Singapore is a small country, it’s no secret. Our geographical limitations force us to import a variety of things: goods, services, people, and even music. For decades, the local club scene has been a landing pad for the world's biggest DJs, a stopover on the Asia tour circuit where international headliners touch down and move on. The local talent, talented as they are, rarely made it the other way.

But WUKONG is changing that equation. Alfy Ngor, the DJ and producer behind the persona named after the legendary mythical figure, has spent the last few years creating a sound that’s unique to him. It smashes Chinese mythology, traditional Asian instrumentation, and hard-hitting electronic music into one overwhelming package. Think erhu melodies riding over festival-sized beat drops and visuals that pull from kung fu cinema and ancient folklore.

To paint a better picture of where Ngor is currently at, DJ Mag most recently ranked him #83 globally in 2025. He's headlined stages in Ibiza, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and Malaysia and racked up hundreds of millions of streams on the side. &FRIENDS EDM Festival at Manila, happening over the weekend (June 19-20) is the next stop in his journey.

We talked with Ngor before the festival as he shared more about where his vision comes from, where it's going, and what to expect from his upcoming set at &FRIENDS.

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ESQUIRE SINGAPORE: Singapore is multicultural, your mum is Malaysian. When you say you want to promote 'Chinese culture, whose version of it are you representing?

WUKONG: It is the Chinese diaspora that I grew up with. There is so much culture coming from China, representing so many people from different walks of life. I try to take inspiration from bits of everything in what I do in my daily life, my music, and my beliefs.

ESQ: Do you feel like you've outgrown the EDM scene in Singapore?

WK: No way. Singapore is home and forever will be. I love representing the scene and performing there.

ESQ: Do you think the real Monkey King would approve of your music?

WK: No doubt. He would be locked into one of my sets!

ESQ: What was the turning point where things clicked career-wise?

WK: I started my career in 2019, and when a few of my tracks blew up a year later, I knew this was the moment, that this is my calling, and I had to go all in with full force. It has been a great journey thus far, and we're gonna keep pushing harder than ever.

ESQ: What does the Asian EDM scene still need that it doesn't have yet?

WK: More chances for artists. There is so much talent out here in Asia that hasn’t been given fair opportunities yet.

ESQ: lf you could play one set anywhere in the world, where would it be?

WK: Tomorrowland in Belgium. This is the pinnacle of dance music, and I will make it one day.

ESQ: The Monkey King's whole story is about earning redemption through the journey. What would you like your story to be?

WK: It’s the same. I’ve made mistakes in my past, so my journey is a similar one. I want to give back to those who have supported me through the years, and show the world who I really am.

ESQ: What can fans expect from your upcoming set at &FRIENDS Festival?

WK: MAXIMUM ENERGY. I lay it all out on the decks for the audience. I love performing in the Philippines, and I will be giving my best and more for Lechon Gang.

ESQ: ls there a track in your set that you can't wait to see how people react to at &FRIENDS?

WK: The new record that I’ve just put out with my brothers, Bassjackers and Weird Genius: “Blow Your Whistle”. This is a monster record in my set recently.

And of course, wait for some surprises and remixes for my Filipino gang!