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Spotlight on Local Artists: Benjamin Kheng

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"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.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Rise to Stardom

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"With 'Espresso' climbing the Billboard Hot 100, Sabrina Carpenter proves that a decade of hard work pays off."

Sabrina Carpenter has firmly established herself as one of today’s biggest pop stars. With hits like “Espresso” making waves on the Billboard Hot 100 charts this year, her popularity has skyrocketed. Despite the appearance of sudden success, Sabrina’s journey to stardom has been a decade in the making. Sabrina has been actively releasing music for the past ten years, steadily cultivating her career and now, at last, earning the recognition she has worked so hard for.

Early Life and Career

Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter, born on May 11, 1999, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, has been under the spotlight her whole life. Even from a young age, Sabrina displayed a remarkable talent and a passion for performing. She honed her skills by taking lessons in singing, dancing, and acting, laying a strong foundation for her future career.

At around the age of ten, Sabrina began to share her talent with the world by posting videos of herself singing songs by Christina Aguilera and Adele on YouTube. These videos showcased her impressive vocal abilities and garnered her early attention. 

Sabrina’s first acting role came in 2011 when she landed a guest role on the NBC drama series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” This role marked the beginning of her journey in the acting world. Her big break came in 2013 when she was cast in the Disney Channel series “Girl Meets World.” This role catapulted her into the limelight and introduced her to a broader audience.

In addition to her acting career, Sabrina pursued her passion for music. Starting at sixteen, she released four albums over five years, including “Eyes Wide Open,” “Evolution,” “Singular: Act I,” and “Singular: Act II.” Remarkably, she managed to release these albums while balancing a thriving acting career.

The Breakthrough

In 2022, Sabrina Carpenter released her fifth studio album, Emails I Can’t Send, which marked a significant breakthrough in her career. The album debuted and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard 200, signalling her rising prominence in the music industry. With 18,000 album-equivalent units sold, it became her highest entry on the chart to date and garnered widespread recognition.

Emails I Can’t Send featured notable singles such as “Vicious” and “Nonsense,” which helped solidify Sabrina’s place in the pop music landscape. One of the bonus tracks, “Feather,” released as the final single in August 2023, achieved remarkable success. It peaked at number one on the US Pop Songs chart and reached number 21 on the Hot 100, further showcasing Sabrina’s growing popularity.

In June 2023, Sabrina Carpenter’s career hit another milestone when she was announced as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Latin America, Australia, and Singapore. This opportunity exposed her to a broader audience and cemented her status as a rising star in the global music scene. For ponderings on Taylor, check out Taylor Swift’s Songs in Literary Debate.

Continuing her momentum, Sabrina released a Christmas-themed EP titled Fruitcake on November 17, 2023. She followed this with the release of the single “Espresso” on April 11, 2024. The upbeat track quickly gained traction, receiving extensive radio play and spending weeks in the top 10 of the Hot 100 chart. “Espresso” is set to feature on her upcoming sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet, slated for release on August 23, 2024.

From Child Star to A-List Sensation

Sabrina Carpenter’s rise to fame has been anything but instantaneous. Her journey towards recognition took years, filled with the release of multiple albums, changes in record labels, and countless tour dates. Despite starting her career at the tender age of ten, it took significant time and effort for Sabrina to become a recognizable name in the entertainment industry.

From co-starring in the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World in 2014 to appearing in over 70 episodes of the series, Sabrina worked tirelessly to build her career. By the age of 25 she has not only established herself as a promising young talent but also as a seasoned veteran with extensive experience in the spotlight and several full-length albums to her name.

Developing a loyal fan base took time and dedication. Sabrina spent years cultivating her supporters, both as a beloved TV character and as a prolific singer and actor. Her current musical stylings reflect her growth and maturity, appealing more to an adult audience than her earlier teen-focused work. This evolution has broadened her appeal and solidified her position in the industry.

Sabrina Carpenter, once a former child star, has now ascended to A-list status. Her journey is a testament to her perseverance, talent, and hard work. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her bright future seems all but assured.

For more on popstar success stories, check out Olivia Rodrigo: From Disney Dreams to Global Popstar.

BTS: Pioneering a New Era of K-Pop

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"Young recruits don’t only have a lot to learn from BTS’ charitable contributions, this group of young men are also admired for their infallible work ethic. "

BTS has over 30 million followers at the time of writing, The #BTSArmy used to consist mostly of teenagers and young people, but data shows that a larger percentage of aged 24-35 have also enlisted, and this number is only growing. 

