Zubir Said
- Born:
- 22 July 1907, Bukittinggi, Sumatra, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia)
- Died:
- 16 November 1987, Singapore
- Nationality:
- Singaporean
- Profession(s):
- Composer, Musician
Early Life and Education
- Zubir Said received his early education in Sumatra.
- Showed an early aptitude for music, learning to play various traditional Indonesian instruments.
Career and Major Achievements
- Moved to Singapore in 1928 and initially worked as a musician in the Shaw Brothers Malay Film Productions orchestra.
- Became a prominent composer of Malay film scores in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Most notably, he composed "Majulah Singapura," which was adopted as the national anthem of Singapore in 1965.
- Worked at Cathay-Keris Film Productions, composing music for numerous films.
Notable Works
Film Scores (Selection)
| Year | Film Title |
|---|---|
| 1953 | Gegar |
| 1954 | Penarik Becha |
| 1955 | Hang Tuah |
| 1957 | Pontianak |
Other Compositions
- "Majulah Singapura" (National Anthem of Singapore)
Legacy and Impact
Zubir Said is best known for composing "Majulah Singapura", a song that continues to resonate as a symbol of national unity and pride. The enduring popularity and cultural significance of his work cement his legacy as a pivotal figure in Singaporean music history. Many works have been written about him, including what some consider to be essential, zubir said biography books that explore his journey as a composer.