Singapore – Renowned Indian composer A R Rahman has been appreciated by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam for uplifting local musicians by working closely with them and helping them gain international exposure. In a recent post shared on social media, President Tharman commended Rahman’s efforts in promoting Singapore’s homegrown music scene.
President Tharman highlighted how Rahman, popularly known as ARR, has made a significant impact on Singapore’s multicultural music landscape by partnering with various local talents. “A R Rahman has provided our musicians with remarkable exposure over the years,” he remarked, as reported by The Straits Times. “Our Indian music and cultural artists, whether rooted in classical traditions or exploring modern styles, represent a unique part of our multicultural identity.”
He named several Singaporean artists who have collaborated with Rahman, including rapper-songwriter duo Lady Kash and Krissy, singer-musician Shabir, and rapper Yung Raja. One of their notable collaborations is “Wanna Mash Up?”, a track Rahman created with Lady Kash and Krissy for the 2014 Bollywood film Highway.
President Tharman also shared that Singapore was the first country Rahman visited outside India during the 1980s. The music maestro had even purchased his early instruments from well-known Singaporean music stores such as Swee Lee and City Music—both of which continue to thrive today.
In his post, Tharman also shared photos from his meeting with the Grammy-winning and Oscar-honored artist during Rahman’s recent visit to Singapore on May 10 and 11. The occasion marked the premiere of Le Musk, Rahman’s directorial debut—a 37-minute multi-sensory virtual reality film currently being screened at Golden Village Suntec City until August 12.
Le Musk combines immersive technologies including VR visuals, scent-based storytelling, music, and haptic feedback. The experience allows the audience to sit in custom-designed egg-shaped chairs equipped with scent dispensers while watching the film through VR headsets.
Rahman has performed several times in Singapore across various iconic venues such as the National Stadium (August 31, 2024), Gardens by the Bay (2014), Singapore Indoor Stadium (2005), and Marina Bay Sands (2011), further strengthening his cultural connection with the country.
