Here are 10 famous musicians from Singapore died before 40:
Cheong Soo Pieng (April 5, 2015 Xiamen-July 1, 1983 Singapore) was a Singaporean artist and visual artist.
He was born in Amoy (now known as Xiamen), China and started his formal art education in Xiamen in 1928. Cheong later relocated to Singapore in 1946, where he became heavily involved in the local art scene. He found great success in his career and was regarded as one of the pioneers of Nanyang-style painting.
Cheong's works often incorporated traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian themes and motifs, but he also experimented with various styles and techniques throughout his career. His notable works include "Drying Salted Fish" and "Balinese Dancers".
In addition to his artistic career, Cheong was also a respected teacher of art. He taught at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts from 1947 to 1960 and was also a founding member of the Singapore Watercolour Society. Cheong's contributions to the development of art in Singapore have earned him a place among the country's most celebrated artists.
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Paddy Chew (March 29, 1960 Katong-August 21, 1999) was a Singaporean actor and choreographer.
Paddy Chew gained fame for his work in Singapore's theatre scene, particularly for his role as "Hossan Leong" in the 1993 play, "Army Daze". He was one of the first public figures in Singapore to come out as HIV-positive, which he did in 1998. Chew used his platform to advocate for better awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS and to challenge the stigma surrounding the disease. He also continued to work in the arts until his passing in 1999 at the age of 39. Today, he is remembered for his contributions to Singaporean theatre and for his bravery in fighting for greater awareness and acceptance of those living with HIV/AIDS.
He died caused by hiv/aids.
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V. R. Gopala Pillai (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1981) was a Singaporean writer.
He was a teacher before he became a full-time writer. Pillai has written several novels and short stories, some of which have been translated into English. His works often explored the lives of the Indian community in Singapore and their struggles. Pillai was also involved in the labor movement and social activism. He founded the Singapore Thamizh Manram, an association aimed at promoting Tamil language and culture in Singapore.
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Lim Bo Seng (April 27, 1909 Nan'an, Fujian-June 29, 1944 Batu Gajah) was a Singaporean personality.
Lim Bo Seng was a national hero of Singapore who played a key role in the anti-Japanese movement during World War II. He was a businessman and a philanthropist before the war but joined the resistance movement after the fall of Singapore in 1942.
Lim Bo Seng was appointed as the head of the Singaporean Overseas Chinese Anti-Japanese Volunteer Army, which played a significant role in carrying out intelligence gathering missions and sabotage activities against the Japanese forces. He was eventually captured by the Japanese in 1944 and was subjected to brutal torture and interrogation.
Despite the inhumane treatment, Lim Bo Seng did not reveal any sensitive information and died in captivity at the young age of 35. His sacrifice and bravery in fighting for his country's freedom have made him a revered figure in Singaporean history. His legacy lives on as the Lim Bo Seng Memorial in Singapore honors his memory and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.
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Shanmugam Murugesu (April 5, 1967-May 13, 2005) was a Singaporean personality.
Shanmugam Murugesu was a prominent lawyer and former president of the Law Society of Singapore. He received his law degree from the National University of Singapore and was called to the Singapore Bar in 1993. He went on to establish his own law firm and become a well-known figure in the legal community, advocating for the rights of marginalized groups and serving on various legal boards and committees.
In addition to his legal work, Murugesu was also passionate about social justice and equality. He was involved in various community initiatives and was a strong advocate for migrant worker rights. His commitment to these causes earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Despite his many achievements, Murugesu struggled with mental health issues throughout his life. His tragic death in 2005 sent shockwaves through the Singaporean community, sparking conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. Today, he is remembered for his contributions to the legal field and his unwavering commitment to social justice.
He died caused by hanging.
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Lim Koon Teck (April 5, 2015-October 29, 1984) was a Singaporean politician.
He was a founding member of the People's Action Party (PAP) and played a key role in Singapore's political and economic development during the 1950s and 1960s. Lim Koon Teck served as a Member of Parliament from 1959 to 1963 and as a Senator from 1963 to 1965. He also held various ministerial posts such as Minister of State for Social Affairs, and later became the Minister of State for Finance from 1963 to 1969. Additionally, he was the Chairman of the Economic Development Board from 1969 to 1972. Lim Koon Teck's contributions to Singapore's growth in the early years of independence earned him a reputation as a pioneer and a visionary leader.
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Jimmy Nah (April 13, 1968 Singapore-January 4, 2008 Singapore) a.k.a. Qingxi Lan, M.C. King, Nah Khim See, MC Nah Khim See or MC King was a Singaporean actor and comedian.
He began his career as a comedian and was known for his witty sense of humor, often incorporating social commentary and political satire into his acts. Nah later transitioned into acting, starring in several well-known Singaporean television dramas and films.
Nah was also a talented musician, having released several albums throughout his career which showcased his skills as a rapper and songwriter. He was considered a pioneer in the local hip-hop scene and his music often addressed societal issues, making him a beloved figure among many Singaporeans.
Sadly, Nah passed away in 2008 at the age of 39 after suffering a heart attack. His legacy lives on through his work in comedy and entertainment, as well as his contributions to the development of hip-hop culture in Singapore.
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Goh Choo San (September 14, 1948 Singapore-November 28, 1987) was a Singaporean choreographer.
Goh Choo San is recognized as one of the most influential choreographers in the history of ballet. He began dancing at a young age and eventually joined the Royal Ballet in London, where he became a principal dancer. After retiring from performing, he turned his focus to choreography and quickly gained international acclaim for his works, which were praised for their fusion of classical and contemporary elements.
Goh Choo San created many important ballets, including "Ashtaroth," "Fives," and "Gongs." He was known for his innovative use of music and his ability to create emotionally charged and highly expressive works. In addition to his work as a choreographer, he also served as the artistic director of the Singapore Dance Theatre, where he mentored many young dancers and helped to establish the company as one of the leading dance companies in Southeast Asia.
His death from HIV/AIDS at the age of only 39 shocked the dance world and was deeply felt by his colleagues and fans all over the world. However, his legacy lives on, and his influential work continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
He died as a result of hiv/aids.
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Nicole Lai (February 26, 1974 Penang-September 6, 2008 Singapore) was a Singaporean singer-songwriter and singer.
She was known for her soulful voice and versatile musical style, incorporating elements of pop, jazz, and R&B into her music. Nicole began her music career in the early 2000s as a backup singer for popular artists such as Kit Chan and Stefanie Sun.
In 2005, she released her debut album, "Nicole," which garnered critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the Singaporean music scene. She went on to release three more albums throughout her career, including "Masquerade" and "Feel the Love."
Aside from her music, Nicole was also an advocate for mental health awareness and a dedicated volunteer for various charitable causes. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2007 and passed away the following year at the age of 34, leaving behind a legacy as a talented musician and a beloved member of the Singaporean community.
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Felicia Tang (October 22, 1977 Singapore-September 11, 2009) was a Singaporean pornographic film actor.
Felicia Tang was born in Singapore but grew up in Sydney, Australia, where she worked as a hairdresser and model before pursuing a career in the adult film industry. She starred in numerous adult films and also worked as a photographer and website designer.
In addition to her work in the adult industry, Tang made appearances on mainstream television shows such as "The Sopranos" and "Entourage."
Tragically, Tang's life was cut short when she was found dead in her apartment in 2009. Her death was ruled a homicide by strangulation and her ex-boyfriend was later charged with her murder. Despite her untimely death, Tang's impact on the adult film industry and her fans continues to be felt to this day.
She died in asphyxia.
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