By Faith Chen

KOROR, Palau— “I had one of the best times of my life,” said local rapper Matthew Tadao, known as Mad Matt, capturing the electric energy of the DMP concert that lit up Ngermalk Park, also known as Long Island Park, on Saturday night.

The event drew music lovers for an evening of live performances blending traditional sounds, hip-hop, and island beats. From the opening act to the final encore, the park pulsed with music, laughter, and community spirit.

Tadao opened the show with a high-energy 15-minute rap set that immediately had the crowd on its feet. The 3K band followed, featuring Kendall Kimie and Kiyani, who delivered 20 minutes of traditional Palauan music that resonated with cultural pride. Palauan rapper Toph kept the rhythm alive with a lively 15-minute performance before Malo took the stage for a soulful 20-minute set.

The excitement built as guest artist Zeah joined DMP for three upbeat songs, thrilling fans with vibrant choreography and contagious energy.

By the time DMP — one of the Pacific’s most popular and enduring groups — hit the stage around 9 p.m., the crowd was roaring. The band’s signature hits turned the park into a sea of dancing fans singing along to every word. Vendors surrounded the venue, offering refreshments and souvenirs that added to the festival atmosphere.

“I thought the show went really well, but I’m a little bit biased,” said Seth Gulibert, reflecting on the event. “DMP has been at this for almost two decades, so there was never any doubt in my mind as to how the performance was going to go. Those guys are the real deal — pros. What impressed me most was the amount of teamwork and production that went into pulling this off in such a short time.”

The night not only celebrated DMP’s long-standing influence in the Pacific’s music scene but also spotlighted the depth of homegrown talent and community collaboration that continues to drive the island’s vibrant cultural expression.