Fire it Up! with Jammerz Arena

By Naadiah Badib

Loud applauses and cheers could be heard from South Agora on the 13th of August. A crowd of Republic Polytechnic students waited anxiously for Jammerz Arena (JA) to take to the stage. Performing for the Arts Platter (AP) series, Fire it Up, JA wowed the crowd with their covers from both local and international bands.

The first band to kick start the performance was Black Cat, show stopping many RP students (Photo by: Naadiah Badib)
 

AP – an art series offering platforms for rising artists – is organized by The Republic Cultural Centre and Campus Arts Production, as part of efforts to entice new audience to the arts and allow them to get a taste of the talent around us. A total of three bands performed, namely; Black Cat, Downtown Grace and Maple Chapel.

It took a whole three months, involving many rehearsals and full runs, to perfect the production. A lot of hard work and time was dedicated, evident through the eyes of the producer, Ariani Adam.

“Not only do we have sessions among ourselves, we critique each other so that we know where to improve”, said the 18-year-old who is also the vocalist of Downtown Grace.

JA’s commitment was indeed paid off as many of the audience were impressed, especially 18-year-old Nadia Al-Insyiraah. Said the Diploma in Mass Communication student: “The band not only sang to the audience, but they allowed the crowd to sing along and interact with them”.

Guitarist of Downtown Grace, Mohd Farhan bin Nasruddin strums to the beat of Caracal's "Charlatan". (Photo by Naadiah Badib)

Nadia also added that watching JA perform was a refreshing experience. “Usually it can get tiring to listen to music for half an hour but it seems like the crowd could not get enough of it”.

This year, JA puts a twist to their performance. To warm the crowd of what to expect from IGNITE! , they covered most songs from local bands such as Caracal, Plain Sunset and Youthwreck.

“We want to gear up for IGNITE! Music Festival to let people listen and get a feel of what local music is about”, said Poh Cherylynn, 19, vocalist of Maple Chapel.

Mohd Farhan B Nasruddin, a 20-year-old guitarist of Downtown Grace gives an advice to those who will be attending the festival. “Be sure to bring your friends along or you’ll miss out on the mosh pit and screaming with the crowd...wear proper shoes too!”

JA will also be performing for the IGNITE! Music Festival on the 23rd of August held at the RP Lawn. Be sure to catch them live at 4PM as they will be opening the festival with a bang.