Singapore HeritageFest 2009 :: English Concert :: Performers Biography

Iskander Ismail

• Iskandar is an accomplished musician and a much sought-after composer, producer, music arranger, music director, conductor and orchestrator. Iskandar has composed and arranged music for local and foreign artistes of leading record companies, including Dick Lee, Jimmy Ye, Jacintha Abishegenaden, Andy Lau, Sandy Lam, Chang Hui Mei and Aaron Kwok.
• Named by Malay daily Berita Harian as the Achiever of the Year in 2003, he is one of the rare few who can cross genres at will - from a pop gig to a classical concert to a mega show.
• Iskandar has been involved in various international collaborations, conducting the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Malaysia’s Istana Budaya Orchestra, Xiamen’s Song & Dance Theatre Orchestra, and the National Opera & Ballet of China orchestra that accompanied famous American Jazz vocal group Manhattan Transfer in the opening segment for A Nation Connects ’97. He has also created orchestral arrangements for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra for major concert events including SSO Goes Pop (2000), featuring Singapore talent Mavis Hee and Tanya Chua.
• As Singapore’s leading music arranger, he has composed and arranged for the Singapore National Day Parade since 1988-2000 / 2004 and worked as Music Director/Composer on the 1st WTO Show in 1996. Iskandar’s theatre credits include creating orchestral arrangements for a number of Singapore musicals such as Kampong Amber, Sing to The Dawn, Hot Pants, Twist Of Fate and Chang and Eng. He has also arranged and orchestrated the music for the much acclaimed Dick Lee’s/Jackie Cheung’s musical Snow.Wolf.Lake in 1997 in Hong Kong, Admiral’s Odyssey and Man of Letters.

Wendi Koh

• Described as a "livewire" by the press, Wendi has dazzled her audiences with slick dance moves, powerful vocals and her "I-feel-good!" stage presence. This hyperactive artiste has toured extensively throughout South-East Asia and graced most of the major night clubs in Singapore with her explosive acts. Her talents extend to music and vocal arrangement and production, as well as voice instruction and vocal performance training.
• She's done popular TV shows both as an actor and as an entertainer, plus performed for countless major corporate and national events. Wendi recorded "Uniquely You" (the music video aired pre and post-parade at NDP '04) the theme song written by Ken Low for Singapore Tourism Board's Global Launch of "Uniquely Singapore" (the widely publicised re-branding of Singapore) and performed headlined a Singaporean ensemble together with Kumar in Berlin, Germany.
• She also sang 'Gutsy Girl accompanied by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in April 2004 for SSO's 25th Anniversary Gala Ball.

Rahimah Rahim

• Rahimah Abdul Rahim the eldest daughter of singer/musician Mr.Rahim Hamid(well known as Nat King Cole of Singapore) and Ms.Mariam Baharom (well known silver screen malay actress in Singapore & Malaysia in the 50's and 60's.
• One of the most well-respected veteran singers in Singapore’s music industry.
• Despite having her start in show business from acting in a Malay movie at the tender age of six, Rahimah says that her singer-musician father was the one who inspired and sparked her interest in singing.
• She’s never looked back ever since and released her 12th Malay album in 2006.
• Despite taking a ‘pause’ from singing some 20 years ago due to "family matters", it is evident that Rahim has not loss her immense passion for singing.
• She performed for many television shows in Singapore such as Final of Singapore Idol 2006, President Star Charity 2008, Don't Forget the Lyrics, Judging Suria Anugerah 2007 and also acting for many malay dramas produced by Eaglevision Suria Channel 'Anak Metropoliten', 'Atas Heights', '2x5 Dol' and many more.
• In 2009, she got a role to act in Malay drama 8 episodes title 'Adam Khawin Siapa‘, produced by I-media and Mda. And also will be acting in one of the new seasons of 'First Class' produce by Mediacorp Channel 5.

Paul Ponnudorai

• Paul Ponnudorai's uniqueness, skill & maturity in approaching music is embedded in his geographical roots.
• Being Malaysian by birth, being of Indian heritage, and being trilingual, Paul represents both as a person and a musician the point of conjunction between East and West.
• He is a man of rare intelligence, wisdom, and broad knowledge, with a cross-cultural view of the world. Without a doubt these qualities surface in his music, whose origins can equally be traced to Southern India, London and Nashville. It is refreshing to notice how many seemingly unrelated influences can go into Paul's playing and singing, always in the most spontaneous and sincere way.

Jack & Rai (EIC)

• Popular cover band EIC is led by Jack and Rai who have come a long way since they first met as solo musicians in 2000. After a five-years collaboration as a cover band, Jack and Rai presented their first album of orginal music "in stores now" in 2008. The two chaps with a modest mission to share presents their charismatic, fun-loving and smooth performance style that will you over even before the first song ends. Their latest achieve was to pen Singapore’s 50 years of self government's theme song “State of Mine”.

