It all began last November with 30 friends, a school hall and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”. There was no grand stage nor a formal setup. Just an open space at New Bahru, some printed lyrics and a simple heartfelt idea: bring people together through the joy of singing.

From that humble beginning, Sing Song Social Club (SSSC) quickly grew into a monthly tradition. Today, it brings together strangers from all walks of life to learn songs, sing as a group and connect with one another in a space where no one’s trying to be perfect but just present.

There’s no need for auditions. Whether you sing in a choir or in the shower, you’re welcome. The whole point is to show up as you are while having an open mind to sing with others spontaneously.

Where music brings people closer

As someone who grew up listening to Disney classics, I was stoked to hear that SSSC was hosting a Disney-themed singalong night in June. “Circle of Life”? “A Whole New World”? Yes please, sign me up.

It was also their first ticketed session, held at a tucked-away spot in Raffles Place. The format might’ve shifted a little, but the heart remained the same: no pressure, just good vibes and shared melodies.

Clearly, I wasn’t the only one excited. By the time I opened the registration form, it had already sold out. Over 100 people snagged up the spots in no time. Of course, I was disappointed. I had imagined myself singing alongside a roomful of strangers-turned-choir-mates.

But oddly enough, even though I didn’t get to be in that room, I still felt the joy that poured out of it.

 

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Through Instagram snippets and stories, I saw the magic unfold: people swaying to familiar tunes, laughing through harmonies, and some even dressed up in Disney costumes to match the theme.
It didn’t look like a polished performance, and that’s what made it beautiful.

Some sang off-key, some lost the beat, but no one had any form of judgement. It was about being part of something bigger than yourself and you could feel how quickly strangers became acquainted – how shared lyrics turned into shared memories.

There was a quiet kind of magic in the way music brought everyone closer.

What community is all about

Image source: Nik Voon (@wearenatm)

The people behind SSSC are Singaporean musicians Aarika Lee, Benjamin Kheng, Nathan Hartono, and Sandra Riley Tang. This initial gesture of gathering people without charge, pressure or expectations set the tone for a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.

Volunteers turn up early to set up chairs, prepare lyrics, and greet new (and familiar) faces with warmth. Venue partners also offer their spaces for free or at minimal costs so that the sessions are always open to anyone and everyone.

Volunteer photographers like Nik Voon (@wearenatm), offer their services to capture these special moments. This collective sincerity can only happen because the people behind it believe deeply in what it offers: joy, connection, and a chance to simply belong.

We often talk about the kampung spirit as something old-school. A thing our parents talk about fondly where neighbours cooked for one another or took care of each other’s kids. We assume it’s something we’ve lost in our fast-paced, hyper-digital lives. But maybe we haven’t lost it, it’s just evolving.

Because this community choir is the kampung spirit.

Image source: Nik Voon (@wearenatm)

It’s about community in its purest form where people willingly care, not for anything in return, but simply for others to feel seen and welcomed. In a city that often feels transactional, this feels rare and precious. It’s the kind of gathering that reminds you how good it feels to be part of something that expects nothing from you, except your voice.

A reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as showing up to sing with strangers.

Though I wasn’t there in person, something about that night stayed with me. The joy was oddly contagious, even through a screen. It reminded me that being part of a community doesn’t always mean making a big gesture.

Sometimes, it’s about the things we often overlook like saving someone a seat, offering a lyric sheet, or smiling when a voice cracks mid-song. That the quietest acts are the ones that carry the loudest echoes.

As I await the next session, I wonder if I will get a slot this time. But in some ways, it doesn’t matter. Because the spirit of it – the openness, the warmth, the harmony of it all is something I already carry with me.

And maybe that’s the whole point.

That even when the song ends, the connection doesn’t.

When was the last time you were part of something bigger than yourself?

 

Featured image: Photographed by Nik Voon, @wearenatm