Did you know that the national anthem of Singapore, "Majulah Singapura," was actually written by a man born in West Sumatra?
Zubir Said, affectionately known as Zubir, was a self-taught musician who left his hometown in Bukittinggi to pursue his passion. He eventually became one of the most important musical icons in Singapore's history.
Who is Zubir Said?
Zubir Said was born on July 22, 1907, in Bukittinggi, Sumatra. His early life was not easy. His mother passed away when he was only seven years old.
According to the National Library Board (NLB), his father was a village chieftain who strongly disapproved of his son’s interest in music. He viewed music as "haram" or against religious beliefs. His father wanted him to follow a traditional path, such as joining the Dutch administration or the army.
However, Zubir’s love for music could not be suppressed. He was a self-taught musician who started with a bamboo flute he carved himself. He eventually learned the violin, guitar, and drums.
Seeking to escape social restraints and follow his dreams, he left Indonesia for Singapore in 1928 on a cargo boat. He was drawn to Singapore by stories of its "glittering lights" and luxuries like butter and coffee with milk, which were rare in his hometown.
Upon arriving in Singapore, he joined a traditional Malay opera troupe called a bangsawan as a violinist. This began a long and successful career. He later worked for major film companies like Shaw Brothers and Cathay-Keris, where he composed more than 1,500 songs, including film scores and popular hits.
The Birth of "Majulah Singapura"
The story of Singapore’s national anthem began in 1958. According to the National Heritage Board (NHB), the Mayor of the City Council of Singapore, Ong Eng Guan, approached Zubir Said to write an official song for the city.
This song was intended to celebrate the reopening of the Victoria Theatre. Zubir was inspired by the words "Majulah Singapura" which were displayed in the theatre's lobby.
When Singapore attained self-governance in 1959, the government needed a national anthem that could inspire a new sense of identity. The Deputy Prime Minister at the time, Toh Chin Chye, felt that Zubir’s City Council song was the perfect fit.
However, it needed some changes. Dr. Toh requested that the anthem be kept brief and simple so that it could be easily remembered and sung by people of all races.
Zubir Said edited the song himself, shortening the lyrics and tweaking the melody to create the version used today. It was decided that the anthem must be sung in its original Malay lyrics, as it is the indigenous language of the region.
Zubir was so proud of this honor. He even refused to accept any payment for writing the anthem, stating that the prestige itself was a sufficient reward.
The Legacy of Zubir Said
"Majulah Singapura" was officially performed as the national anthem on December 3, 1959, during the inauguration of Singapore’s first Malayan-born Head of State, Yusof bin Ishak. For Zubir Said, this was a deeply personal day.
Moreover, he also finally reconciled with his 101-year-old father, who traveled from Indonesia to witness his son's great achievement after being estranged for 30 years in Singapore.
The anthem’s lyrics call for the people of Singapore to progress toward happiness together and to unite with a new spirit. This message remains central to Singapore’s identity.
Over the years, the anthem has been updated for better sound quality. Furthermore, a new arrangement was launched in 2001 by composer Phoon Yew Tien to make it grander and more inspiring.
Zubir Said passed away in 1987 at the age of 80. He received many awards during his life, including the Public Service Star. Today, his name is honored through the Zubir Said Music Scholarship and the address of the School of the Arts (SOTA), which is located at 1 Zubir Said Drive.
