Vengaboys have spent decades proving that a great party anthem never really goes out of style. Ahead of their upcoming show at MARQUEE Singapore on 24 April, the Dutch Eurodance icons spoke to Bandwagon about the staying power of their biggest hits, the joy of live performance, and why their music continues to connect with fans across generations.
From nostalgia and crowd energy to the chemistry that keeps the Vengabus rolling, the group are as playful and self-aware as ever. Here, they reflect on their enduring appeal, memorable moments onstage, and what fans in Singapore can expect.
More than two decades on, why do you think Vengaboys songs keep connecting with new generations?
Captain Kim: I’m already in love with you for merging your first question with a lovely compliment! Thank you! My scientific theory is this: Vengaboys songs are like a good push-up bra — they lift you up and make everything look much more exciting!
Partygirl D-nice: It’s because our songs have that timeless aura. Vengaboys don’t do “moody” — we do “party!”
Looking back at tracks like ‘Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!’ and ‘We Like To Party!’, did you ever imagine they would become this timeless?
Sailor Robin: We knew they were very infectious right away, but we never expected this. The original plan was to be on the Vengabus for a year or so. And decades later, we’re still here! We’re super grateful the songs have become part of the official soundtrack in stadiums, at weddings, birthday parties, and all over social media. Our friend Jax Jones mentioned that on Spotify we’ve been streamed over a billion times, which means we’ll probably be on stage for the foreseeable future. So much for aging gracefully.
So much of your music is tied to joy and escapism. Why does that resonate so strongly today?
Partygirl D-nice: It looks like almost everybody is busy doomscrolling. But real life happens off-screen. And the joy of a live performance is just super immersive.
Sailor Robin: There’s something so powerful and unifying about a room full of people all singing together. Have you ever noticed big crowds never sing out of tune together? Perhaps there’s a piece of wisdom in there: “If we all scream loud enough, nobody hears the mistakes.” No, wait, I’ve got it! The real piece of wisdom is: “Individually we’re a mess, but together we’re a masterpiece.” That probably applies to the world just as much as it applies to the four of us.
What keeps performing live exciting for you at this stage?
Sailor Robin: Funny you’re mentioning this. We were just talking about it! It’s probably also because our music attracts fun people. We often see sailors, masked cowboys, bossy tank girls, and colourful party girls in the audience. We don’t just perform at you. We’re doing this together. It’s a back-and-forth situation. We look everyone in the eye, individually. It’s also how we check if you’re actually dancing or just pretending! If we catch you standing still, Captain Kim is coming for you!
Captain Kim: I will! And honestly, if the time has come to trade our stage clothes for nightgowns, the Vengaboys aura is forever. Who knows? In the future, you might see a new generation of Vengaboys serving that same party fire. Or holograms. The Vengabus never stops!
Are audiences reacting differently now compared to the late ’90s?
Captain Kim: These days, during the first part of the show, you see quite a few phones in the air, which is a big compliment to us. But then the phones disappear, the hands go up, and we party till we drop.
Partygirl D-nice: So it starts digital and always ends physical! It’s always smiles and maximum good times, which gives us an extra shot of energy too. Usually, we’re still super excited and it can take a long time to wind down after a performance. You know, the connection with the audience feels like a deeper love these days.
Why do you think there’s such a huge global wave of love for Eurodance right now?
Sailor Robin: You are absolutely spot on! Perhaps Eurodance is like the musical equivalent of a glitter cannon — it’s impossible to be sad when it’s going off.
Captain Kim: Exactly. And you know, “simple” doesn’t mean “basic” — it means universal. And it’s wonderful to see many young producers rediscovering that.
Speaking of new music: Are there any current artists or scenes you find especially exciting?
Captain Kim: We love anyone who isn’t afraid to be a bit “extra.” There’s so much creativity out there! Australia is such a hotbed. Nothing Eurodance, but Royel Otis and 2hollis are great. Also Fisher and PNAU. Super fun is PiKi — hyper-energetic electronic J-pop. And currently one of our jams on the Vengabus is ‘Illegal’ from PinkPantheress.
Sailor Robin: They sampled Underworld’s ‘Dark & Long’ for that! You know, we have a lot of respect for the people currently going at it — amazing artists who are making exciting things. But because there’s soooo much content on sooooo many different applications fighting for eye and ear time, many remain under the radar. It’s really, really hard to break through to a bigger audience.
Cowboy Donny: We’ve been super lucky.
What has kept the chemistry within the group so strong?
Captain Kim: Vengaboys is like a dysfunctional family, but with much better wardrobe options.
Sailor Robin: (Laughs) Praise the lord for spandex! We’re staying delulu; we’re never growing up!
Captain Kim: It’s all about knowing our roles. I’m definitely the bossy tank girl of the group — I keep the Vengabus on track and make sure everyone is serving 100% energy.
Partygirl D-nice: She really is! We’re like a squad of party superheroes. Between the sailor sass and the bossy tank girl energy, we have a perfect balance. We fight over the mirror sometimes, but we never really fight!
Sailor Robin: Exactly. Our chemistry is elite because we’ve seen it all, done it all, and survived it all — usually in four-inch heels!
Do you have any memorable experiences performing in Asia?
Partygirl D-nice: We remember the first time we came — I couldn’t believe people knew the words to 'To Brazil!' in the middle of Singapore!
Captain Kim: (Laughs) Partygirl D-nice, darling, there are only two words in that song! “Brazil” and “la”! If they got those wrong, we’d really be in trouble.
Partygirl D-nice: Anyhoo... the Singapore energy is always up instead of down. No pun intended. The show at MARQUEE is going to be legendary.
So, what can fans in Singapore expect from your show at MARQUEE?
Sailor Robin: A total Venga-takeover! Every track we perform is a certified bop. And the MARQUEE sound system is legendary. Expect sparkles, expect sweat, and expect to lose your voice. We’re bringing the Vengabus, the Vengabeats, and we’re serving enough energy to power the whole Marina Bay Sands!
Partygirl D-nice: If you aren’t breathless and satisfied by the end, we haven’t done our job and you can tie us to the Ferris wheel. See you on the dance floor, MARQUEE!
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Purchase tickets for Vengaboys' showcase at MARQUEE Singapore here.
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