AR Rahman Receives Praise From Singapore President For Collaborating With Local Musicians

News18

2 days ago

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Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam praised AR Rahman for his contributions to the cultural scene and collaboration with local musicians.
Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has expressed deep appreciation for Oscar-winning Indian composer AR Rahman's continued collaboration with local musicians, calling it a meaningful contribution to the country's cultural scene.
In a recent social media post shared on June 2, Tharman talked about how Rahman has uplifted Singapore's homegrown artists over the years. 'ARR has also done our own talent good over the years, by giving them valuable exposure," The Straits Times quoted him as saying.
Referring to Singapore's diverse arts scene, the President noted, 'Our Indian music and cultural talent, from classical to the most contemporary and edgy, are naturally a minority in the local scene. But they make Singapore's multiculturalism all the more special."
It was an honour meeting President @Tharman_S. My company, @ARRimmersive, looks forward to collaborating more with Singaporean artists on cutting-edge creative projects that push the boundaries of art and technology.Grateful for the love at the Le Musk premiere.
🔗… pic.twitter.com/hX7vLnII9v
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) June 3, 2025
Tharman named several Singaporean acts who have teamed up with the celebrated composer, including rapper-songwriter duo Lady Kash and Krissy, singer Shabir, and rapper Yung Raja. Notably, Rahman's 2014 film Highway featured the track Wanna Mash Up? in collaboration with Lady Kash and Krissy.
The President also shared a personal touch, recalling Rahman's early ties with Singapore. Back in the 1980s, the composer made his first international trip to the city-state and bought his music gear from iconic local stores Swee Lee and City Music. 'Good to see that both local music stores are still going strong after all these years," Tharman added.
Tharman also posted photographs from his meeting with the music maestro, who was in Singapore recently for the premiere of his directorial debut Le Musk — a 37-minute virtual reality film that blends scent, music, and immersive visuals. The film, which is showing at Golden Village Suntec City until August 12, features viewers sitting in specially designed egg-shaped chairs while wearing VR headsets and experiencing scents released during key moments.
Rahman's bond with Singapore goes back decades. He has performed in the country multiple times, including concerts at Gardens by the Bay (2014), the Singapore Indoor Stadium (2005), Marina Bay Sands (2011), and most recently at the National Stadium in August 2024.
First Published:
June 04, 2025, 14:27 IST