Finest Artists, Malaysian Stage
Mojo Projects can also be credited with introducing Cochin-based fusion bands such as Masala Coffee, Agam, and Thaikkudam Bridge to local audiences.
“These bands already had a huge online following, and we recognised their popularity, wanting to bring them to Malaysian fans,” Ratna explained.
He emphasised that treating artists with respect, valuing their creative and technical expertise, and ensuring they have a pleasant stay in Malaysia is a key responsibility for organisers.
“After all, we act as representatives of Malaysia. How we treat them reflects how they perceive us. We always strive to maintain a balance — ensuring that artists enjoy their time here, which in turn allows their fans to truly appreciate their performances.”
Audience Feedback Paramount
Striking a balance between artists and their fans requires organisers to be comfortable working behind the scenes. “We’ve adopted a different approach than our predecessors,” Ratna explains. “We have no issues staying out of the limelight; we prefer to let the concert experience speak for itself. After all, today’s concert-goers are more discerning than ever.”
Ratna also points out that with the rise of social media, no product or service can escape consumer feedback. “We pay close attention to feedback from concert-goers,” he says. “From parking and food options to timing and venue selection, we consider all these factors to enhance how we organise concerts in Malaysia.”
“Today’s concert-goers are more vocal and willing to share their opinions about the events they’ve attended. We remain mindful of this feedback and strive for continuous improvement,” Ratna adds.
With 18 years in the telco industry, Ratna is well-versed in making business decisions based on key data points. After every concert they organise, a mini focus group is conducted to gather audience feedback. While many know that the organisers are the ones collecting this feedback, more attendees are becoming open and candid about their opinions.
It is through this attentive approach to insights that Mojo Projects has experienced significant growth. “We’ve noticed others adopting the new ways we conduct concerts instead of the old methods. The organisers are getting younger, and competition is increasing.”
Thirst For Intimate Events
Ratna shared that this year alone has seen 15 Indian concerts, compared to just one or two major headlining events in the past. He noted a “revenge concert” phenomenon emerging in the post-pandemic landscape, contributing to a tripling of concert organisers and a surge in live performances.
“It seems those predicting a future dominated by online events and entertainment may have misjudged the situation,” he said.
Ratna believes that physical concerts will remain popular despite the rise of new technologies. While he acknowledges that tech can create fresh experiences and opportunities as devices become more affordable, he notes that such events will likely remain hybrid for now.
“These formats are better suited for specific interactions, like album drops or exclusive fan experiences. As an event organiser, we’ve also recognised the value of creating more intimate settings, sometimes arranging post-concert meetups and dinners with fans.”
He shared that while the number of concert attendees may increase, expectations for more intimate and personalised settings have also grown.
Future of Live Events
Ratna emphasised the delicate balance that lies at the heart of concert organisation — venue selection, concert etiquette, timing, pricing, and the overall experience for attendees.
“At one point, we even thought about banning mobile phones from concert spaces. We realised how disruptive they can be and how they take away from the collective experience. It’s also frustrating for artists when their performances are shared online without permission, which can lead to annoying copyright issues.”
He added, “This is where we aim to create more personalised experiences to enhance the overall enjoyment for music lovers.”
He highlighted one such upcoming concert, The Malaysian Wave, a collaboration between Mojo Projects and Swarasia, set to take place at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on 17 November 2024.
World-Class Talents & Venue
Headlining the event are sitar virtuoso Samuel Dass, Malaysian music legend Zainalabidin Mohamed, and acclaimed vocalist Nadeera Zaini. This unique showcase celebrates Malaysia’s musical diversity, blending the artistry of established icons with the fresh energy of emerging talents.
In addition to the headline performers, the concert will also feature a range of talented musicians, including percussionist Prakash Kandasamy and classical guitarist Marco Antonio Alonso. Other remarkable artists include Pangasaasani Gowrisan, Hadi Maswardi, Eliezer Enan, Paavendran, Shuwehtha Premkumar, Brian Ngooi, and Muharidnan Ismail. These musicians are known for their ability to create a fusion of jazz and contemporary music, blending traditional Malaysian instruments with modern sounds that resonate deeply with audiences.
“The acts are world-class, and with Dewan Filharmonik Petronas’ exceptional acoustics, audiences will experience Malaysian music at its finest,” says Ratna.
Ratna emphasises that The Malaysian Wave, featuring multicultural talents, has the potential to become a hallmark of Malaysian music and a unique national identifier.
“When Mojo Projects began, we adapted concert formats based on audience feedback to enhance their experience. We intend to continue this approach for The Malaysian Wave, and if the show is successful, we aim to take it internationally to showcase Malaysian musical talent, potentially in countries like Singapore or any other locations with demand,” said Ratna.
One of the defining features of The Malaysian Wave is its fusion of traditional instruments, such as the sitar, tabla, veena, and erhu, with contemporary music genres like jazz, classical guitar, and world music. This blend of old and new not only highlights Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage but also showcases the nation’s ability to innovate within its traditional roots.
Ratna is particularly excited about this fusion: “The Malaysian Wave is a powerful example of how tradition and modernity can coexist in harmony. This concert brings together Malaysia’s best talents to create a cultural experience that transcends boundaries.”
Catering To All Music Lovers
When asked which audiences The Malaysian Wave would particularly cater to, Ratna expresses confidence that it will attract discerning music lovers of all ages.
“By bringing together these incredible Malaysian talents on one stage, we provide an opportunity for all music lovers to come and celebrate our local music and artists.”
I believe the show could be an inspiring one for music students especially, as it’s a chance to witness the possibilities they could potentially achieve.
It’s also a wonderful experience for families to share their love of music together, or even for solo attendees seeking a great time,” said Ratna.