BTS debuted in 2013 with their album ‘2 Cool 4 Skool’. They didn’t exactly become popular right away, but their hit single ‘I NEED U’ propelled them to stardom. The group continues to write and produce their own songs often, and the undeniable vulnerability and emotion they bring to their music has captured hearts all over the world. 

Unlike many other celebrities who do not use their massive platforms for anything other than garnering attention or more fame, BTS have – thankfully – taken the path woefully less travelled. One of their wonderful contributions include the highly publicized ‘Love Myself’ campaign, which focuses on anti-violence, utilizing the hashtag #ENDViolence. Profits from album sales have gone to a plethora of social programmes supported by UNICEF Korea such as prevention of violence against children and teens as well as support programs for the victims of violence. As the first artists in Korea to raise funds for global campaigns, they have indeed made their mark in ways that inspire their legions of fans. 

Photo by UNICEF UK

In 2018, Suga sent gifts of Korean beef to 39 orphanages. An odd sounding contribution perhaps, except that it was from a promise having to be fulfilled. At a fan event in 2014, Suga asked fans, “What do you want to eat?” Fans responded that they wanted meat, and Suga made the promise then and there, “I’ll make a lot of money and buy meat for you.” While most celebrities – and the fans – would have brushed it off as a joke or a funny comment made in the moment, the 29 year old remembered, and made sure the contribution was meaningful by donating to orphanages under the name ‘ARMY’ as a dedication to fans. 

Young recruits don’t only have a lot to learn from BTS’ charitable contributions, this group of young men are also admired for their infallible work ethic. From their humble beginnings to present day, they reportedly continue to work on songs and music even while on tour, in hotels, planes and just about wherever and whenever they can squeeze time in. Most people expect young stars to be enjoying the money and the fame, and while surely BTS does so, they do it without sitting back comfortably, which assures fans that there are plenty of years left in this dynamic troupe.  

Celebrities often influence people, especially young ones in intense, sometimes irreversible ways. BTS often shows their army that they haven’t been recruited in vain, and that together, they will fight on and win life’s battles to come. 

Olivia Rodrigo: Disney Dreams to Global Popstar

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"Listening to her album feels like you're listening to her pour out her feelings just to you, in the most heartfelt manner."

A broken record for most streams in a day. Number 1 on the American Billboard singles chart. Number 1 in Britain and Number 1 in Singapore, along with millions of videos on TikTok with the soundtrack ‘Driver’s License’. With the single released in January 2021 and with an album that followed shortly after, Olivia Rodrigo has made quite the splash in the music world. Why is she so popular with young people today?

One of the reasons why teenagers, young adults and even older adults reminisce while listening to the songs is that the lyrics seem to come from a raw, real place. The singer has attributed her inspiration to her own life, to all the issues, anger and jealousies, sadness and confusion that often sums up a teenager’s life. What ended up rendering the album so incredibly popular was not just her sultry, easy on the ear vocals. Listening to her album feels like you’re listening to her pour out her feelings just to you, in the most heartfelt manner.

Photo by Grand Spanier

Indeed, Gen Z often stakes their claim to being the most real, raw, open-minded generation to show up so far. Rodrigo’s popularity can be attributed in part to this rawness, and the way the songs are sung, as if they are being read off the pages of a private diary. It forms an incredible connection between the song and the listener, as it sounds as if it could have come off of their own personal diaries. Lines like “She’s everything I’m insecure about” and “I just can’t imagine how you could be so okay now that I’m gone” from ‘Driver’s License’ really hit home. Almost everyone in the world has felt this way before at some point in their lives.

Rodrigo keeps the raw coming throughout the album, with songs like ‘Brutal’ where she sings about how “I feel like no one wants me, and I hate the way I’m perceived.” and ‘1 Step Forward 3 Steps Back’ where the line “never doubted myself so much. Like am I pretty? Am I fun, boy?” resonates. Every teenager has probably wondered at some point if they are attractive enough, fun enough, wanted enough or at all. Young adults (and sometimes the older ones too) continue to wonder these thoughts. The insecurities are written about without rhyme or wordplay. It is what is and what you see is what you get. Everything Gen Z claims to be about, in other words.

The popularity of the album portends great things for the young singer’s future, and a plucky move to launch her pop career by choosing to be herself instead of having cheery, upbeat love songs written by top lyricists has certainly paid off. Hopefully it has inspired many young listeners as well, to do what they are constantly striving to do, be themselves.

For more on popstar success stories, check out Taylor Swift’s Songs in Literary Debate, and Sabrina Carpenter’s Rise to Stardom.