Getai Getai, by Bob Lee - Invisible Photographer Asia (IPA)

This collection documents the scenes, behind the glitz or kitsch (to the younger generation) capturing the preparation, anticipation, excitement, professionalism and emotions of Getai performers, whose fan-base and appeal more than doubles at every Ghost festival.

Love them or hate them, adore their voices and their gyrate or turn a deaf ear or an blind eye to it all… one cannot deny the pulse that riddles through the heartlands every 7th month of the lunar calendar.

From these pictures, their passion and professionalism is evident on stage – even more so backstage. From divine intervention and prayers for good weather to technological reliance of monitoring ‘Likes’ via iPad, makeshift wardrobes to custom-costumes… There’s no lack of want and desire to please the audience, visible or not.

These colourful pictures recorded in real time, documented true stars mingling amongst Singapore’s heartlanders, performing to their best, a showcase to the young that culture and tradition reigns even if we choose to bask in i-World.

Teardrops, raindrops and backdrop… A timely reminder moving ahead into economic gloom and doom, that the show must and will go on!