Don’t Call Him Mr Mari Kita

Zubir Said made history with his music. In 1958, he composed Majulah Singapura – the iconic song that has galvanised our nation, and is still sung all over the island to this very day. But there is so much more to Zubir Said’s remarkable career than the song that has come to define it.

Intent on pursuing his dream of becoming a musician, he defied his father’s wishes and left his village in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, to settle in Singapore. Over 40 years, he became one of the pioneers of Singapore’s nascent music industry – composing close to 1,500 songs as well as countless film scores. Later in his life, Zubir Said dedicated all his energies to teaching children how to read, play and love music.

Wild Rice invites you to come and meet the man behind the melody we all know by heart. In this joyful, moving and inspiring celebration of Zubir Said’s life and legacy, Julian Wong – one of Singapore’s most acclaimed music directors – pays loving tribute to his teacher’s teacher. Directed with keen insight and visual flair by Cultural Medallion winner Ivan Heng, this production incorporates archival footage from Singapore’s golden age of cinema and stunning period costumes to evoke the style and glamour of a 1960s television variety show.

Accompanied by some of Singapore’s most accomplished musicians and young vocalists, Julian will bring you the best of Zubir Said’s songbook – from beloved classics like Semoga Bahagia, Sayang Disayang and Orang Singapura, to rare musical gems long thought to have been lost forever.

You’ll never sing ‘Mari Kita’ in the same way again!