Meet the Singaporean DJ taking local sounds to the global stage

A Singaporean DJ made waves at one of the world's premier electronic dance music festivals by weaving local sounds into her performance, offering a unique blend of cultural identity and global appeal. At Tomorrowland, a major electronic dance music festival held in Belgium, a 30-minute set by DJ Likki captivated audiences with tracks featuring elements of everyday Singapore life. The set incorporated the MRT warning announcement in Malay, which reads “Sila berhati-hati di ruang platform” (“Please mind the platform gap”), a phrase recognizable to millions of commuters in Singapore. It also featured the distinctive call of the Asian koel, a bird whose song is commonly heard in many parts of the city-state. Additionally, the performance included the sound of the erhu, a traditional two-stringed Chinese instrument that the DJ, Likie Low, has played since childhood. Likki, whose real name is Likie Low, performed at Tomorrowland on July 25, marking a rare opportunity for a Singaporean artist to take part in the prestigious event. As one of the few Singaporeans to have been invited to perform at the festival, she saw the experience as a chance to share aspects of her heritage and environment with a global audience. Her set was designed to reflect her dual identity as a Singaporean Chinese individual, blending elements of her culture with contemporary electronic music. She emphasized that while her music is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions, the references to specific locations such as Ang Mo Kio Avenue, named after a residential area in Singapore, are likely unfamiliar to international listeners. The inclusion of these local sounds in a high-profile international setting highlights the growing interest in incorporating regional and cultural influences into mainstream electronic music. By integrating elements of Singapore’s urban landscape and its diverse cultural heritage, Likki created a sonic representation of her home country that resonated with both local and global audiences. This approach aligns with broader trends in electronic music where artists increasingly draw inspiration from their personal experiences and environments. Tomorrowland, known for its eclectic lineup and emphasis on innovation, welcomed Likki’s performance as a fresh addition to its roster of acts. Her participation underscores the increasing visibility of Southeast Asian artists on the global electronic music scene. While the festival is primarily associated with Western and European electronic genres, the inclusion of performers like Likki reflects a shift toward greater diversity and representation in the industry. Likki’s performance at Tomorrowland was not just a personal milestone but also a symbolic moment for Singaporean artists seeking to carve out a space in the international music scene. Her ability to translate the sounds of daily life into engaging dance music demonstrates the potential for local cultures to influence and enrich global artistic expressions. As she continues to explore new creative avenues, her work serves as an example of how cultural specificity can coexist with universal musical appeal. Looking ahead, Likki plans to continue developing her unique sound, drawing further from her multicultural background. With her performance at Tomorrowland, she has already established herself as a notable figure in the intersection of local identity and global music. Her future projects will likely build upon this foundation, expanding her reach while maintaining the authenticity of her roots.