From outsider to bandmate: Malay woman finds harmony in Chinese-majority percussion group
As the only Malay participant in the Chinese-majority percussion group, the mother of three admitted she felt out of place and even considered quitting.
But instead of walking away, she chose to embrace the experience - making new friends and becoming a proud performer for this year's SG60 celebrations.
Kitchen Beats is a community arts initiative under the Sembawang Central Community Arts and Culture Club (CACC), where everyday kitchen items such as woks, pots and ladles are turned into musical instruments.
The group comprises seniors aged 53 to 80 from across Singapore, and aims to promote active ageing and intergenerational bonding through music.
Ms Nazirah, who lives in Block 303 near the training venue at Zone 2 Residents' Committee (RC), told Berita Harian that the first few sessions were lonely. Everyone else left in small groups while she walked home alone.
"When I came for the first training, all the participants were Chinese and many were much older," she said.
"I felt like, 'Eh, this is not my place,'" she added.
She tried getting her friends to join, but few were keen. Still, she pressed on.
"I want my life to be colourful," she said. "It's not just about worship and religion. We also need to exercise, create, and do things that make us happy."
The Kitchen Beats crew rehearsing for their August 3 performance. SCREENGRAB: SBWCENTRALCC/INSTAGRAM
What helped her feel included was her fluency in Mandarin, which she had learnt as her mother tongue in school.
The trainers conducted the sessions entirely in Mandarin, and while the instructor initially translated instructions into English for her, she surprised everyone by responding confidently in Mandarin.
"Everyone applauded when I answered in Mandarin," she recalled. "I felt appreciated."
The idea for Kitchen Beats came about spontaneously, when CACC chairwoman Joanne Tay was beating eggs and noticed a rhythm in the sounds.
Officially formed in June, the group now has 22 members from six Residents' Association centres.
Training is held every Sunday morning for 90 minutes, and some members even arrange extra practice on Mondays. Despite most participants having no musical background, they've embraced the challenge.
On Aug 3, they made their debut at the National Day celebrations near Sun Plaza as part of the Sembawang Arts Festival, performing three songs in Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
"This year is SG60, and I am proud to be a Singaporean," Ms Nazirah said. "When the government organises activities for all ages, why not take part?"
She hopes her involvement will inspire others in the Malay community to step out of their comfort zones. Though she once dreamed of performing at the National Day Parade, she never found the right group - until now.
"I think it doesn't matter your race, religion, age… if you're interested, give it a try," she said. "We are all Singaporeans."
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