The Ombak Festival, held at Malaysia's Desaru Coast, kicked off its inaugural edition on Sept 13 with an impressive mix of international stars, local talent, and cultural activities.
Headlining the festival on its first day was the legendary Grace Jones. The multi-talented icon, known for her groundbreaking and genre-bending work, delivered an unforgettable performance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience with her signature aggressive brand of stage presence.
Jones, who has captivated fans for over five decades, remained true to her style, blending humour, creativity, and striking visuals. Even at 76, her energy and stagecraft were as powerful as ever. The festival's visual effects, such as laser beams and strobe lights, amplified the performance, but nothing outshined Jones' dynamic presence. Whether she was delivering witty one-liners or impressing the audience with her ability to hula hoop while singing, Jones showcased why she remains a force to be reckoned with.
Following Jones were The Cardigans, the Swedish rock band that gained international fame in the 1990s with hits such as Lovefool. Lead vocalist Nina Persson led the crowd through a journey of rock classics and newer material, bringing many to their feet, with earworm choruses and Persson's emotive delivery.
The second day of the Ombak Festival saw another standout performance, this time by American R&B singer Macy Gray. Known for her soulful voice, Gray charmed the audience with her warm personality and heartfelt songs. Dressed in a vibrant blue wig and orange dress, she encouraged the crowd to sing along with her Grammy-winning hit I Try. Her setlist also included hits like Why Didn’t You Call Me and a cover of Radiohead’s Creep.
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Adding to the high-energy atmosphere was Nile Rodgers & The Chic Organization, who took the stage with a flurry of disco hits like Le Freak and We Are Family. Rodgers also performed songs he worked on for other artists, such as Madonna’s Like a Virgin and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky.
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Of course, the Ombak Festival wasn't just a showcase for international stars. Malaysian artists brought their own flavour to the festival, including hijabi rapper Bunga Isme, who captivated the crowd with her vibrant performance. Sape player Alena Murang, meanwhile, brought traditional Bornean music to life with her performance. Joe Flizzow, a pioneer of Malaysian hip-hop, delivered a standout performance with tracks like Drop and Havoc. He was joined on stage by fellow rapper SonaOne for a go at their collaboration Apa Khabar.
Beyond the music, Ombak Festival offered a wide range of activities for attendees. Visitors explored art installations, such as Ayer Ayer’s Shore Debris Table, which highlighted the issue of ocean plastic pollution. Culinary experiences were also a key part of the festival, with pop-up vendors offering an array of food and drink options. The festival village, located at the Riverside, featured artisanal retail brands offering a unique shopping experience.
