Determined to take Asian creativity to the world, 88rising is moving from music into fashion, design and visuals, Xing Wen reports.

One Saturday afternoon in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, as the temperature soared toward a scorching 35 C, the crowd at Chimelong Paradise was becoming lethargic and weighed down by the heat.

But just when it seemed like the sun was poised to drain the day of its vigor, casting a drowsy spell over all in attendance, a transformation occurred.

A burst of rapid drumming and the resonating hum of a bass guitar sliced through the oppressive air, injecting vibrancy into the thick atmosphere.

The audience's collective weariness was instantaneously replaced by anticipation as Papun took to the stage, kick-starting the Head in the Clouds music and art festival.

"We're going to bring the heat from the start to the finish!" Papun shouted.