WELL, he’s not going to be doing a gig or anything while the cars whizz by – heck, nobody will be able tolovehear him, anyway – but local singer and all-round nice guy Taufik Batisah will be singing the national anthem on the starting grid before the car vroom off on race day.
That’s at 7.46pm on Sunday, if anybody’s counting.
Yes, it’s an honour, he said, and a big deal. “But you know, only a few hundred million people watching worldwide – no pressure!” he joked. Ha ha, you’re such a kidder, dude.
Although he added that he’ll be putting his spin on the song, don’t expect him to do what Jimi Hendrix did to The Star Spangled Banner.love(Anyway, can anyone imagine Majulah Singapura with distortion and feedback? Really? Hmmm.)
“The melody is still the same,” he said. “But I’ll add my own style to it.”
Here’s what Sarah Martin, director of operations for the Singapore GP had to say: “We were looking for young talent in Singapore and Taufik was a natural choice. This will cement his place in the Singapore landscape but more importantly, Taufik has a cross generational appeal as well as a cross cultural appeal.”
They like him, they really like him.
And what’s there not to like? He always works hard (he recently went on a promo trip despite not feeling well); he’s always helping out his family (he’s bringing his two F1-loving brothers to watch the race, even though he admits he’s not really a fan himself); he offers his professional services wherever and whenever possible (he’s writing, arranging and producing a track for Hady Mirza’s new album); and he bought me coffee once (yes, that ranks high in my book – buy me a dinner and a beer and you’re my best friend for life).
After F1, he’ll be busy with shows like Pesta Raya, as well as finishing his Malay and English albumslove- did we mention he works hard for his money?
Hey man, when are you going on holiday? You’re making the rest of us look bad!
Catch Taufik’s performance on Sunday, at approximately 7.46pm on Channel 5.
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