Local artiste Benjamin Kheng will perform 2024's National Day Parade theme song, titled Not Alone, which aims to validate the hardship Singaporeans have faced throughout their history and promote unity and support to face the future.
Kheng, who gained prominence as part of local band The Sam Willows, also stars in the NDP music video of the song, released on May 23. Computer-generated fabrics are seen soaring through scenes throughout the video, as a metaphor for the social fabric of Singapore.
The song was written with producer Evan Low, who also worked on NDP 2021's theme song The Road Ahead, and pays homage to past hits like Where I Belong.
"You'll notice nods to songs of the past," Kheng told the media on May 23 at a briefing on NDP 2024.
"This is very deliberate, because we wanted to pay homage to these classic songs that are part of our legacy, and we wanted to connect Singaporeans to the meaning of these beautiful lyrics that we hear every year." The theme song is among the highlights of 2024's NDP, which celebrates 59 years of Singapore's independence.
Themed "Together, As One United People", NDP 2024 aims to underscore the collective strength of Singaporeans and rally citizens to shape its future, said the chairman of the parade's executive committee, Brigadier-General Wilson Low.
BG Low, who is the Chief Guards Officer under the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), told the media: "Our theme this year calls upon Singaporeans from all walks of life to express their love for Singapore and to celebrate the nation's progress." This year's main NDP celebration takes place at the Padang and will extend to The Promontory @ Marina Bay for the first time.
The NDP Heartland Celebrations, involving a series of carnival events at various neighbourhoods, will continue on Aug 10 at five heartland venues.
This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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