Best buskers in Singapore and where to see them in action

With the ease of restrictions, we are finally seeing more buskers performing on the streets of Singapore.

A handful of them have managed to gain a loyal following and if you’re hoping to know more local talents and to catch them in action, here are some of the most well-received buskers and where you can usually catch their performance.

Busking has been an integral part of the Singapore culture. The performers help to make the streets more vibrant with their lively music performances and the boisterous cheers from the crowd.

Note that the buskers may not get a performing slot until closer to the intended performance date, so we highly recommend that you follow their socials for updates!

Best buskers in Singapore

Gold Melody

Old is gold and this is especially true when it comes to the classic tunes of yesteryears.

If you’ve grown up listening to what your parents have been grooving to, then you’ll probably enjoy the repertoire by Gold Melody.

The duo is made up of Nobi, a vocal and performance instructor who has sat on the judging panel of several singing competitions, and Xavier, who is also the keyboardist for well-known singer-songwriter Dick Lee.

Gold Melody performs Chinese, Cantonese, and Hokkien songs from the ‘60s to the late ‘90s. These are songs such as Phil Chang’s (张宇) 1993’s hit Yong Xin Liang Ku (用心良苦) and Jody Chiang’s (江蕙) signature Hokkien number Keh Ao (家后). The audience also particularly love Nobi’s rendition of A-Mei’s (张惠妹) Yuan Lai Ni Shen Me Dou Bu Xiang Yao (原来你什么都不想要) and Wo Ke Yi Bao Ni Ma (我可以抱你吗).

Nobi has a unique stage presence and performance style that is approachable and entertaining, which attracts both younger audiences and those who grew up with the evergreen songs he’s performing.

Gold Melody’s next performing slots will be on the following dates and venues (accurate at the time of writing):

• 11 February (Sat), 7pm to 9pm, open space in front of Wisma Atria
• 18 February (Sat), 7pm to 10pm, open space between S11 Food Centre and Jubilee Square

You can also view their updated performance slots here.

Jason Yu

You’ll probably already have seen Jason Yu perform if you frequent Orchard Road before the pandemic. He used to perform there almost weekly at the start of his music career.

The songwriter-singer has shared many of his original compositions on his YouTube channel and has recently held his first live concert at Livehouse.

Despite having a busier schedule now, you can still catch him busking along Orchard Road occasionally.

Arya Yunata

Arya Yunata may wear several hats: co-founder of spinning studio SPYN and actor in videos by YouTuber Jian Hao Tan, he’s really first and foremost a musician. Besides his good looks, you’re going to be charmed by his alluring voice.

Arya usually performs outside *SCAPE and his performances has garnered much attention on Tiktok.

Find his next performing slot here.

Music Heart Band

Unlike most performers who choose to perform at the central of Singapore, Music Heart Band brings joy to the heartland. They perform at neighbourhood areas including Yew Tee, Telok Blangah, and Paya Lebar.

If you are not a fan of huge crowds in the central area, this cosy experience will be perfect for you.

Apart from supporting their live busking, you can check them out on Spotify too.

Muhammad Firdaus

Also known as Fyrdauz Macbeth, the singer had to stop busking and turned to being an electrical engineer instead during the pandemic.

Thankfully, as restrictions ease, he has restarted busking as he enjoys engaging with the audience.

He typically performs near *Scape or the Esplanade Concourse.

Find his next performance slot here.

Cloud and Party

If you are a fan of Mando-pop, you will love listening to Cloud and Party! Their engaging performance will have you singing along to your favourite tunes by JJ Lin, Jay Chou, and Eric Chou.

They usually busk near ION Orchard and you can check out their busking schedule here.

CJ theBubbleGirl

Busking is not limited to just singing. CJ theBubbleGirl, or Caroline, is a full-time soap bubble artist who busk.

Although she doesn’t busk as often anymore, you can still catch her occasionally outside Clarke Quay or Cyclist Park at East Coast Park

Otherwise, you can book her for a home performance for a party or celebration. Prices are available upon enquiry and you can book a slot here.

The Annoying Brothers

Circus Arts may be a rare sight in Singapore and if you’re hoping to catch local acts in action, check out The Annoying Brothers, who will make you laugh with their tricks.

Sometimes they might even “disturb” the audience, so don’t be alarmed if that happens to you!

They usually perform outside Esplanade Theatre.

Sheng Li and Karyn Wong

Musician Sheng Li doesn’t just perform at weddings and events, he is also a busker and enjoys collaborating with other aspiring musicians.

He was most recently seen performing with radio deejay Karyn Wong, who also acted in Ah Girls Go Army.

They usually perform outside Suntec City, at the area nearest to the Esplanade MRT exit.

Check Sheng Li’s busking schedule here.

Bryan Wong

Bryan Wong performs with poi and hula hoops to create fascinating light shows. If you’ve recently went to i Lights, you may have seen his performance, which integrated perfectly against the luminous skyline of Marina Bay.

His busking sessions are typically at Clarke Quay Central and Paya Lebar Square.

Check his updated busking schedule here.