Few things evoke the magic of the festive season quite like music. From timeless classics that have echoed through generations to the contemporary hits that ignite the holiday spirit, music possesses an unparalleled ability to transport us to a world of joy, wonder, and togetherness.
In Singapore, what qualifies as ‘festive music’ goes far beyond the traditional. Thanks to the rich diversity of culture and ethnicity on the island, the magic of this joyous time is captured in an eclectic tapestry of music from all parts of the world.
To showcase this, Vogue Singapore calls on a diverse band of 12 of our brightest local artists to each pick one song that reflects what this season means to them. As a result, a kaleidoscopic variety of responses have come together in an idiosyncratic playlist perfect for queuing up at any party.—spanning local music (Benjamin Kheng picks out Linying’s new release ‘Happiness’ as his latest obsession) to the songs that set the rhythm for our childhood (Yung Raja reminisces the golden era of Kollywood through iconic Tamil song ‘Where is the Party’).
Meanwhile, Weish looks to Nigerian artist Obongjayar for her pick. “His entire discography is wild and artful, so rooted in culture yet so contemporary. And great for dancing, of course.” What more is there to say? Welcome to 12 days of Christmas—the local artists edition.
1 / 12
Shye: 'Ring of Past' by Men I Trust
“I won’t be home this Christmas and will be away from my family and loved ones for the next couple of months, so this song about finding solitude through cherished memories. It brings comfort to me and hopefully it can do the same for others.”
2 / 12
Abangsapau: 'Name of God' by Mustafa
“The festive season to me is all about warmth, remembrance, family, reflection, love and grief. This song is a perfect encapsulation of that to me—a cozy, safe place.”
3 / 12
Linying: 'Remember' by Harry Nilsson
“The most wonderful time of the year is also the most melancholic for me. Something about the irrationality of festivities reminds me that there really is no meaning but that which you make. This song reminds me how temporal everything is. It makes sense that wonder and melancholia are inextricably tied to one another. Merry Christmas, nothing lasts forever…”
4 / 12
Lullaboy: 'Come Away With Me' by Norah Jones
“This song feels like letting go of the whole year’s anxiety and being thankful for the little things.”
5 / 12
Tabitha Nauser: 'The Christmas Song' by Nat King Cole
“My parents and grandparents love jazz and so I have so many memories of them playing jazz classics around Christmas time. Nat King Cole has always been a favourite of mine—his voice is as smooth as butter.”
6 / 12
Charlie Lim: 'O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus' by Mariah Carey and Patricia Carey
“This is a song I’ve known since I was a child. It’s triumphant but also simple, with a strong melody. There are quite a few arrangements and versions out there. I’ll be performing it with the Victoria Chorale at Gardens by the Bay on the 16 December, and it’ll be arranged by my good friend and conductor Ang Shao-Wen.”
7 / 12
Benjamin Kheng: 'Happiness' by Linying
“Every festive song is naughty or nice—this is both. I’m obsessed with this song and you should be too.”
8 / 12
Yung Raja: 'Where is the Party' by Mukesh, Priyadarshini, and Yuvan Shankar Raja
“This is my go-to record for turning up. It’s one of the littiest Tamil songs I have ever heard and always gives me good vibration. 10 out of 10 recommended if you’re trying to get crunk [sic].”
9 / 12
Rene: 'Orion’s Apartment' by Aeriqah
“This is a song about the warmth that friendship and love can bring, which is something I think many of us are reminded of especially during the festive season.”
10 / 12
Weish: 'Message in a Hammer' by Obongjayar
“I’ve been obsessed with Nigerian artist Obongjayar the past couple of years. His entire discography is wild and artful, yet accessible and fun. So rooted in culture yet so contemporary… and great for dancing, of course.”
11 / 12
Iman Fandi: 'Greedy' by Tate McRae
“It’s a nice throwback into the early days of pop and a great pick-me-up song.”
12 / 12
Kit Chan: 'The Christmas Song' by Kit Chan
“The Christmas Song, also sometimes called Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, is my absolute favourite Christmas song because it encapsulates the cosy mood of the season so well, without sounding too tacky or religious. I was so happy to finally release my own version of it.”
