play in the live band.
A number of the songs performed that night contained lyrics that could be appreciated from a Christian perspective. Well-loved gospel song, “Heart Of Worship” by Michelle McCoy was also performed.
Crowd interaction was immensely high that night, akin to that of the traditional getais. Each time a performer sung a song which the crowd favored, shouts of “Hou ah!” (“good” in Hokkien) could be heard in appreciation. In response, the performers were equally spontaneous when it came to interacting with the crowd. First-time performers, Candy Girls said, “Given the opportunity, we would definitely perform again next year because we really had a lot of fun here.”
David Chew, 38, described the event as “awesome,” adding that “the night’s atmosphere was light-hearted, relaxed and enjoyable for family and friends.”
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