Week 4: Introduction

Who are they?

Buskers are typically known as "individuals who play music in the street or other public place for voluntary donations" (Dictionary.com). They are the people we spot along the streets of Orchard Road and around busy heartland areas....but who are they?

Our first meeting about this topic quickly revealed several possible definitions. For starters - are they aspiring artists looking for a platform to showcase their talents? Well-established, hipster musicians pulling off a gritty vibe to attract new fans? Or old and physically disabled citizens whose next meal depends on the kind donations of the public?

Indeed, it is precisely such vast differences in a busker's background which made us all the more interested in understanding their lives and (often) unheard voices.

What do we think of them?

Our government has surprisingly been encouraging in recent years, adding 10 new MRT stations for buskers to perform. Meanwhile, news of buskers who "made it" by gaining a steady number of followers have made it to the pages of local media. Applications for busking have also doubled in numbers since the inception of the 1997 Busking Scheme, which applauded and encouraged buskers for "adding color to our city life".

However, their presence is not always welcomed. Noise complaints, disrespectful comments and even cases of theft are reportedly typical for buskers. Interviewees from past documentaries shared how society in general frown upon their livelihood or assume that they were forced into performing to survive. In fact, many of them busk not for financial gains, but to share and spread the love of music!

Area of Focus

With that, our group decided to reconcile the misconstrued images of buskers and their true voices through this social change project. Specifically, our focus will be on young, upcoming buskers whose expectations, needs and future hopes might be better shared through this platform.

With that, I guess it's only apt for us to say:

Yo ho, yo ho, it's a busker's life for me!

#introduction