最初的夢

I was thankful to receive an invitation to attend a Chinese music event at the MediaCorp Theatre last night. It was the filming session for the first 2 episodes of the S-pop contests.

I've not been following the news or watching the TV, but I am guessing that S-pop is the 新謠 of the new generation of youths today (no doubt inspired by J-pop, K-pop..)

Anyway, it must have been at least 20 years since the 新謠 movement was first started by some group of young and aspiring composers and singers in colleges. How time flies!

I still remember owning my first 新謠 cassette tape "最初的夢" during my college days. It even featured a song sung by a fellow schoolmate in college!

Well, I am glad that the movement is being "revived" in some ways here.

I suppose this upcoming series of S-pop contests are meant to provide a platform for aspiring youths to step forward with their original compositions, and to recognise and celebrate songwriting talents in Singapore.

Enough of "Super Star" singers. It's time to shine the spotlight on the composers. The first 2 episodes serve as an intro, and showcase the pioneers of Singapore Pop, the people who started it all 20 years ago.

Many chinese music fans here will tell you proudly that many local talents have been going places, and there've been numerous Singaporeans who have actually contributed significantly to the success stories in the chinese music scene in recent years.

Last night, it was a real pleasant surprise to see so many 新謠 veterans gather at one single location, especially after all these years. (Not even money can buy this, the female host cheekily said, in between takes. There were some banters off camera that provided comic relief. In fact, there were also a couple of interesting N.G. takes that you probably won't get to see on TV. One singer was spotted lip-synching. One singer sang off rhythm and asked to re-sing. The hosts tripped on their words several times, and did retakes... )

The turnout of these veterans is extremely meaningful because they are here to lend support in a bid to groom the next generation of unsung heroes behind the glamour of the performers today.

Seeing them again and hearing them perform their signature tunes and those familiar songs indeed bring back lots of fond memories from college and university days.

Admittedly, age has taken its toll on these 前輩 who have obviously lost their youthful looks, but that does not take away the spirits in the songs, and the verve in the voices.

It only serves as a cruel reminder that 歲月催人老，time and tide wait for no man. We all have to eventually face up to the reality of old age, and to learn to accept the loss of our youth gradually.

Feeling worn out after sitting through hours of filming, my friend and I reluctantly walked out of the theatre past 12 midnight, knowing that we would have to miss certain lineup of artistes scheduled for the later part of the filming.

"Aiyah.. Old already," my friend sighed, on our way out.

S-pop will be making its TV premiere sometime in end of November. If you are a fan of 新謠, you won't want to miss it.

Support local talents. Let their dreams take flight!