Introduction to Xin Yao

VIDEO （麻雀衔竹枝）

What is Xin Yao?

 Songs composed by the youth of Singapore.  Main themes and ideas of the music reflect on Singapore’s history and culture-(lives of the youth).  Not only restricted to Chinese songs.  NDP songs are examples too.

Some artistes  Liang Wern Fook 梁文福  Eric Moo 巫启贤  Billy Koh 许环 良

Examples  细 水 长 流 （ 原唱梁文福 ）  一步一步来 （ 原唱梁文福 ）  考 试历 史前夕 （ 原唱梁文福 ）  星空下 （ 原唱巫启 贤）

A brief history  Pioneered by our alumni, Professor Liang Wern Fook.  Started in the mid 1980s when the “Speak Mandarin Campaign” was first introduced.  Gained much more popularity in the 1990s.  Start of the Chinese pop culture.  Groomed artistes like Kit Chan and JJ Lin.

Takeaways  Portrays our culture and lifestyle in the past.  Sings of post-war Singapore.  Our history is reflected in the songs.

Unique  Clean acoustic style of singing.  Simple chords in the melody.  A group of people singing and harmonizing together.  Accompanied by a guitar.

Importance  Discovered and groomed many Singapore artistes to be famous in the Chinese pop industry,  Revolutionised the Taiwanese music industry.  Kit Chan, A-Do and JJ Lin.

Importance  Form of expression for youths  Preserve rich culture of Singapore and the youths in Singapore.

Relevance  MOE started out a project called “Teaching Living Legends”.  Revise the teaching of general music in school.  Something more “localised”.

Relevance  Introduction of Xin Yao and other local music in syllabus.  Shows that Xin Yao is an important part in Singapore’s society.  Not only in entertainment but also in education.

Importance of Xin Yao  Empowers the youth with the freedom of speech and expression.  Preserves our history and culture.  Shows the daily life of the youths in Singapore.

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