A netizen on TikTok, @wantwotwee, posted a video showing a busker in Georgia playing the Singaporean national anthem, Majulah Singapura, on his accordion.
The heartwarming video quickly went viral online with many netizens commending the street busker for playing the iconic song perfectly.
A Musical Encounter in an Unlikely Setting
The netizen posted the video on TikTok on 30 October.
In the video, the busker was seen playing the iconic national anthem on his accordion as the Singaporean tourists stood and watched in awe.
The busker lets his hands work their magic as he pressed on the musical keys and swayed the bellows of the instrument.
The netizen then entered the frame of the video as the song was about to end, as the musician sang the last two words of the song, “Majulah, Singapura~”
Impressed by what he just saw, the tourist gave the busker a Singaporean $10 note as the musician raised his hands to mark the end of his performance.
@wantwotwee Talented musician in Georgia plays the Singapore national anthem 🤯 #travel #georgia #tbilisi #singapore #majulahsingapura #music ♬ original sound – Wantwotwee
History of Majulah Singapura
Before the adoption of “Majulah Singapura,” Singapore, like many other British colonies, did not have a national anthem of its own. The island city-state was part of the British Empire, and its status as a crown colony meant that it did not possess the sovereignty required for a unique national anthem.
Singapore’s quest for a national anthem gained momentum as it moved towards self-governance and eventual independence. The nation needed an anthem that would represent its cultural diversity, heritage, and aspirations.
Zubir Said
The journey to create “Majulah Singapura” began in the early 1950s. A committee was formed, headed by Encik Zubir Said, a prominent composer and songwriter. Zubir Said, of Malay heritage, was tasked with creating an anthem that would resonate with the diverse population of Singapore.
After months of hard work and collaboration, Zubir Said presented the anthem to the public in 1958. “Majulah Singapura” was officially adopted as Singapore’s national anthem on December 3, 1959, when Singapore became a self-governing state within the British Empire. This anthem was introduced during the inauguration of the State of Singapore, marking a crucial step towards self-determination.
Unity in diversity
“Majulah Singapura” is written in Malay, one of Singapore’s four official languages, alongside English, Chinese, and Tamil. The lyrics of the anthem reflect the nation’s ideals and aspirations. The opening line, “Majulah Singapura,” means “Onward, Singapore” and encapsulates the forward-looking spirit of the nation.
The anthem’s lyrics celebrate Singapore’s unity in diversity and the determination to move forward together. They embody the nation’s commitment to progress, peace, and harmony. The anthem is a powerful symbol of Singapore’s resilience and its ongoing pursuit of success.
The anthem’s melody, composed by Zubir Said, is an uplifting and majestic tune. It invokes a sense of pride and patriotism in the hearts of all Singaporeans. The anthem’s composition is considered a masterpiece and has received widespread acclaim for its emotional resonance and ability to evoke a deep sense of national pride.
Over the years, “Majulah Singapura” has become deeply ingrained in the national psyche of Singapore. It is sung at various national events, including the National Day Parade and significant sporting events. The anthem serves as a unifying force, reminding Singaporeans of their shared heritage and the journey they have embarked on together.