Music And Mindfulness: Tropika Invites Manu Chao For A Worldly Acoustic Performance

Three years after his gig was cancelled due to COVID, Manu Chao finally performs in Singapore (Credit: Klelia Renesi)

The freedom of a dancefloor has the power to stimulate dialogue about the things that matter. With the pandemic now in the rear-view mirror, the opportunity to resume these conversations has arisen – discussions about equality, inclusivity, wellbeing and sustainability through the medium of music. Such has always been the ethical agenda of Tropika.

Since its launch in 2018, Tropika has wielded the megaphone in communicating these issues, utilising multi-disciplinary event formats and world music soundtracks to pull in open-minded audiences. From alfresco fiestas in Fort Canning Park to intimate panel discussions in Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee, Tropika has roamed across the city while spreading its mindful practices. And with its heart still set on its mission years later, it’s now about to amplify its vision on a stage it’s yet to traverse. Tropika launches its sophomore event of 2023 across two dates on 7 and 9 April, located within the buzzing ‘demongrounds’ of Haw Par Villa that promoters have been quick to book lately.

(Artwork by Reza Hasni)

In line with Tropika’s cosmopolitan music ethos, the two-day event is headlined by the legendary Manu Chao, an international figure with a stacked list of accolades through the decades. Renowned for his contributions in reggae, rock, ska and punk, the multi-instrumentalist and polyglot – Manu sings in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Galician and Wolof – is an award-winning personality who wears many hats. A pioneer of the Latin alternative movement in the ’80s, Manu is also passionate about global political and social issues in his lyricism, a quality that shares the same DNA as Tropika.

Manu Chao will be performing a special acoustic set on both days of the event, and he will be joined by an ensemble of homegrown acts. Dishing out the borderless soundtrack are u~ta and Yusuke from the Sonido Singapura collective, as well as Anand and MOON from Beatroot. Tropika co-founder, Ramesh, and drum & bass veteran, Submerge, round up the entertainment. Three years in the making – no thanks to the pandemic – this gig is finally about to happen and Manu Chao’s got plenty to say.

(Credit: Klelia Renesi)

Tropika presents Manu Chao Acoustic, 7 and 9 April 2023, 4pm-11pm, Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628. Get your tickets here.