Getai: The Year‑Round Spectacle That Just Got a Digital Twist
Picture this: a stage brimming with neon lights, singing voices soaring, and dancers twirling like confetti in the air. Sound familiar? That’s the classic getai – a crowd‑pleaser that many of us in Singapore grew up watching. Yet for some, like our Singapore Chinese friend born in the 1980s, the only thing they’ve ever heard about it is “it’s all about the 7th month.”
Meet Aaron Tan – The Getai Guru of the Digital Age
With nearly two decades behind his belt, Aaron Tan runs Lex(s) Entertainment Productions and can point you to a glass‑door entry where nothing but swagger and talent walks in. He told us:
- “Getais aren’t just a July thing; they’re a year‑long celebration.”
- “We juggle everything from Dumpling Festivals to Chinese New Year, and even gigs at temples and factories.”
- “I organize more than 200 getais a season.”
This is the kind of guy who makes karaoke nights felt like a holly‑wood blockbuster.
What Changed? From the Bass Stand to the Virtual Stage
Remember wigs, props, and the long queue to get on stage? Good old days, but they’re history. These days:
- No “spot‑a‑waiting” headaches – singers arrive with a pre‑scheduled gig.
- Live streams and interactive online shows allow viewers to drop in from anywhere.
- Digital venues mean the commotion isn’t limited by geography.
In short, the soul of getai lives on, only now you can watch it from the comfort of your couch.
Fast Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
- It’s a tradition that’s spread across entire Chinatown precincts.
- More than 200 events a year means audiences get a weekly dose of joy.
- Online formats have made the show more inclusive, so even the globe‑trotting families can watch.
Next time you hear an upbeat beat, just remember: there’s a global getai buzzing out there, and it’s all happening on screen. Thanks, Aaron! Cheers to the next virtual encore!
1. Live-streamed getais are not new
Reimagining Tan’s Live‑Stream Legacy
T . . . Why Tan Turned to Live‑Streaming
Technical Glitches? Not Anymore!
2. No, it’s not cheaper to produce
The Never-Ending Cost of Going Virtual
You might think that swapping a live stage for a webcam turns the budget blue‑knockers into breadcrumbs. Tan says that’s a myth—event costs stay stubbornly lofty no matter how many pixels you collect.
What’s Really Out of Wallet?
- Staffing: Even an online gig needs a crew—tech support, audio riggers, and the occasional coffee barista.
- Studio Rent: Pre‑production, lighting, and backdrops don’t care whether your audience plunks in on their couch or a theatre chair.
- Production Perks: From camera gear to soundproofing, the gear stays expensive whether you’re live‑streaming or live‑in‑person.
Paying the Price
Big Ticket: A full‑pad, premium livestream can swing up to $6,000.
Scaled‑Down: Small‑scale digital performances can start around $4,000—but think of it as buying a studio, a dozen people, and a lot of pre‑production polish.
Traditional Stage: A brick‑and‑mortar show that runs three hours can cost a similar ballpark—over $5,000—even though the physical venue and travel can make things even more expensive.
Online Rotate: E‑showings droop to one to two hours, giving you a slimmer timesheet while still rolling in the same cost stack.
Bottom Line
It turns out that whether you’re live‑streaming on the web or performing on stage, the cost crunch is persistent. The only real saving comes from trimming the time—plus keeping a bag of snacks ready for those on‑screen crew.
3. The preference is still for traditional stage performances
Back to the Stage: Tan’s Big Move
“We’d definitely love to ditch the livestream setup and jump back onto the good old, real‑world stage,” Tan said with a grin. “Outside there’s a buzz—people are actually breathing and lighting up the night.”
That’s why he’s begging fans to ditch their comfy couches for a bit of street‑soccer. “When we’re on the mic from home, the vibe looks flat,” he mused. “It’s all text in the comments, nothing else.”
Why Home Isn’t Enough
“Do you like staying at home?” Tan prompted when we dug a little deeper. The answer: fairly, but the theater calls us louder.
He’s not shy about the perks of streaming. “All you gotta do is pop back to the same spot—no hauling gear, no fancy lighting setups—so it’s easy to roll again.”
Yet, he admits it’s fairly dull if you’re only in the same place: “Boring is the loudest word.”
Spice Up the Show
- Move, pivot, repeat: Tan loves hopping from podium to podium, each audience reacting differently.
- Feel the beat: Live crowds bring a pulse that no screen can match.
- Keep it fresh: Skipping the stasis of livestreams means a new energy in every night’s performance.
In short, Tan is grabbing the mic, stepping out, and looking to give fans the real “rowdy” experience you’ve been craving.
4. There are still one row of empty seats for spirits
Spirits Prefer VIP Seating at Getai Shows
Even if you’re not a full‑time expert on getai, you probably know that one odd (yet essential) detail is that every live performance leaves a row of seats empty. Those are for the spirit crew, that’s a fact!
What’s the Deal With the “Ghost Row”?
During the Seventh‑Month Getai, the spiritual world gets the front‑row treatment. As the living world buzzes around, the restless spirits are invited to join the carnival vibe. They’re the “brothers and sisters” of the festivities, and their presence keeps the show lively.
It’s Not Just Stage‑to‑Stage – Even Studios Honor the Tradition
- Every studio set still stakes out a dedicated row for the spooky guests.
- Depending on the type of live‑stream, the vibe can shift – from the mellow Music‑Lovers’ to the fierce Dance‑Power streams. But the empty seats stay the same.
- There’s a subtle nod wherever the camera pans toward the audience, acknowledging the unseen guests.
So, Any Unexpected Ghostly Shenanigans?
Curious folks might ask if the unseen crowd ever had a burst of energy on the studio floor. According to Tan, the situation is flawless so far: No spooky encounters have been documented on set yet. But the tradition is still alive and kicking.
5. More than 20,000 tuned in to watch getai
How the Online “Getais” Are Blooming—And Why the Crowd is Loving It
Tan, the point‑person behind the digital festival, says the numbers speak for themselves. Over the last month, the live‑streamed getais have pulled in more viewers than the usual line‑up, averaging 6,000 eyes per show.
Metrics That Make Heads Spin
- Peak reach: 26,000 eyeballs flooding a single performance
- Biggest ever view count: about 600,000 people smashed play on one video
He’s shouted from the rooftops that online getais are the beating heart of the next generation’s culture.
Why the Youth Is the Key
“It’s all about the younger crowd— they’re still in the habit of jumping in, whether it’s on a laptop or in the back of a bus,” Tan explained. He’s hoping not only that they stay tuned, but that people from all walks of life will log on to feel the vibrancy of the online festival.
Mind‑set Musings
While the tech‑savvy side of us are sprinters in change, Tan reminds us that “it’s easy for us to transform but it’s not easy for those with traditional mindsets to shift.”
For more on how to snag a front‑row seat to the Hungry Ghost Festival livestream, dust off your device and get ready to be part of the digital celebration.
