It’s that time of the year again when dressing in anything red and white is de rigueur. The National Day Parade at the Marina Bay floating platform and all its frills might be over but the celebration. In the spirit of celebrating all things local, we have decided to spotlight individuals who have made their mark in Singapore and/or overseas.
Our first artiste needs no introduction. Singaporean-Indian rapper Yung Raja has made a mark on the global stage, a moment of pride for us all. With smashing hits like Mami, The Dance Song and Mad Blessings, Yung Raja manages to have fans reciting his songs like a chant as he raps in English and Tamil in this unique musical landscape. We caught up with Singapore’s home-bred artist about his upbringing, putting Singapore on the map while keeping in touch with his cultural roots, favourite food, and pretty much all things local.
What are your fondest memories of Singapore thus far?
I’d definitely say the little things. Growing up as a Singaporean and having the opportunity to witness my South Indian immigrant family enjoy life as a Singaporean… down to the food and the places we go. Seeing this city through their lens is truly a blessing because this is the life of their dreams.
How does it feel to be getting back out there performing after the pandemic-induced pause?
It feels surreal. I'm reminded once again to never take this life for granted. Being on stage in front of people that came to see you... knowing the words to your songs. Words can never really explain that feeling. Truly blessed.
List some of your favourite eateries in Singapore that Time Out readers should try out, and why.
MTR at Serangoon Road – it has the best podi thosais, one of my favourite dishes growing up.
Courtallam Briyani at Rowell Road – for the best South Indian kothu prata (chopped prata).
Ah Chew desserts at Novena – something I crave often. It’s not too sweet and it slaps.
The Maha Co. at Nexus building, Fusionopolis – for thosai tacos that I often have. It’s my cafe but trust me this isn’t a shameless plug. I do have thosai tacos two to three times a week.
Two Men Bagel House – the best bagels ever for me. I have them for breakfast often, especially after a crazy night out.
Describe your perfect day out in Singapore.
A day out with family, somewhere out in nature that ends with dinner at a nice spot!
In one of the interviews you had, you mentioned that you were questioning who you really are as a “Tamilian in Singapore” and went through a “cultural shock.” Could you tell us more about that? How do you overcome it and/or manage to blend two worlds through music?
Growing up as a first-generation Tamilian in Singapore has been such a beautiful experience because I got to experience both worlds – the Singaporean life and the traditional Indian life, and for me, these two worlds have always been intertwined and inseparable.
I could never quite verbalise this experience of duality, but becoming a musician led to many moments of realisation for me. My way of expression taught me everything I need to understand about myself. I’m a Tanglish boy. I think and speak in Tamil and English – something that’s unique to Singapore as well. And I embrace that with all my heart. I used to feel like I’m neither here nor there, but music allowed me to make sense of everything.
Are there any pivotal records, labels, figures or clubs that made you realise that you really want to be in the music industry?
When I met Fariz Jabba, he told me to stop everything else and just focus on rapping. He saw something in the game when I didn’t myself. When I started working in Cherry as a hype man I realised just how badly I wanna be in the music space. I understood just how deeply my love for hip hop is then. When I met Lineath, the first ever producer I worked with, he instilled belief in me and pointed me in the direction of rapping in Tamil and English.
When I met Shorya (riidem) he invested so much of his time in the studio producing me, mentoring me and making sure he was there for me as a close collaborator in music always. When I met Zeke (flightsch) he showed me the path of what I can be.. what we can do together. Not only did he sign me but he moulded me into the artiste I am today. These were some of the most pivotal times in my life that made me not only realise my purpose but to move with purpose. My goal is to live out my truest potential and really take Singapore’s music industry to new heights with my team. We are just getting started.
What are some of the things from your upbringing, culture and lifestyle that have influenced you or your sound?
Kollywood cinema, Tamil movies and songs. South Indian culture – from food to fashion. They shaped me for the majority of my childhood.
Growing up as a first generation Tamilan in Singapore has been such a beautiful experience because I got to experience both sides of the worlds - the Singaporean life and the traditional Indian life.
How do you think your music changes people?
I’m here to spread love and light through everything I do and music as well. That’s my ultimate goal. Touch people's lives in a positive way and show em’ what’s possible. I’m here to inspire the youth... no one handed this to us. We didn’t have anything five years ago. We had to build it ourselves and that story is powerful. This is the story of nothing to something and it’s just getting started. That’s the energy I’m here to spread.
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