Percussion group The Strikeforce rocked Orchard Road with catchy drum rhythms and Christmas pop classics.
Christmas arrived with a thunderous beat last December at Mandarin Gallery. The Strikeforce, arguably Singapore’s top percussion band, turned the volume up a few notches with a rousing display of synchronized drum-lines that captivated the ears and hearts of shoppers.
The Strikeforce’s performance was part of an annual mega-event filled with dazzling performances, fascinating decorations and spectacular floats, organized by Celebrate Christmas In Singapore, a Christian organization founded to share the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ. The Strikeforce volunteered to take part in the extravaganza and spread the Christmas message on the busy streets of Singapore through its music, which included familiar Christmas songs like “Hark Now Hear The Angels Sing,” “Feliz Navidad” and “Mary’s Boy Child.”
“Being a Christian percussion band, the best time to play is during Christmas,” says Tan Boon, 36, leader of The Strikeforce. “Jesus is the reason for the season,” he said.
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Benjamin Ong, 18, a drummer for The Strikeforce, agreed with Tan—he spent his birthday performing instead of celebrating. “It is my birthday today, but Jesus’ birthday is more important and performing for Him is a celebration for me,” Ong declared.
It was late into the night when The Strikeforce came on stage, but their energy was unquenchable. The percussionists played in one accord with a feverish rhythm that pulsated through the street, turning the heads of curious onlookers, many of whom stopped to soak in the atmosphere.
The crowds also gamely joined in and sang when cued by the performers. The resulting chorus from the percussion instruments and the voices of the people culminated in a captivating ensemble that heralded in the true spirit of Christmas.
