The state of our local Busking Talents.......

Here are some thought for the local governing bodies who manages all the buskers or providing license for busking (yea.... we need license to busk here in Singapore)

For the past 3 years or so, we've seen more buskers along Orchard Road. In fact, we have Buskers Festival annually. In other countries, buskers always showcase unusual talents or just plain roadside entertainment. Mostly, they are normal people who just prefer earning money by doing what they think is best for them.

Here in Singapore, is a totally different story. Busking seems to come from disabled people. Not much talent, but they are just banking of passer-by's empathy. I think that its wrong and it doesn't compliment the true meaning of street busking. Thus, giving the wrong impression to the common public. I also think that its unfair to put a disabled person at a traffic junction, playing the trumpet or harmonica which is totally out of tune.

This uncle was playing a tune from the famed Wong Fei Hong movie with his harmonica. Connected to a guitar amplifier, the sound was screeching louder then the traffic along Orchard Road. He was the main traffic problem in front of Takashimaya's traffic light. Someone should help him get a proper spot, please.

This busker stationed himself in front of Paragon traffic light. Last night, he was playing AULD LANG SYNE every time we walk pass him. It was a pity coz he was struggling with the tune and there where some kids laughing at him. I don't think that was busking.... thats begging!!! People were putting down coins cause the feel pitiful of the disable guy. They are already suffering, why do they need to suffer more by sitting in the middle of Orchard Road waiting for other people to share their sorrow......?? just my thought......


This here is my favourite busker........ this guy's got talent. never fail to amaze me with his style, feel and taste of music. Once, I walk passed he was doing a George Benson solo with music samples from Chris Standring...... damn!! How I wish this guy, some day, could jam with the Tektile boys...... no scripts, no sheets, no scores...... just let the tabs flow..

Last year I wrote to the MDA requesting for a license to busk. We actually wanted to play in front of Paragon with the Tektile Movement, 'live' NuJazz, with the full set-up along Orchard Road... sponsors are all ready to go. It was suppose to be a collaboration with the Breast Cancer Society. Any donations and proceeds will go the organisation.

The request was turned down because they say we are professional musicians. Isn't buskers are professionals also......?? The only difference is that... they do gigs with Converse shoes and Giordano jeans, we do gigs with Gucci shoes and Ed Hardy jeans....... bluek!