Last weekend, the local hobby store Quantum Nexus Kuala Lumpur threw their first-ever concert, which also happened to be Malaysia’s first Magic: The Gathering musical showcase. Curated by store manager Jeff, the event brought together a fusion of gaming nostalgia, incredible music, and electrifying energy in a way that the crowd will never forget.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The crowd was ecstatic as they posed for photos, adding an extra layer of magic to the concert’s ambiance. We even spotted a cosplayer dressed as Elspeth from Magic: The Gathering.
The concert itself featured a performance from the band Japame, who made the stage shine with talent, with lead singer Melody’s powerful vocals captivating the audience throughout the night. Rounding out their sound were members Pip on drums, Aaron on bass, Eric on electric guitar, Alvin on keyboard, and Jeff, who doubled as both flutist and supporting vocalist.
The band delivered a flawless mix of nostalgic and contemporary hits, including songs from the Magic: The Gathering Streets of New Capenna soundtrack, such as Angel Inside and Fortune Teller; as well as various popular videogame songs, like Melodies of Life and Beneath the Mask. Some memorable performances included Halo Rich, with its energy and heartfelt delivery; and Eyes on Me from Final Fantasy VIII, which drew listeners in with its tender melody and moving lyrics.
When the night was about to end, the performers pulled out nostalgic songs such as Cool Kids and Moves Like Jagger, which made the entire venue explode in excitement. The crowd jumped, danced, and sang with full force, marking some of the most memorable moments of the concert.
Another touching moment came when Jeff dedicated a special performance to Char, THE MAGIC RAIN’s founder, treating audiences to an acoustic version of Blinding Lights.
Speaking to performers Jeff and Melody after the concert, they both shared their excitement and gratitude towards the show and its audience. “It was amazing. The encore for the Adele song really boosted my confidence, and I had so much fun with the crowd. It was a wonderful experience that helped me grow as a performer, and I would gladly do it again.” Melody said.
Both Jeff and Melody also wished they could add more songs to the set list, with Jeff in particular naming Family Business from the Streets of New Capenna soundtrack, which sadly had to be cut due to monetary restrictions. In his words, “We are lacking in funds to hire trumpetists, trombonists, and saxophonists. Hopefully, with sponsorship, we can make it possible in the future.”
With its interactive singalongs, humor-filled exchanges, and constant support shown by the crowd, there’s definitely potential for The First Magic to be the start of something bigger. With its perfect mix of fandom, music, and connection, we can’t wait to make more memories with Quantum Nexus in the future!
