Four factors go into a heart-stopping night – MTV, international acts, 20,000 crazy fans and massive man-made beach resort in Malaysia. A couple of weekends ago, we attended the MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015.
The free-entry show was recorded live for global telecast under the MTV World Stage global series, which bring multi-genre talents with global relevance, to an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries.
MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon. Photo © MTV Asia & Alec Wong.
Taking cue from previous year’s line-up, Malaysia’s #MostWanted act, Stacy Angie, opened the show. The Malaysia’s Dancing Queen had the crowd dancing to an upbeat track, “Not For Sale” featuring Malaysian rapper Altimet.
Stacy performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 on 12 September. Photo © MTV Asia & Aloysius Lim.
SEKAI NO OWARI made their MTV World Stage debut to thousands of fans, who were excited to see them perform for the first time in Southeast Asia. Opening with their latest hit “ANTI-HERO” from the movie “Attack on Titan”, the band got all the fans hyped further and waving their hands in the air. The Japanese band’s third track “Death Disco” was both a musical and visual sensation for fans, with mesmerising 3D-laser orbs lighting the stage in tandem with the band’s unique musical expression.
SEKAI NO OWARI transported fans to another world with an ethereal rendition of “SOS”. Just listening to SEKAI NO OWARI live gave me goosebumps every 10 seconds, the catchy guitarist struck a chord with me (pun intended) with his delicate finger-dance.
For “Dragon Night”, the last song of their five-track set, the band upped the ante with pianist Saori playing an accordion and adding a banjo to their unique instrumental mix. The uplifting song had strong hints of EDM and truly brought the audience up to a mega music festival level.
SEKAI NO OWARI members Fukase, DJ LOVE, Saori and Nakajin at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 Press Briefing. Photo © MTV Asia & Aloysius Lim.
SEKAI NO OWARI performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 on 12 September. Photo © MTV Asia & Aloysius Lim.
Saori of SEKAI NO OWARI performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 on 12 September. Photo © MTV Asia and Kristian Dowling.
The winds brought along Apink, possible one of the most promising Korean girl groups after Girls Generation. Their trademark innocent image was reaffirmed with their unifying all-white outfit, with possibly one of the cleanest looks in recent years.
The K-pop sensation made their MTV World Stage entrance in true superstar style as they were elevated onto the stage to perform their first of four tracks “NoNoNo,” with confetti-filled balloons released onto the adoring crowd. Apink’s third track, “LUV”, was a treat for all in attendance as the girls moved closer to the front of the stage. I can’t get enough of their chant, “L.O.V.E. (Luv)”, and judging from the crowd’s chant, it seemed the fans couldn’t get enough of the superstars too.
Throughout their set, the girls interacted with the audience, spreading themselves equally over the stage, showing their sweet side and love for their fans. The Korean stars wrapped up their act with a rousing performance of “Remember” as an impressive display of confetti was released into the night sky.
Apink at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 Press Briefing. Photo © MTV Asia and Kristian Dowling.
Apink performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015. Photo © MTV Asia and Kristian Dowling.
After Apink, the crowd was just reeling in the excitement to witness the remaining international artists yet to perform – Carly Rae Jepsen and Jason Derulo.
Multi-platinum, Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter, Carly Rae Jepsen made her Malaysian debut to a sea of cheering fans, performing “Run Away With Me,” the second and latest single from her highly anticipated new album, E·MO·TION. Jepsen stole the fans’ hearts as she continued the set with a breathtaking rendition of “E·MO·TION,” the album’s title track.
The Canadian pop sensation’s fun and bubbly side shone through her entire set with giant LED balloons bouncing among the crowd and bubbles being released into the mosh pit. Energy levels went through the roof with fans singing along to Jepsen’s chart-topping track “Call Me Maybe”.
Jepsen ended her nine-track set with a lively performance of yet another fan favourite, “I Really Like You”, leaving them really really really hungry for more. I’d have been really floored if Tom Hanks actually appeared on stage for a cameo dance appearance.
Carly Rae Jepsen performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015. Photo © MTV Asia and Kristian Dowling.
Carly Rae Jepsen performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015. Photo © MTV Asia and Lucas Lau.
It was a rather long wait after Carly’s set, but REALLY REALLY REALLY good things come to those who wait.
Eagerly anticipating international superstar Jason Derulo’s performance, the crowd roared as DJ Joe Murphy appeared on stage in a Harimau Malaya jersey. Derulo kicked off his performance with a bang, jumping up as he got onto the stage. Derulo’s energetic performance comprising a 14-track medley had the crowd rocking to the beat of his music, starting with “In My Head”.
A shower of glittering flames lit up the stage as Derulo continued his act with a series of impressive dance moves, bringing the crowd’s energy levels to its peak. Romantics in the crowd swooned as they were serenaded with popular track “Marry Me”. After a few more fast-paced tracks, Derulo took a break to have a heart-to-heart with his fans, inspiring them to dream big and revealing the meaning behind “Cheyenne”, his personal “stress-relief” song. Much to the delight of the audience, Derulo performed global favourite “Want To Want Me”.
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Jason Derulo performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015. Photo © MTV Asia and Kristian Dowling.
As the night came to a close, Derulo had some fun teaching the audience some of the moves to his latest song “Pull Up”, from the album “Everything is 4”. The set closed with a spectacular show of fireworks and a stunning display of lights, a fitting end to a sensational night.
Jason Derulo performing at MTV World Stage Malaysia. Photo © MTV Asia and Aizat Ady Ikram.
MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 premieres on MTV in Asia on Saturday, 26 September at 1.30pm (TH/WIB), 2.30pm (PH/SG) and 3.30pm (MY), Saturday, 10 October at 9pm (JP) and Sunday, 11 October at 12am (KR).
