And it is not just about showcasing the music; the Esplanade also hopes to provide opportunities for audiences to get to know the artists and their personalities. What started out in 2005 as a soul and jazz-themed event which attracted an older crowd, now boasts a broader range of genres, including indie-folk, folk rock, Afrobeat, ska, pop and R&B that is sure to entertain and give youths an all-rounded immersion into musical culture. With a line-up of some 400 artistes from 17 countries, the Festival in March 2007 sure was a lively one.