Xinyao (Chinese: 新謠; pinyin: Xīnyáo) is a genre of songs originating from Singapore.[1] It is a contemporary Mandarin vocal genre that emerged between the late 1970s to 1980s.[2][3] Xinyao songs are typically composed and sung by Singaporeans, although there are exceptions: one of the most notable being Eric Moo, who is not Singaporean but Malaysian, yet is considered one of the pioneers of the movement.
Recurring themes of songs include friendships or teenage love. Xinyao is a Chinese noun comprising two Chinese characters: xīn (新) which is an abbreviation for Singapore, and yáo (謠) for song. The term xinyao is an abbreviation of a longer name, 新加坡年轻人自创歌謠.[1] Early pioneers of the genre include Wong Hong Mok, Liang Wern Fook, Dawn Gan, Eric Moo and Billy Koh. They were responsible for the discovery of many successful Singapore artistes in the Asia Chinese-Pop music scene, including Kit Chan, A-Do and JJ Lin. Lee brothers Weisong and Sisong, pioneers of xinyao, had also penned popular songs for other Asian pop heavyweights such as Jam Hsiao and Jacky Cheung.[4]
- ^ a b Koh, Jaime (2024-11-28). "Xinyao". www.nlb.gov.sg. Archived from the original on 2024-11-28. Retrieved 2024-11-28.
- ^ Miller, Terry E and Sean Williams. In The Garland Handbook of Southeast Asian Music. New York: Routledge, 2008.
- ^ Chan, B. (2013, August 1). Xinyao uniquely Singapore. (2013, August 1). The Straits Times.
- ^ Ng, Gwendolyn (2015-08-27). "Xinyao hits a crescendo". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2024-11-28.