PostMag This Week: Cantopop Dance Revival and a Bahamas Dream Getaway

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PostMag This Week: Cantopop Dance Revival and a Bahamas Dream Getaway

DJ Fabsabs leads a joyful Cantopop resurgence, Singapore does art with intention, and sun-drenched escapism beckons
Hello, January! I hope you survived the first proper work week of 2026. I've been going through the avalanche that is my inbox and am barely hanging on.

Luckily, this week's cover story offers a burst of energy as Hsiuwen Liu plunges into the Cantopop revival currently filling Hong Kong's dance floors. She hits the tiles at Cantomania and finds what started as an underground party is now a full-blown movement, joining a wave of Cantopop nights around town.

Cantomania's DJ Fabsabs (real name Pete Sabine) is a staunch evangelist for the power of music to bring us together - and as someone who loves the dance floor, I heartily concur. The resurgence of 1980s bangers and Y2K hits might sound like pure nostalgia, but as Sabine tells us, it's something deeper. Cantomania is catharsis, community and culture preservation disguised as a dance party. "Regardless of politics or whatever people think about the city, it is still our town," he says. "Music is just how we say that."

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

We also travel around in this issue. Andrea Lo takes us to Singapore for a look at its upcoming Art Week (January 22 to 31), which spills far beyond the White Cube. From karaoke installations honouring domestic workers to forest squares planted on former school fields, this edition is brimming with intent - the theme of the Singapore Biennale, part of the week, aptly titled "Pure Intention". Whether you're into Impressionist heavyweights or interactive game design, the city is reimagining how art can reflect, and even reshape, urban life.

If your January energy leans more towards featherweight than philosophical, Tara Loader Wilkinson's escape to the Bahamas is pure holiday daydream. There's cracked conch, secret snorkelling bays and steamed guava duff so drenched in rum butter sauce it might knock you horizontal. Just reading about it made me crave sun on my skin and sand in my shoes, and maybe a horse ride along Harbour Island's famously pink shores.

In the world of interiors, Peta Tomlinson explores the 2026 trends, and this year, it's less about pure style and more about feeling. The stand-out theme? Emotional resonance. From AI-assisted cocooning spaces to the resurgence of white - sorry, "Cloud Dancer" - it's clear that homes are sanctuaries for our souls as much as anything else. And that's exactly what we need in this chaotic world.

Highlights of the Issue

  • Cantopop Revival: A deep dive into the cultural and social significance of Cantopop in Hong Kong, led by DJ Fabsabs.
  • Singapore Art Week: An exploration of how art is being used to reflect and reshape urban life, with a focus on the theme "Pure Intention."
  • Bahamas Escape: A vivid description of the Caribbean paradise, highlighting its unique culinary and natural attractions.
  • Interior Trends 2026: Insights into how home design is evolving to prioritize emotional well-being and personal connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Cantopop as Cultural Expression: The revival of Cantopop is not just about music; it's a way for people to connect and express their identity.
  • Art as a Social Tool: Singapore's Art Week showcases how art can be a powerful medium for social change and community engagement.
  • The Power of Escapism: The Bahamas offer a perfect escape from the daily grind, with its unique blend of culture and nature.
  • Interior Design Trends: The shift towards emotionally resonant spaces reflects a growing awareness of mental health and well-being.

Looking Ahead

As we move through 2026, the stories featured in this issue highlight the importance of culture, art, and personal space in our lives. Whether it's through the vibrant beats of Cantopop, the thought-provoking art in Singapore, or the serene beauty of the Bahamas, there's something here for everyone.

With the right mix of creativity and intention, the world continues to find new ways to inspire and connect us all.

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