AHMAD Ja'afar
Performing Arts in Singapore (Music),
Accession Number 001695
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 5
Total Reels
- Ruzita Zaki
Interviewer
- 02:33:01
Total Running Time
- Malay
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 5
Metadata
- 2 Sep 1995
Recording Date
- 00:30:06
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Born in Binjai, Sumatra in 1919. Parent's background. First instrument played was drum. Learnt music from his uncle and through personal experiences. Joined Sultan's Military Band in Tanjung Pura. Played English classical music. Worked in military band for eight years. Practiced together with English and Dutch men. His favourite instrument was piano. Perception of musicians in the past. During Japanese Occupation, he played music for Japanese. His impression of Japanese. Came to Singapore after Japanese Occupation to further his studies in music.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 5
Metadata
- 2 Sep 1995
Recording Date
- 00:31:09
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Stayed at Kempas Road. Compared Sumatra to Singapore. Played saxophone with band at Cathay. Played English songs like Jazz. People knew about English music from radios and cinemas. Described the Filipino musician he interacted with. He received English education up to standard six in Methodist English School, Indonesia. Also attended Arab school until class three. He had good impression of Malay musicians in the 1940s. Shifted to Duku Road. Received a monthly salary of $300.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 5
Metadata
- 2 Sep 1995
Recording Date
- 00:30:05
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Began working in nightclubs. Music recording started before he came to Singapore. There was only one recording company-His Master's Voice (HMV). There were music schools. Spent three years performing in Raffles Hotel before performing in Princess Gurney Restaurant. Joined Radio Malaya Orchestra. Job scope in Radio Malaya Orchestra. How he obtained citizenship. Played variety of music. Explained how the orchestra flourished. Appointed as Deputy Leader for orchestra. His duties and responsibilities as Deputy Leader of orchestra.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 5
Metadata
- 9 Oct 1995
Recording Date
- 00:31:34
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Further elaborated on his role as Deputy Leader. Reason for joining Radio Malaya Orchestra. Compared performing in radio and clubs to television. People were receptive of the music scene. Started arranging music in 1958. How he identified what it takes to be a good singer. Weaknesses of Malay singers. Labelled as 'Father of Modern Malay Pop Music'. His sources of inspiration. How his songs were recorded into discs. Profit obtained was incomparable to present time.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 5
Metadata
- 9 Oct 1995
Recording Date
- 00:30:07
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Stopped composing and arranging music. Music had large influence on society. Defined 'good music' and 'bad music'. His opinion of rock music. Singapore's music scene in the 1970s. Feels that Malay pop music had large western influence. Diminishing support for Malay music scene. Does not encourage his children to be involved in music. His life philosophy. His involvement in Association of Malay Singers, Composers & Professional Musicians (PERKAMUS). Participated in Music Union. Weaknesses of Union. His views on today's music scene.
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