To celebrate 50 years of Singapore-Malaysia ties, TITIAN BUDAYA is a cultural event happening from November 21 2015 to January 17 2016 that showcases the creative talents of Singapore and Malaysia across a wide range of art forms including art, music, film production and dance.
Celebrating traditions and influences from both countries, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Tsung Yeh, will be weaving the Indian tabla, P. Ramlee songs, wayang kulit and jazz into a cross-cultural music tapestry during TITIAN BUDAYA Night, which is happening on the 8th of December 2015. The show will feature Singaporean and Malaysian composers, as well as musical performers like Jeremy Monteiro and Singaporean singer Taufik Batisah.
For this special occasion, Malaysian composer Yii Kah Hoe was specially commissioned to showcase his rendition of the story “The Silly Little Girl” and the “Funny Old Tree” written by the late Singaporean playwright Kuo Pao Kun, performed by Kelantan’s wayang kulit troupe, Kumpulan Sri Campuran and the Orchestra.
One iconic figure in the Singaporean music industry who’s going to be a part of TITIAN BUDAYA Night is Taufik Batisah, a talented singer who’s known for his wide music repertoire of jazz, ballads, hip hop and pop. Since emerging to stardom after winning the Singapore Idol in 2004, he’s been winning the hearts of the masses and has even won numerous awards for his work. His single “#awakkatmane” from his fifth studio album FIQUE, has also gained over 5 million views on YouTube.
Learn more about Taufik below and his scheduled TITIAN BUDAYA Night performance with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra:
1. Your fifth studio album FIQUE is doing very well! Tell us more about it and how it’s different from your previous works.
Thank you! FIQUE is in fact my most favourite album amongst my other repertoire. Quite like the “gem” of my music I would say! J Over the years, I’ve written and produced many different genres of songs ranging from ballads to dance. I’ve selected those tracks that essentially represent some point in time of my life or my music to be put in this album. I like it that the songs reveal different sides to my craft and how I have evolved over the years.
2. How did you feel when you were approached for the TITIAN BUDAYA project?
I was naturally excited when I heard about the project and appreciate the opportunity to work with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. I do hope this will be a good learning experience for me. It will definitely be an interesting collaboration to be able to work cross-culturally with the finest of both countries.
3. Tell us why it’s important for you to engage with your Malaysian fans.
I guessed it’s not about benefitting one person but rather, I see it as a great effort to promote music across borders and cultures.
4. You’re scheduled to perform during the TITIAN BUDAYA Night with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra on the 8th of December in Kuala Lumpur. What can your fans expect from your show?
We would be doing a performance in Singapore first on 28 November. Rehearsals will start soon and I can’t wait to work with the Maestro (Tsung Yeh) himself! The audience can definitely expect beautiful music from us.
5. What do you love most about Malaysia and how is it different from Singapore?
Malaysia is a beautiful country with warm hospitality. Food is definitely awesome. We do have awesome food in Singapore too, but I just can’t seem to control my appetite when I’m in Malaysia!
TITIAN BUDAYA Night happens on the 8th of December 2015 at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Suria KLCC. TITIAN BUDAYA happens from 21 November 2015 to 17 January 2016 at various venues. You can also check out Taufik Batisah via his Facebook page or on Instagram.
