Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Blackpink in your area - Kuala Lumpur (Stadium Malawati Shah Alam) - 24 Feb 2019


















To me, the most parodied K-pop song of 2018 has got to be Blackpink’s “Ddu Ddu Ddu”. The catchy chorus and infectious tempo really grow on you after repeated listening. Blankpink popularity soars to even greater heights with the release of their “Square Up” mini album.  Even kids are uploading their “Ddu Ddu Ddu” covers onto youtube. On Feb 25th, I can officially scream out loud with fellow  Blinks that “Blackpink is in my area !”.  Quartet Blackpink is embarking on their inaugural world tour, as we speak. Due to massive demand, the organizer added another show after tickets for the first show were snapped up within seconds. In the black market, their ticket is worth a whopping RM11K ! Blackpink phenomenon is no joke, folks ! This being Lisa, Jennie, Ji Soo and Rose’s first ever trip to Malaysia, fans are even more desperado to catch YG’s latest darlings in action. I had anticipated more fanboys to turn up but apparently, female supporters outnumbered the guys. Plus, many children actually attended the show with their parents in tow.

Living up to their widespread appeal, the girls didn’t disappoint with their debut world tour.  Yes, the repertoire maybe limited (probably only 9 or10 ori BP songs) but honestly, I don’t think anyone gives a damn because they gave such a remarkable and passionate performance that it is quite impossible not to show them love. Well, I am officially sold!  Blackpink sets the mood when they burst on stage with the crowd favourite opening number, “Ddu Ddu Ddu” and has our hearts racing for the next two solid hours.  Fans hardly have time to calm down coz the girls were belting out one chart toppers after another, “Forever Young”, “Kiss and Make Up”, “Whistle”, “Bombayah”, “See You Later”, “Really”, “Playing with Fire” , “As If It’s Your Last’ and did a cover of Wondergirl’s “So Hot”.  The members greeted the audience in Malay “Saya Lisa”, “Saya Jennie” after performing their second number, “Forever Young”.

The girls also shines when showcasing their individual talent.  Rose belted Bettle’s classic, “Let It Be”, Park Bom’s “You and I” and label mate, Taeyang’s “Only Look At Me”. Jisoo woo the crowd with “Clarity”. Lisa, the reigning queen of Instagram (also happens to be the k-pop female artiste with the most following) showed off her swag dance style.  The most anticipated solo act is definitely Jennie.  “Solo..lolololo…” the  chorus has fans chanting along enthusiastically. The encore portion consists of two tracks. During the live band version of “Ddu Ddu Ddu”, the girls pranced around the stage like goofballs. Fans threw plushies on the stage for the fab four. The sweet sentimental number, “Stay” brings the concert to an end.  Aside from their stellar showmanship, each member radiates charm, beauty and talent. No wonder in a short span of less than 3 years since their debut, they have achieved such a staggering success. They are not just in your area, they are everywhere !!  In short, they have all the necessary x-factors to dominate the k-pop scene. Plus, with famed producer, Teddy Park’s brilliant composing skills, every Blackpink song is bound to be  runaway hit. I also very pleased with the local organizer. The venue is just the right size and has ample parking space.

Rundown :-
1. Ddu Ddu Ddu
2. Forever Young
3. Stay - remix version
4. Whistle
5. Clarity - Jisoo
6. Intro + Take Me+ Swalla - Lisa
7. Let It Be +You & I + Just Look At Me - Rose
8. Solo - Jennie
9. Kiss and Make Up
10. So Hot
11. Playing With Fire
12. Really (Reggae version).
13. See U Later
14. 16 Shots
15. Boombayah
16. As If It's Your Last
17. Ddu Ddu Ddu - Encore
18. Stay - original version - Encore