Singapore 60's Music Siva Choy: Incredibly Gifted Intellectual. 'Why You So Like That?' By Old Bloke.

Siva Choy: 'Why You So Like Dat?'

50,000 vinyl copies sold.

https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/artist-detail/music/11659-choy-siva

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There are many moments when I find a rush going to my head; that there are generous people out there who write positively about others but yet do not reveal who they are. Old Bloke is one. Thank you for writing this piece about Siva Choy. Singapore 60s Music fans will ever be grateful for this gem of a write-up about him. 

"There'll never be another Siva Choy. And the world will be a poorer place for it.

The most apt description I've ever heard of Siva was while jovially chatting with a mutual good friend, now gone too - Zul Sultan of Tania. It was, "genius bordering on madman".

Our paths first crossed in 1982. Three years later, I returned to Singapore after being overseas and thus started an almost 40 year friendship, mentorship and the rare chance to be with an incredibly gifted intellectual. The year was 1986, he and I were in a bar, The Ancient Mariner off Adam Road, me with my orange juice (I'm a teetotaller) him with his beer. I'll never forget it. 

MC Siva C ft. Kopi Kat Klan: Why U So Like Dat? 

YouTube Video by: Famous or Forgotten Mu

I was 27 and he was about 38 going on 39 and gave me some sage advice; "Try to accomplish as much as you can by 40 because the years between now and then will disappear in the blink of an eye." It was one of the rare moments in my life I actually listened to someone and followed his advice relentlessly. I've always been grateful.

I'll never forget it, the rap song and comedy album "Why You So Like Dat," sold 50,000 copies. The newspapers and local music industry described it as "staggering". I witnessed him producing it. 

"Siva Choy is brilliant but incredibly humble."

Do I miss the many late night discussions, the many tears (admittedly all mine), the jokes, the nights where he was always invited on stage to sing with Zul and Tania, when we feasted on my horrendous cooking, laughed and joked with each other? Yes and no. What I miss most is his intellect and the deep conversations we had about everything and anything. He was a well read scholar but he knew the life of academia wasn't for him.

The most amazing thing about Siva I found was that for all his talent, ingenuity, creativity, intellect and I don't think it's an exaggeration to say it - brilliance, he was incredibly humble; frustratingly so in fact. He did everything possible to avoid the limelight. I miss him.

There'll never be another Siva Choy. And the world will be a poorer place for it. I amongst many certainly feel his loss."

Author: Old Bloke. 

13th April, 2024.

Readers can connect to other posts about Siva Choy by clicking his name under Labels below. 

National Theatre Singapore Charity Concert 1965: Robin Chng

Robin Chng has kindly written this article to highlight a charity show staged at our famous theatre on 27 March 1965. He was the organising committee secretary. I am still wishing that more Singaporeans like him could donate music stories to this blog. . Thank you so much, Robin, for your generosity and contribution.

"273 EXCLUSIVE CHARITY CONCERT 1965" at the National Theatre.

The Gan Eng Seng School Old Students Association.
More than half a century ago when tragedy befell a member of our group of bosom buddies (former classmates in secondary school), we got together and decided to help raise funds for our unfortunate buddy who became paralyzed as a result of a swimming mishap. A fellow paralytic Johnny Ang whom older readers would probably have heard of also chipped in (National Library archived articles from The Straits Times) after learning of our buddy's plight. As mentioned in the articles, we got together to help raise funds for paralytic Tham Kok Seng to enable him to purchase a possum machine. It would have been a cinch today with crowd funding but alas this was in the sixties.

As pop bands performances were a draw in those days, we decided to organize a variety concert featuring local pop bands, a magic act, dancers and even someone who could coax music from a saw with a violin bow. After forming a committee and assigning the various roles amongst ourselves, we went about seeking sponsors, artistes/performers, emcee, choosing a date for the concert and booking the venue. The date and venue for the concert - 27 March 65 and The National Theatre - were duly chosen. Quite aptly, we named the concert "273 Exclusive" as it was to be held on 27/3/1965.

As it turned out, the concert opened to a sellout crowd much to the delight of the organizers and all participants who made the event possible. I have kept the concert's programme booklet all these years - the accompanying photos capture the programme booklet in its entirety. All the participants who are still around today are probably grand-fathers/mothers. They would be proud to show this record to their families their sincere contribution to Singapore's cultural and LQ heritage. Seniors reading this article are likely able to remember the distinguished guests, radio personality, the then Minister of Health and all the artistes who performed there that night. Younger readers may have also heard of them, perhaps from their parents.

On a side note, many of us from the pioneer/Merdeka generation are deeply saddened that our National Heritage Board wasn't able to gazette the National Theatre for conservation. Singaporeans from all walks of life had generously and proudly contributed their hard earned money to the "a-dollar-a-brick" fundraising campaign. Most notably, even trishaw riders and coolies contributed too. This despite their meagre and irregular earnings. Together with funds jointly donated by the government, our National Theatre was officially opened on 8 Aug 1963.

Throughout its 23-yr span, many famous pop stars and bands performances were held there. Regrettably, this iconic building had to be demolished due to structural problems and was torn down in Aug 1986. A crying shame I might add. Structural problems could easily have been corrected with the building technology available then. Our country's finances were sound too. Conserving the theatre was thus clearly doable.

