Elderly karaoke group riles Chinatown diners, businesses: 'We just want to sing'
A group of elderly singers that brings their own speaker and projector to belt out their favourite hits in Chinatown is riling businesses and diners in the area.
The group, comprising middle-aged and elderly men and women, typically gathers every evening at the entrance of Chinatown MRT station leading to Pagoda Street.
In August, Shin Min Daily News reported that shop owners had complained about the group's loud singing, saying it affected their businesses.
Some three months later, Shin Min reporters visited the area again after receiving a tip-off that the situation had worsened.
'They're here every single day'
"They used to come three days a week. Now they're here every single day," a restaurant employee told Shin Min.
The employee, who declined to be named, added that the noise is amplified by the structure of the walkway at the station entrance, which is flanked by shophouses on both sides and has a shelter overhead.
"We've complained many times and even called the police. But each time officers arrive, they quieten down, and resume once the police leave.
"The noise travels right into the restaurant. Many customers have told us they can't even hear their own conversations."
Shin Min reporters saw the group beginning to gather at around 6pm. One man arrived with a speaker and projector, while around 10 others queued for their turn at the mic.
Mr Zhang (transliterated), a 40-year-old souvenir shop owner, said the singers have been showing up almost every day since November, and sometimes continue singing until after 10pm.
"A female staff member from a nearby restaurant once tried to speak to them, but one of the uncles hurled vulgarities at her," he said. "It was extremely rude."
Noise frustrates diner
One diner has even taken out his frustration on the group by yelling at them.
The man, who declined to be named, told Shin Min that he frequents the area five to six times a month and is subjected to the group's singing each time.
"I've yelled at them several times before, but they don't care," he said. "This area is for tourists, and it's affecting everyone, especially visitors."
'If singing is not allowed, put up a notice'
Mr Mak (transliterated), 61, who brings the speaker and projector for the group, said it has been gathering in Chinatown since Covid-19 restrictions eased. He provides the equipment so that seniors have a space to socialise.
"The singers include both Chinatown residents and people from other parts of Singapore. Police officers have spoken to us before, but after hearing our explanation, they allowed us to continue," he said.
He suggested that some businesses may simply dislike the songs and are thus lodging repeated complaints, adding that authorities should put up notices if singing is not permitted there.
When asked whether they could lower the volume, Mr Mak said it was not intentionally set to be high and that some singers are louder than others. "We just want to sing. We don't want any conflict."
Stomp has reached out to the police for comment.
Area not listed as performance zone
Shin Min also received a call from a reader claiming to be a busker, who said he could no longer perform there because the group occupies the space daily.
However, according to the National Arts Council website, Pagoda Street is not listed as a busking location.
