"Benjamin Kheng’s heartfelt anthem 'Not Alone' has captured the nation’s heart as the soundtrack of Singapore’s 2024 National Day celebrations."
At the heart of Singapore’s National Day celebrations for 2024, the theme song titled “Not Alone” has captured the nation’s attention and affection. Released on May 23, the song quickly became a social media sensation, resonating deeply with many. The talented artist behind this powerful anthem is Benjamin Kheng, whose compelling performance and heartfelt lyrics have made a significant impact.
The Early Life
Benjamin Kheng Wen Ming, born on August 15, 1990, has had a dynamic and diverse journey from a young age. From as early as six, he was immersed in the world of swimming, showcasing remarkable talent as a national youth swimmer. His dedication to the sport was evident through years of rigorous training.
Benjamin’s educational journey began at Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) and continued through Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). His passion for sports and academics led him to the Singapore Sports School, where he honed his skills both in and out of the pool. After completing his schooling, he pursued higher education at Republic Polytechnic, earning a diploma in Arts and Theatre Management. This blend of rigorous training and academic excellence laid the foundation for his future career in the arts.
Rising Career
At just 18, Benjamin Kheng was determined to make his mark in the arts. He was auditioning for every theatre play and music gig he could find, eager to find his place. It was during this time that a lecturer noticed his enthusiasm and creativity. Recognising his potential, they helped him land a job as a part-time DJ on Lush 99.5FM. This role gave Benjamin the chance to meet and interview many of his musical heroes, a significant milestone in his budding career.
A few years later, Benjamin joined the folk band The Sam Willows. As the band’s keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and vocalist, he played a crucial role in their success. The Sam Willows made a notable impact with their music but went on hiatus in 2019. This provided Benjamin with the opportunity to focus on his solo career.
From 2019 to 2021, Benjamin released a series of singles including “They’re Wicked,” “Find Me,” “Lovers Forever,” “Make Do,” and “Fresh Feelings.” In 2023, he launched his latest album, Gloomy Boogie, showcasing his growth as an artist. Alongside his music, Benjamin has been actively involved in writing, directing, and producing comedy and musical shorts.
He co-created “The BenZi Project,” a popular online comedy sketch series on YouTube, with Singaporean YouTuber Hirzi Zulkiflie. As an advocate for youth and social causes, Benjamin also shared his experiences with depression, anxiety, and synesthesia in a TEDxYouth talk, demonstrating his commitment to using his platform for meaningful discussions.
A Singaporean Star
In August 2024, Benjamin Kheng achieved a significant milestone by being chosen to sing the theme song for Singapore’s National Day Parade. Titled “Not Alone,” Kheng not only performed the song but also wrote the lyrics himself. The track quickly gained widespread acclaim on social media, garnering over 2 million views and more than 1,750 comments on YouTube within just two months of its release.
The lyrics of “Not Alone” resonate deeply with this year’s National Day theme: “Together, As One United People.” The official music video complements the song with visuals that blend images of Singapore’s past and present, capturing the essence of the nation’s journey. For Kheng, the song is a “love letter to Singapore,” featuring familiar lyrical themes that evoke nostalgia and a sense of unity.
In an interview about the song and his love for Singapore, Kheng humorously mentioned how, despite occasional bickering, Singaporeans come together fiercely when faced with external challenges. He likened this spirit to a “Singaporean megazord of fury and sass,” joking about the local pride in defending beloved dishes like laksa.
Kheng’s local hero is Julian Wong, a distinguished Singaporean artist known for his contributions as a music director, violinist, pianist, vocalist, and composer. Wong’s influence is evident in Kheng’s work, reflecting a deep respect for Singapore’s rich artistic heritage.
Discover more inspiring Singaporean stories— check out George Goh Ching Wah: The Successful Journey from Factory Sweeper to Billionaire.
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