Everyone who had heeded the call to give generously towards the building fund were thus dismayed. It was truly a "peoples" National Theatre, built in no small part through the support of the citizens and yet didn't deserve to be conserved. 

Were you at this concert with a star-studded cast of Singapore artistes? Do write in to tell us. 

This article has been written by Robin Chng. 

Robin or 'Joe' had since passed away in June, 2022.

The article and images: Copyrights Reserved.

Read about his brother Jimmy Chng and The Decibels:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2012/01/decibels-65-band-in-making-part-one.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2012/02/decibels-band-in-making-1965-1970-part.html

Siva Choy R.I.P. Tribute From Horace Wee 2

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This SMS came in later today.

I lost another friend from the 60's today.

Siva Choy, the well-known journalist and musician from Singapore, has passed away from a massive stroke at 2.30 pm today in Perth Australia. His wife Ilsa Sharp, also a renowned journalist mourns the loss. And so do many friends here and in Perth.

Some may recall his series, WHY YOU SO LIKE THAT. He took the name of my previous band CROSSROADS after it disbanded. We had a laugh about that. RIP my friend. Keep rocking on your heaven bound journey.

From: Horace Wee
4 March 2018.

Condolences to his wife Ilsa Sharp and Family, from Andy.

Connect to Siva's previous post:
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2012/07/why-you-so-like-that-uh.html

Tribute from Jerry Fernandez:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2018/03/siva-choy-rip-tribute-from-jerry.html

Steamroller Blues: Siva Choy and Crossroads. Video from bluesmatic.

Dear Friends. 

The Funeral Service For Our Awesome Friend Siva Choy Will Be Held On 

Friday, 9 March 2018 

At Peaceful Funeral Services, 

1787 Albany Highway, 10AM. 

Please Pass This Info On. Thank You.

Alphonso Soosay

Facebook Post

6 March 2018

Images: Google.
Video: YouTube 8.8.2010.

Siva Choy R.I.P. Tribute From Jerry Fernandez 1

UP TO 10,000 view for both tributes

Singapore Time: 3.32 pm 
Date: Sunday 4 March 2018
SMS from Jerry Fernandez:

Brother Andy,

Siva Choy passed away an hour ago in Perth. My brothers from Australia called me.  

I will miss him as I explain my musical journey. In 1966 he gave me a helping hand with my band, then known as The Idols (from St. Joseph's Institution). We were all students. 

I had the pleasure to perform as a guest band at the T-Dance with him and his brother James Choy when they were known as The Cyclones. The venue was the Golden Venus.

Brother Siva was a great journalist, a singer and a songwriter. He was a complete performer, along with his brother James. They were known then as The Beatles of Singapore.

I love the song they recorded with The Checkmates called, The Dew with good singing and the whole unit sounded excellent. I have heard them many times and I stand by my comments.

Gonna miss him. Sleep in peace brother Siva.

From:
Jerry Fernandez.
4 March 2018.

Condolences to his wife Ilsa Sharp and family, from Andy.

Siva Choy/James Choy: Cyclones with Checkmates and Lawrence Lim composition, I'll: Video by Basil Yeo. Thank you, sir.

Connect to Siva's previous post:
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2012/07/why-you-so-like-that-uh.html

Tribute from Horace Wee:
https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2018/03/siva-choy-rip-tribute-from-horace-wee-2.html

Dear Friends. 

The Funeral Service For Our Awesome Friend Siva Choy Will Be Held On 

Friday, 9 March 2018 

At Peaceful Funeral Services, 

1787 Albany Highway, 10AM. 

Please Pass This Info On. Thank You.

Alphonso Soosay

Facebook Post

6 March 2018

Get Acquainted With Singapore: Learn Singlish La! Siva Choy

Bengyap's video of Siva Choy and The Crossroads original rap: Why You So Like Dat?

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With the Kopi Kat Klan, Siva Choy (one half of 60's pop music duo The Cyclones ) wrote, directed and performed Why U So Like Dat? a popular comedy album comprising Singlish songs and kopi tiam skits. 

It was Singapore's first English-language comedy album and was so popular that it had sold more than 50,000 copies to date. The October Cherries' percussionist Richard Khan was playing the drums and one of the musicians helping out with the recording.

*Why You So Like Dat?  

By Siva Choy
Written by: Farid Long

Chorus:
Oui, why u so like dat ah?
Hey why u so like dat?
Why u so like dat ah?
Hey why u so like dat?

1) I let you kopi all my sum,
Because you always blur,
But when I try to kopi back,
You always call the Sir!

2) I always give you  chocolate,
I give you my Tic Tac,
But now you got a Kit Kat,
You never gimme back!

3) You tell me dat you don't like girl,
I also donno why,
But when you see a pretty girl,
Your voice go up damn high!

(4th verse very cheem; better listen carefully).

*Singlish Lesson for off-shore Ang-Mohs (Caucasians):

Why you so like that = Why're you behaving in this way?
kopi = copy (coffee in Malay)
sum = as in Mathematics.
blur = unaware of what's going on around you.
I also donno why = I don't understand.
cheem = too difficult to understand.

It's all tongue in cheek dear. Don't take it too seriously.

Connect to Siva's previous post:
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2012/07/why-you-so-like-that-uh.html

Tribute from Jerry Fernandez:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2018/03/siva-choy-rip-tribute-from-jerry.html

You Tube video: by bengyap.
Image: From Siva Choy Facebook.