Music and Cultural Politics: Ideology and Resistance in Singapore

• Main Author: Kong, Lily
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 1995
• Subjects: Popular music; cultural politics; ideology; resistance; Singapore; Asian Studies; Music; Sociology of Culture
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/1865; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/soss_research/article/3122/viewcontent/Music_Cultural_Politics_av.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

This paper focuses on popular music written and produced by Singaporeans to illustrate the nature of social relationships based on ideological hegemony and resistance. Analysis is based on two groups of music: 'national' songs supported by the government in the 'Sing Singapore' programme; and songs brought together in Not the Singapore song book. Interviews with local lyricists and analysis of video productions provide supplementary information. Music is used by the ruling elite to perpetuate certain ideologies aimed at political socialization and to inculcate a civil religion that directs favour and fervour towards the nation. Music is also a form of cultural resistance against state policies and some social-cultural norms. Music embodies social commentaries on aspects of Singapore society, such as controversial government policies and the ostentatious lifestyle of many Singaporeans.