Singapore’s National Day always inspires an outpouring of musical tributes from musically inclined patriotic individuals. This year is no difference, and one media outlet has compiled a collection of some of this year’s best for people to view online.
One a cappella group composed of Chinese nationals recorded themselves singing a mixture of popular Tamil songs — in carefully pronounced Tamil. Members of the musical group practiced the pronunciation of the words with friends who did speak Tamil to ensure they got it right. Since posting the tribute, the video has garnered thousands of reactions on Facebook.
Another popular a cappella group, who are being spotlighted this year as part of Singapore’s National Day festivities, took second place in a recent regional music competition. They have also spent many hours putting together a mixture of songs, but these songs are special in that they date back to the 1960s National Day celebrations. The historic mashup of songs is performed in Singapore’s four official languages, making it an even more unique tribute to the nation.
Another musical theater group is taking a historical approach to the tribute video, wearing bright clothes reminiscent of the 1960s while singing and touring major sites around Singapore — as well as sites that make the nation what it is and contribute to the country’s distinct personality.
Yet another video is purely instrumental, and features an orchestral performance of a song composed for and made popular by National Day celebrations throughout Singapore’s history. But the performance puts an added twist on the rendition by incorporating Chinese orchestral elements into the original melody. The performance is accompanied by a beautiful video featuring flyover images of important Singaporean sites.
A group of young and diverse Singaporeans remade another popular National Day song that is actually older than many of them. The song itself takes on renewed meaning in current events as one of the main arrangers asks for Singaporeans to find the strength to change as time progresses.
Another video features a Singaporean government official — along with a collection of musical friends. The group, all of whom play ukuleles, perform a rendition of another classic National Day song, saying that the timeless performance is aimed at expressing their appreciation of Singapore.
One last video is a compilation of a cheer competition among school children, members of the military, and regular citizens. See who cheers the loudest for Singapore.
Music is one branch of creativity in the art world, and art is a fabulous way to appreciate your excitement over events or even to celebrate an event itself. Visit SGArtClass.com to enroll in an art class to learn how to make artwork to celebrate National Day or any other day that is special to you. Expert art teachers will be on hand no matter which class you enroll in to help you learn the skills you need to complete the projects you’re most interested in.
To read more about the video tributes ahead of National Day — as well as to view the videos — go to https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/made-in-singapore-video-series.