Namely, these elements consist of the audience and the performers.

In every performance, the performer is naturally the most important crowd entertainer. These performers dress skimpily; their colourful costumes brightening up the atmosphere at such performances and also serve to bring in the crowds.

Several performers have made such a name for themselves, such that they are sometimes the reason why throngs of getai fanatics turn up at overcrowded tents, eager to catch a glimpse of their ‘idol’ and maybe to get an autograph.

Other than his/her much required professional singing, the performer is also the one who entertains the crowd with a crude sense of humour through jokes said in dialect.

Needless to say, supporting every performer is the live stage band, who are extremely flexible in the type of music played and can thus, fit to every performer’s song preference. Combined together, these two groups of performers produce lively entertainment, satisfying the crowd and yet enjoying themselves.

Naturally, every getai performance will not be successful without the presence of an audience, whose constant support through financial means and simply their attendance allowing getai to become what it is today.

By showing their appreciation, the audience ensures that getai performances would not become obsolete, or worse still, a commodity. Essentially, these performances serve to entertain the spirits at the seventh month, and the audience is simply there to soak in the atmosphere and retain the cultural value of this unique Singaporean culture.

Without a doubt, getai performances have always been one of the uniquely Singaporean cultures existing. Through its supplement of entertainment but yet reinforcing on its cultural roots, getai performances ensure that they will remain as a unique culture in the years to come.

Getai titbit 2
By JeremyT
Getais are paid for using money collected from auctions. Goods such as charcoal can be auctioned up to hundreds of dollars all in the name of good luck.