Notes

_Zubir Said_

(https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_115_2005-01-19.html)

(Indonesia)

born. 22 July 1907

lived in.Bukittinggi, Minangkabau, Sumatra, Indonesia

died. 16 November 1987

Zubir Said was the composer of the Singapore national anthem, “Majulah Singapura”

retirement in 1964

All this time, Zubir’s father, who regarded music as against the Muslim religion, was strongly against Zubir’s musical aspirations. As Indonesia was a Dutch colony then, his father had wanted him to become an officer either in the Dutch army or Dutch administration, or take over as village chieftain and marry four wives. Zubir, however, was determined to pursue his interest in music.

(Singapore)

In 1928,Zubir left Indonesia for Singapore in a cargo boat

Upon his arrival in Singapore in 1928, Zubir joined a bangsawan troupe as a violinist, and was subsequently recruited by a recording company as a recording supervisor in 1936.

In 1941, Zubir brought his two wives and three young daughters out of Singapore to escape from the Japanese invasion. He returned to his birthplace, Bukittinggi, which was later occupied by the Japanese as well. He then formed a performing group with several musicians and singers, and they were kept busy entertaining Japanese soldiers

Upon his return to Singapore in 1947, Zubir worked as a freelance photographer for two years

In 1949, he was introduced to the film industry, with a job to compose songs for Malay films produced by Shaw Brothers

(Contributions)

In 1958, Zubir wrote the music and lyrics for “Majulah Singapura” as the official song of the City Council of Singapore, before he became a Singapore citizen in 1967.With a strong sense of patriotism towards Singapore, he refused to accept payment from the government for writing the song

“Majulah Singapura” was formally presented to the people of Singapore as the state national anthem on 3 December 1959

(https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/zubir-said/story)