Singapore Chinatown busker with beautiful voice dies, PM Lee sends condolences

Singapore – Known for her beautiful voice which was captured on social media busker Tong Yek Xuan, popularly known as Tang Yu Xuan, passed away on March 10 (Sunday).

While Ms Tang may not be a common name in the industry as a solo artist, she has written songs for popular artists such as Andy Lau, Joi Chua, and Valen Hsu Ru Yun.

She was also a backup singer for Kit Chan, Lau, and Stephanie Sun.

Catch her in action below while she sings a rendition of the Cantonese song, Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies, in Chinatown.

According to a friend of Ms Tang, singing has been her passion and source of income for decades now. Her first gig was at the Ark Music Café back in 1993.

The talented singer used to be active in songwriting and live performances, but due to her medical condition, it became difficult for her to stand for extended periods of time. Ms Tang, not letting her condition dampen her passion for music, created a band called The ETC (闲杂人等) in 2016.

The group has been busy busking in places like Chinatown, Hougang, Kovan, and Ang Mo Kio, singing Mandarin, Cantonese and English classics.

https://theindependent.sg.sg/video-of-chinatown-busker-wows-all-turns-out-to-be-a-local-singer/

The well-loved singer and vocal instructor’s passing came as a shock to friends and fans.

PM Lee sends his condolences

Upon hearing of the 48-year-old singer’s death, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sent his condolences through a Facebook post on the same day of her passing.

He shared how he met Ms Tang, “a talented and accomplished songwriter,” and The ETC at a dinner he recently attended.

He wrote:

“Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Mdm Tong Yek Xuan (唐玉璇), also known by her stage name Yu Xuan. I had just met her and her group 闲杂人等 The ETC, on Friday, when they performed at a dinner I attended.

She was a talented singer and accomplished songwriter. When not at her day job as a vocal coach, her passion for music would see her with her group busking in the heartlands, often at Hougang Mall. Due to her medical condition, she could not stand for long periods, and sang sitting on a chair or wheelchair.

Singapore has lost a musical talent. My condolences to Yek Xuan’s family. – LHL

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早上得知玉璇逝世的消息，感到很遗憾。上个星期五晚上刚好观赏了她的组合“闲杂人等”的动人表演。

玉璇是一名优秀的歌手和作曲家。她也是一名声乐教练。因为热爱音乐，她经常会和“闲杂人等”组合在街头表演，出现在后港购物坊。虽然身体不是很好，不过她还是坚持着她的音乐事业。你们可能都看过她，虽然坐着轮椅不过还是以亮丽的声音献唱。

新加坡的乐坛失去了一颗闪亮的星星。安息吧玉璇。– 李显龙”

For those who wish to send their condolences to Ms Tang, a memorial service will be held at Blk 105 Aljunied Crescent, from March 10-14, 6 pm onwards.

The cremation will take place on March 14 at the Mandai Crematorium Service Hall 3.