Jump ahead to
Live at the Garden – An intimate evening of soulful sounds, multicultural talent, and backyard party vibes in Limehouse.
The Vibe
On 29 August, 2024, Multippl and Half East Records teamed up for ‘Live at the Garden’, an intimate night of soulful, energising music, lighting up the outdoor space at The Yurt Café in Limehouse, London. Home to London’s first Chinatown in the 19th century, Limehouse has a rich history of welcoming Chinese sailors who settled near the docks, transforming the East End into a vibrant community filled with Chinese-run shops, tea houses, and restaurants that thrived for decades. Although the original Chinatown has since shifted to the West End, Limehouse still carries the legacy of that early Asian presence. Today’s neighbourhood continues to embrace its multicultural roots, celebrating diversity through events and cultural gatherings.
On this perfect summer evening, nearly 100 attendees enjoyed an eclectic lineup of talented DJs and musicians. Known for uniting creatives from multiracial and multicultural backgrounds, Multippl and Half East Records curated a space where the mixed Asian and ESEA community could showcase their talents while inviting everyone to soak in the atmosphere. During Live at the Garden, people mingled, danced, and queued up for drinks and food, making it the ideal way to bid farewell to the long summer days with electrifying energy. This event, set against such a historically rich backdrop, felt like a continuation of Limehouse’s legacy; an evening where modern Asian creatives could shine, much like those who helped shape the neighbourhoods – and London’s – identity years ago.
The Spot
The Yurt Café’s outdoor setup was the perfect backdrop — think a laid-back summer garden party with a large canopy overhead and a wooden hut doubling as the stage. Picnic benches surrounded the space, giving off cozy backyard vibes. Fairy lights twinkled overhead, lush garden plants framed the scene, and yes, there was an actual yurt for the café.
Crowd under the large canopy
It felt intimate yet electric, with the crowd feeding off the setting. Wine, beer, and wood-fired pizzas flowed throughout the night, and the best part? It wasn’t exclusive at all. I even brought my boomer parents, who ended up making new friends — proof that the energy was open and inviting to anyone who showed up, reminding us that the celebration of our unique backgrounds and identities can be an inclusive space for all generations.
Live at the Garden Event Recap
View this post on Instagram
Performances and Creators
Live at the Garden’s lineup was nothing short of stellar. Filipino-English DJ Deejay Nye (@deejaynye) opened with sultry sounds that matched the warm, golden glow of the summer sunset. Vince Lam (@dj.vincelam), originally from Hong Kong, brought his signature mix of Eastern and Western influences, captivating the crowd with his unique style. A London and Multippl favourite, Saïna (@baby.zeen), serenaded us with an acoustic set of R&B tunes that hit all the right notes.
Kamī (@okami_zone), whose stage name nods to her Japanese roots, graced the wooden hut stage with her sublime and psychedelic sounds, captivating everyone with her dreamy vocals and deep musical textures. Next up, Hilang Child (@hilangchild) impressed the audience with his one-man show, blending live vocals with his drum set mastery.
To close out the night, Saïna teamed up with her DJ partner Zoe (@zoekc) for their dynamic project ZEE-2 (@zee______2). Their set was an absolute banger, with the crowd jumping and singing along to a perfect mix of tracks, from Beyoncé’s newest hits to Missy Elliott’s classics and Reggaeton hits. The duo had everyone under the canopy on their feet, and by the end, we were all wishing the night could last just a little longer.
The Crowd
The crowd? Pure vibes. A mix of people came together from all across London (and some even further, like me, all the way from Japan!), all there for the same reason — to feel the music and celebrate our shared or friends’ rich mixed backgrounds. The energy was as diverse and cool as the music itself.
Not to mention, Eili (@ai_ri.ai_ri) was on-site offering her amazing kawaii nail art services, adding a playful touch to the evening. Chatting about her shared mix-Japanese background while she decorated my nails with Hello Kitty designs was a personal highlight. Moments like that made it clear this was more than just a party; it was an experience that united us all.
Final Word
Multippl and Half East Records threw the ultimate summer bash — Live at the Garden was intimate, personal, and brimming with unforgettable moments. It was a night where the diverse talents on stage reflected the mixed identities of the audience, creating a space that felt both familiar and fresh. If you missed out, make sure to keep an eye out for future events and collaborations. Creators looking to partner with Multippl can get in touch with the platform for upcoming opportunities.
