The Unique Journey of the Singapore National Anthem’s Composer
The Singapore National Anthem, Majulah Singapura, is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and its journey towards self-identity. The anthem, composed by Zubir Said, a prominent figure in Singapore's music scene, holds a unique and significant place in the hearts of Singaporeans.
The Composer's Background
Founded in the late 1930s, the Singapore National Anthem was commissioned in a time of great transition for the country. Zubir Said, the man behind this melody, is often overlooked in the narrative of Singapore's national identity. Many may not know that he was originally from the Minangkabau highlands in Indonesia, moving to Singapore in 1928 at the young age of 21, almost two decades before Indonesia gained independence.
It is true that Zubir Said was not a native Singaporean, having resided in Indonesia for a spell between 1941 and 1947. The circumstances of his emigration and his subsequent life in Singapore contributed to the unique perspective he brought to the anthem's composition. In fact, thriving in Singapore, his adult life was spent here, solidifying his identity as a vital part of Singapore's melting pot of cultures.
It is worth noting that the concept of an "original Singaporean" is a complex one. There aren't any aboriginal Singaporeans; everyone in the country is a descendant of immigrants. Therefore, the idea that the composer had to be pure Singaporean to compose the anthem is a skewed perception. Such a requirement would have significantly limited the pool of potential composers, leading to a dearth of cultural expressions within the nation.
Profile of Zubir Said
Zubir Said's life reflects a great journey of individual resilience and cultural assimilation. Upon his arrival in Singapore, he immersed himself in the music and culture of the country, eventually becoming a prominent figure. His work on the National Anthem was deeply influenced by the values of loyalty, respect, and cultural integration. This is reflected in the melody and lyrics of Majulah Singapura, which resonate so vividly with Singaporeans.
One of the most poignant quotes attributed to Zubir Said reflects his belief in the importance of holding up the "sky of the land where you live." This quote, which translates the Malay proverb Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung, encapsulates his philosophy of embracing one's new home and contributing to it.
Impact and Recognition
The commissioning of the anthem by the Singapore City Council, much later in Zubir Said's life (at the age of 51), signifies the high regard in which he was held. It was no trivial task to compose a national anthem, and the choice of Zubir Said reflects the trust Singaporeans placed in him to articulate the nation's aspirations and values.
Today, Majulah Singapura is not just a national anthem; it is a symbol of Singapore's identity. It speaks of the country's journey, its history, and its aspirations. As such, the composer's background only adds to the significance of the anthem, reminding us of the diverse talents that have contributed to Singapore's cultural and musical heritage.