Xinyao makes its debut as a stand-alone segment at Chingay 45

This year’s Chingay will be the first ever Chingay to bring in Xinyao, also known as Singapore music, as one of the main segments to reminisce the past to Singaporeans. It was held at F1 Pit Building.

 

One of the songs that would be played is a title track from Lian Wern Fook’s 1990 album named Xin Jia Po Pai which will be performed by People’s Association (PA) in the fifth segment; On the move - Travelling Dance. There would be 25 contingents to present their mission and cause that will contribute to Singapore as a strong and better nation.

 

The theme of the Community Travelling Dance contingent is We Care for the Present - Our Mission and Our Cause. This segment stands out as the common dance routine for the first half of the song, displays the strong bonds that are being fostered over the period of practice.

 

Every performance from each segment has their own unique meanings. The beauty of the act in the fifth segment is that performers from different walks of life and age groups come together and enjoy the moment.

 

Past years Xinyao songs are being used as the performance music. “Spectators are able to see a variety of aspects from the performance such as multi-cultural and energetic acts,” said Miss Siti Nur Diyana Binte Mohamed Firdous, 25, Senior Manager of Course and Interest Group Development.

 

Not only was there significance in the performance but even the costumes to the smallest things like the props had an essence behind it.

 

“With each of us performing with an umbrella, that can only signify Unity through rain or shine,” said Soo Mei Fei, 19, a performer from Indian Classical Dance. The umbrella, which is being used as a prop, symbolise unity and delivers the theme of the segment.

 

However, Xin Jia Po Pai which is included in Chingay performance is one of the Xinyao. Singapore went through a lot of challenges from a third world country until today, as a first world country. Xinyao would allow Singaporeans to reminisce about the past of Singapore.

 

Another reason why Xinyao is meaningful to Singaporeans as Mei Fei said: “Since Xinyao is unique to Singapore and the lyrics are often about life within the country, it sparks memories of Singapore’s past.” Xinyao’s tunes are easily recognised and it is written by locals.

 

Even though Xinyao was developed in Singapore’s Chinese music scene, many races in Singapore participated in Chingay 45.

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By Nor Zafirah and Gan Qian Rou