Encik Zubir Said: Composer for the Nation The updated recording is of a higher quality, allowing Singaporeans to better appreciate the nuances of the music arrangement, especially in larger venues and modern sound systems. It retained Encik Zubir Said’s original lyrics and Mr Phoon Yew Tien’s arrangement, recognising the Anthem’s enduring and unifying qualities. In 2019, to commemorate the National Symbols’ 60th anniversary, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) re-recorded the Anthem. It has remained the official version of the Anthem ever since. This arrangement was chosen as it was deemed 'grander and more inspiring'. It was re-arranged by local composer and Cultural Medallion winner, Mr Phoon Yew Tien, in the musical key of F. On 19 January 2001, a re-orchestrated version of 'Majulah Singapura' was launched in order to make the anthem more accessible to all Singaporeans.

In response to Dr Toh's feedback, Encik Zubir Said made adjustments to shorten the lyrics of the original City Council song and tweaked its melody to create the National Anthem that we sing today.

'A Malay version of the National Anthem would appeal to all races,' he stated. ĭr Toh also wanted the Anthem to be in Malay, as this is the indigenous language of the region. Oral history interview with Dr Toh Chin Chyeīy the National Archives of Singapore, 1989. I told him that for a National Anthem it must be brief, to the point, which people can remember easily and can be sung. In 1959, when Dr Toh Chin Chye was searching for an anthem for Singapore, he expressed interest in Encik Zubir Said’s composition, but requested the composer to make some changes. Oral history interview with Encik Zubir Saidīy the National Archives of Singapore, 1984. So I consulted also an author in language, in Malay language so that I can do it in proper Malay language but not too deep and not too difficult. The difficulty is in such a short melody, I have to put in all the words in very simple… it must be very simple, understandable for all the races in Singapore.

Recounting his thoughts on writing the Anthem, Encik Zubir Said said: It was performed again on 3 December 1959 as Singapore's National Anthem. It was first played by the Singapore Chamber Ensemble. Then Mayor of the City Council of Singapore, Mr Ong Eng Guan, approached Encik Zubir Said to write an official song for the City Council to commemorate the newly renovated Victoria Theatre. 'Majulah Singapura' was composed in 1958 by the late Encik Zubir Said. With a stirring melody and lyrics that echo the enduring hope and spirit of Singaporeans for progress, the National Anthem, 'Majulah Singapura' (meaning 'Onward Singapore'), is a musical expression of Singapore's identity as a nation.

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