This adaptation of "Smile" by Jamaican artist Chronixx, was recorded in celebration of Singapore's 50th year of independence. As the city grows, and we grow farther away from our island roots, Masia One & The Irietones would like to remind the good people of Lion City to keep smiling to combat the stress and anxiety of modern city life. Just in time for #SG50 play this first single from The Irietones loud in your speakers and celebrate "Singapura Irie".
Ooo I walk the road this morning, there was love at first sight
Ooo I walk the road this morning, there was beauty to my eyes
They ask me where I'm from I tell them in the tropics
A Chiney Gyal that come and speak ebonics
They wanna ask me baby what's your name, I said it was Singapura.
Smile oh smile, smile for Singapura
Baby just smile, oh smile
Smile for Singapura
Whenever you cry, here am I
Here for Singapura
Dry your eyes, oh smile, Smile for Singapura
Singapura have a rich history,
Kampung village with the sweetest gifts
Beautiful sunset and the evening breeze
Satay grilling and it smell so sweet.
But they tell me they was tired, tired of the exploits and the liars
We give them blood we give them sweat
we give them work we give them love
All we get was abuse in return, tell you now;
Don't you worry yourself aunty
Don't you worry yourself uncle
Don't you worry yourself adi
One thing you have to do for me
Smile oh smile, smile for Singapura
Baby just smile, oh smile
Smile for Singapura
Whenever you cry, here am I
Here for Singapura
Dry your eyes, oh smile, Smile for Singapura
Are you ready? Singapura rock me steady
Are you ready ready? Singapura rock me steady
Born on the island where the ocean meets the shore
Pasir Ris, Clementi down to Bedok Reservoir
Tiong Baru for some coffee and the vintage type decor
Arab street the homies painting wild style on the walls
Orchard atas living, Esplanade for curtain calls
Tampines, Marina Bay, Queensway and so much more
Are you ready? Singapura rock me steady
Are you ready ready? Singapura rock me steady (repeat)
credits
from Singapura,
track released August 9, 2015
Drums: Firmann "Rumshot" Salim
Bass: Nadia "Bass Empress" Rosmaly
Guitar 1: Zul Rahmat
Guitar 2: Izzat "The Director" Yusoff
Keyboard: "Dils" Nasir
Additional session musicians:
Trombone: Aaron Vogt
Saxophone: Jay Ong
Oakland’s Roots & Tings offer a bracing take on the classic roots reggae sound, updating it with splashes of digital dub. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 19, 2020
London rapper LEVi takes cues from dancehall, drill, club music, and more on his expansive, self-reflective debut mixtape. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 27, 2022