Alemay Fernandez

• Born and raised in Singapore, Alemay is no stranger to performing having started at the age of 4. With a diploma in Mass Communication and a degree in Advertising, this multi-talented 28-yr-old chose to pursue her passion for performing and hasn’t looked back since.
• Infamous for her sultry vocal styling and gutsy personality, Alemay’s unmistakable warmth on stage has made her one of the most unique performers in her field.
• She started doing voiceovers at the age of 10 and now does voiceovers for local commercials such as Canon, L’Oreal and Dove chocolate. Her first professional stage performance was at age 11 as Louis Von Trapp in STARS production of The Sound of Music and she went on to do many more stage performances such as Singapore Repertory Theatre’s (SRT) Ah Kong’s Birthday Party and The Snow Queen which was nominated for Best Ensemble Cast at the 2006 DBS Life! Theatre Awards. For the last 4 years, she has also been directing Secondary Schools and Junior Colleges for the Singapore Youth Festival Drama Competitions.

Clement Chow

• In 1986, Clement’s biggest break come in the form of “Count on me Singapore”, the first National sing a- long song. He was the 1st Singaporean to ever sing a national song, solo. It was commissioned by then DPP Goh Chok Tong (currently Senior Minister of Singapore). The song sold over 150,000 copies & was aired in cinemas for 1,500 times.
• This led to a flurry of activities in the next 3years where he was a “singing ambassador” to many Singapore related events both locally & overseas.
• In 1989, he started his own company doing music productions & in over 10 years, this has grown to a joint venture currently managing musical events, concert promotions/ touring shows, musical productions, recording for albums, , music & event training for corporate & government related ministries.
• He is a member of the International Special Events Society.
• Clement has sung/ written & produced countless of songs, musicals, music events & concerts for Government ministries, corporate companies, schools, shopping centers & commercial jingles both locally, overseas & still is expanding his horizons both in skill & opportunities.

Melissa Tham

• Known as a petite jazz singer with a big voice, Melissa serenades audiences with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Diana Krall etc. Many have been attracted to the authenticity of her phrasing and vocal style and describe her performances as mature and effortless.
• Melissa is also singing with an all-female acapella group in Singapore NANU, performing at venues like Esplanade Concourse, Sentosa and various schools. With a demand for more from her regular clientale and supporters, Melissa is currently in preparation for a live recording and a jazz album.

Richard Jackson

• Richard Jackson was born and raised in Cincinnati. Richard first began to sing when he was dared to enter the High School talent show. Because Richards father was a singer, Richard witnessed talent up close. His father taught Richard everything he knew, and Richard credits hisfather for his talent. Richard went on to major in voice. There Richard was trained in classical music and developed a great love for jazz.
• Richard studied music in college for 2 years at Central State University under the direction of William HenryColdwell. While attending Central State University, it was apparent that Richard was no ordinary talent. Professors were amazed at his unspoken ability, his humble nature and his quick study work ethics. Richard was respected and admired, by all that worked beside him.
• Richard began singing locally around the Cincinnati area, developing quite a name for himself. Being compared to the legends Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Barry White and Ronald Isley was enough to keep Richard singing and pursuing his dream. Richard has worked in company with many in the industry such as Chris Jasper Isley, Midnight Star, opening for artist, Peabo Bryson, Tuck and Patti, Regina Belle and countless others. He has developed a very unique and well respected craft, as a vocalist and writer and arranger.

Jat Ali

• Jatt Ali is a legendary household name in Singapore’s rock music scene, a recording artist, composer, singer and drummer.
• A current member of ministry of rock who have just released their album.

Affendi Sahid

• 1997 was the year when Fendi started exploring the music scene in Singapore and from then since, he continued seeking experience involving music and impart musical talent and skill to inquiring minds.On 24th October 2007, Fendi was made the winner through public votes in a national reality tv singing competition called 'LIVE THE DREAM' broadcasted on Channel 5 Mediacorp Tv station.Since then, Fendi has gone from strength to strength both as a solo artist and as part of his own loosely-strung outfit, Fuze Collective.
• Fendi has collaborated with numerous artists/musicians locally and also abroad. To name a few from his collaboration class acts are Paul Ponnudorai (guitar maestro/Malaysia), Mr. Moon (producer/songwriter) from The Sonicroom, Dj Kaye (CosaNostra), Rahman (The Bushmen) and Manu Katche (Sting/Peter Gabriel/London Symphony Orchestra), a sessionist drummer.
• Fendi's love for Soul and Jazz has branched into adventures with dance music. A Soul RnB and Jazz influenced singer, Fendi's roots have led him to play with today's most modern sound - electronic music. Fendi is a believer in spontaneity, which he knows can be achieved when working with DJs and not just only musicians.
• Beside live performances, Fendi is very active in jingle recordings for media and advertising. His most familiar clients are Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, Broadcast Asia, Mediacorp, Chemistry, Turntable Music, DigiPost and Schtung Music.

