Ethan Ong (Singapore's Drum Prodigy)

Busking (performing in public places) is perhaps the next best thing to having one’s own performing arena and audience, done at one’s “own-time-own-target”!

The idea of busking first dawned upon us when we read about a young local boy who plays the traditional Indian drum along Orchard Road. At that time, Ethan was a mere four-year-old but demonstrating great drumming talent. He wowed a large crowd into a music store one day while testing out a child drum set. Thrilled with the response Ethan was commanding, the shop owner then invited him to perform at an upcoming Christmas show, organised by the shopping mall. The tremendous reception and cheers Ethan received during his performance strengthened our resolve to carve out more of such opportunities for him. Our hope was that through public affirmation and exposure, Ethan would grow in self-confidence as well as assurance of his special talent.

Our church youths have been a great source of encouragement and support. Yet the challenge for us as concerned parents was to provide him with such public exposure without the attendant pressure from scheduling, stress and public demand. Another priority for us was to ensure that Ethan enjoys his childhood and retains his right to “personal autonomy” (within the boundaries of reason) even at such a tender age. Busking proved to be the perfect fit as Ethan only busks as and when he feels like it (after homework and some leisure time). He enjoys the freedom of artistic expression and time spent with his family, well-wishers and friends. Above all, busking is, to us, a great form of “street testimony” of Ethan’s talent and God from whom all blessings flow.

Ethan plays songs mostly from his favourite Christian rock group (“Hill song”) or Japanese Drum Guru, Akira Jimbo’s repertoire. He auditioned for his busking licence with the National Arts Council when he was five and made history by becoming Singapore's Youngest Busker. Ethan has been busking outside Paragon almost every weekend since then, much to the amazement and enjoyment of truly appreciative crowds.

On the side, for someone like his mother whose noise tolerance is unusually low, the ushering of this boy’s drum practices out to the streets could not be a more welcoming idea. For the little drummer boy, it’s child’s play all the way!