The “Lokal Kasi Vokal” concert, held on 2nd November 2024, at Genting Highlands, was intended to be a grand celebration marking ZUS Coffee’s 5th anniversary and the finale of their Made in Malaysia Tour.
While ZUS Coffee, known for its tech-driven approach and rapid expansion, has much to be proud of, the event itself struggled to live up to expectations. With a lineup that left much to be desired, logistical hiccups, and a lack of crowd engagement, this anniversary bash missed the mark in more ways than one.
The Lineup? It Could Have Been Better
The first misstep was the lineup. Opening the show with LOKO, an indie band, seemed like an odd choice. Now, I’m not saying LOKO is a bad band—quite the opposite. They’ve got potential, but starting the concert with them left the audience wondering if it was time to grab a drink. The energy just wasn’t there to get the crowd moving. Zeppo Youngsterz, the only dance crew in the lineup, would’ve been the perfect choice to kick things off with high-energy performances, but instead, they were sandwiched in the middle after LOKO’s performance. This sequencing just didn’t make sense.
And as for the bigger names—Bunga, Jaclyn Victor, Faizal Tahir, and Ella—they each performed a measly two songs. Two songs! For ticket holders who travelled all the way to Genting, the expectation was for more than just a teaser. Their performance even relied on “Minus One” tracks, where artists sing along to a pre-recorded backing track. This is where things went downhill, especially for powerhouse artists like Ella and Faizal Tahir, who deserved more than a quick snippet of their catalogue. The absence of a complete live-band experience disappointed fans.
The Crowd & Stage Setup? Missed Opportunities
The crowd at the event was another issue. It felt like many of the attendees were either first-timers or simply not sure about how to engage with a concert. The atmosphere was more “stand-and-stare” than “cheer-and-dance,” and LOKO’s attempts to get people moving fell flat. The organisers could have done a better job energising the crowd from the get-go. Perhaps a better mix of acts or a more strategic stage presence could have helped get people into the spirit of the event.
And then there was the stage setup. It was so low that anyone not in the first few rows might as well have been watching from a screen. Add to that the glaring, harsh lighting, and you’ve got a visual experience that left much to be desired. Concert-goers looking for an immersive, live experience found themselves straining to catch a glimpse of their favourite performers. It’s a real letdown when the stage and lighting don’t complement the performance.
The Bazaar: A Coffee-Lover’s Paradise, But Not for Everyone
Now, let’s talk about the “Kampung Made in Malaysia” bazaar. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, this event was heaven on earth. ZUS Coffee set up a space that celebrated all things local, with an array of vendors, food stalls, and an exclusive collaboration with Pestle & Mortar Clothing. For those who love supporting small businesses, the bazaar was a great opportunity to discover new products from brands like HYGR, Spritzer, and Munchy’s.
However, for those of us who don’t drink coffee, the beverage selection was incredibly limited. While it’s understandable that ZUS Coffee is all about their coffee, it would have been nice to see a few non-caffeinated options for those who weren’t looking for a caffeine fix. Something for everyone, right?
Despite the shortcomings, ‘Lokal Kasi Vokal’ was still an important event for ZUS Coffee, as it marked the grand finale of their Made in Malaysia Tour, a tour that celebrated the local talents and businesses they’ve been championing across the country. With over 3,000 attendees, ZUS Coffee’s presence in the community is undeniable, but this particular event didn’t quite hit the high notes.
For future events, ZUS Coffee and event organisers might want to consider a few changes to elevate the experience. First and foremost, focusing on one standout headline act would allow them to secure a top-tier performer for a full set, rather than spreading the budget across multiple smaller acts. Ella, Jaclyn Victor, Faizal Tahir, and others deserve the opportunity to fully showcase their talents, and fans expect nothing less.
A better-curated lineup, with acts that match the crowd’s energy, could go a long way. Organisers should also ensure that the stage is more accessible to everyone and that the lighting enhances rather than obscures the performance. Lastly, taking crowd engagement into account with more strategic planning will make sure that everyone gets a chance to enjoy the show, whether they’re in the front row or at the back.
In conclusion, ‘Lokal Kasi Vokal’ had the potential to be a memorable celebration of Malaysia’s talent, but it faltered due to logistical oversights and an underwhelming lineup. For future events, organisers should strive to better align the crowd’s expectations with the performances and ensure that every detail—from stage setup to crowd engagement—is finely tuned for an unforgettable experience.