Aya Sekine

• Born in Osaka Japan, Aya’s childhood was divided between Singapore and Japan until 1990. Her study of piano and intensive ear training began at only five years old and this has been the major influence in her life ever since.
• In 1990 Aya earned her High School Diploma as well as several Outstanding Music Awards when she graduated from the Singapore American High School. To further her musical studies, Aya relocated to Boston, Massachusetts and studied at Berklee College of Music (1990-1994). During this time she was introduced to and fell in love with Jazz by listening to and playing with many great musicians from all over the world. After obtaining her diploma she relocated to the music capital of the world, New York City.
• Aya has an extremely accomplished work experience record, having performed with many world class musicians. A few examples being bassist Leo Traversa (Ivan Lins), Brazilian bassist Sergio Brandao who performs regularly at Zincbar (Tania Maria, Herbie Mann), drummer Bruce Cox (Sonny Rollins), Japanese Trumpeter Terumasa Hino, Tenor saxophonist Dale Barlow (Art Blakey and Jazz Messengers, Ceder Walton), trumpeter Damon Brown, an amazing trumpeter and composer from UK and... more.
• Both in 2005 and 2006, Aya was invited to perform at the Mosaic Music Festival at the Esplanade. For the first year, she performed completely organic improvisations with the well known saxophonist Boon Chye. The unit is called MODAL and was also invited to perform at YAMAHA Grandpiano Fair at Suntec Convention Centre in last September. This year, she performed in her own Jazz piano trio Captain Bebop, which turned out to be a bigger success than anyone could imagine!!!
• Aya has collaborated with many, the most recent being with experimental sound creator Phillip Tan, dancer Daniel K, a young and enigmatic poet YUN and famed kinetic sculptor Masato Tanaka from Japan at Sculpture Square in Singapore in April 2005. She has also been accompanying the contemporary dance classes at LaSalle-SIA Art College. With this depth of experience and wide range of influences Aya is an extremely talented, experimental and ambitious musician, able to play in a range of styles whilst adding her own unique touch.

Faridah Dollah

• She was the winner of the popular English Talentime ran by Singapore Broadcasting Corporation in the early years.
• In 1980, she won and that was the year which launched her into her singing career.
• Her winning song was "Shame, Shame, Shame" and it was an excellent top notch performance.
• Between the years 1983 to 1985, she started to perform in Neptune Theatre and the famous Kasbah at the top of Mandarin Hotel in Orchard Road.
• After those stints in Singapore, Faridah moved to Scandinavia in 1986 to perform for a long while and gained much experience singing all over the country till 1992.
• Upon her return, she started singing in Raffles Hotel at the Long Bar and since then it’s been already 17 years and she is now an icon and a real presence there.

Jeremy Yeo

• Jeremy Yeo started playing the drums at the age of 14. He started out as a church drummer for a couple of years and later studied with some of Singapore's well known drummers namely the late great Edmond Branson Jr., Jimmy Lee and Anthony Fong. He also recently studied under one of Asia's in demand studio drummer Gary Gideon from Malaysia. Jeremy is known as a versatile drummer and percussionist covering various styles of music like pop, rock, swing jazz, funk, latin and gospel.
• Currently, Jeremy is the drummer for well known band TIMMY (aka Ngak & Clement), "The Singapore Jazz Orchestra", "The Willow Quartet", "Blue Monks Jazz Band" and Jazz Funk Band "Reverse Gravity".
• Drumming
  
  • First drummer of "The UnExpected Band" 2002
  • Xin Yao Esplanade Beautiful Sunday Concert 2004
  • TIMMY BAND aka Ngak & Clement 2009
  • SAF Music & Drama Company 2003-2006
  • Children of God Music since 2002
  • Russ Lee 2005
  • The Assemblies of God
  • Michael Battersby 2009
  • The Singapore Jazz Orchestra
  • The Willow Quartet
  • Blue Monks
  • Reverse Gravity
  • RiverLife Church
  • Celebration of Life - tribute concert for the late Edmond Branson Jr. 2004
• Yamaha Asian Beat Best Drummer Award 2004
  
  • "Yours Truly" Wedding Band
• Percussion
  
  • The North Central Band 2006
  • Paradise Church Worship Band 2007
  • FLYBAR Album Launch Esplanade Recital Studio 2008