The age-old notion that Singaporeans don’t have talent has since been debunked by the rise of singer-songwriter Joel Tan (better known as Gentle Bones), folk-pop quartet The Sam Willows, comedy-skit channels Wah! Banana and Night Owl Cinematics, and recently trending Nathan Hartono who impressed even Jay Chou! These promising local YouTubers have been making waves online, spearheading the blossoming YouTube scene here.
While we sing along to Geniuses & Thieves in the shower, swoon over Ben Kheng’s ridiculously perfect facial features, and share every NOC video on Facebook, you will be elated to know that #localpride doesn’t stop here – we have shed light on 6 other undiscovered local YouTubers that are equally deserving of your support.
1. Cilla Chan
Cilla has definitely put our tiny nation on the musical map by being the first Singaporean to appear on The Voice, one of the world’s biggest singing competition. Her powerful vocals and stripped-down arrangements of some of our favourite pop hits are sure to win you over. I mean, country music sensation Blake Shelton swivelled his chair around for a reason.
YouTube: cillachan429
Instagram: @cilla_chan
2. Jude Young
22-year-old Jude Young is an emerging musician in the local scene with a strong sense of individuality. This home-grown lyrical genius took his music a notch higher by penning “Waves of Tomorrow”, a heartfelt, patriotic number for last year’s SG50 celebrations. Jude has since gone on to drop a new single this year, “Young”, an empowering anthem about chasing your dreams and seizing the day.
YouTube: splatterdashed
Instagram: judeyoungmusic
3. Howard Chan
It’s hard to believe that this soulful, multi-talented YouTuber is barely 20. Possibly our budding, local equivalent of international YouTube star Kurt Hugo Schneider, Howard produces, arranges and mixes all of his covers on YouTube. Check out his rendition of Sorry by Justin Bieber – he makes it entirely his own!
YouTube: howducation
Instagram: howardchanman
4. Jonathan Chan (Jawn)
Jonathan Chan, who goes by his stage name Jawn, is a melancholic crooner with gravelly vocals. His country-folk single, “Fade to Black”, tells a bittersweet tale of letting someone go and wishing them well. Fans of John Mayer and James Bay, we reckon you will really dig Jawn’s music. We’re loving the raw and heartfelt lyrics in his original songs.
YouTube: thetumbleweedproject
Instagram: jawnchan
5. Sabrina Lim (SabyLoves)
Local talent should not be limited to music. Independent designer Sabrina Lim – or SabyLoves on YouTube – takes to this video-sharing platform to showcase her artistic craft talent. Using polymer clay, Sabrina moulds everything from kaya toast to our favourite chilli crab. Apart from her DIY clay miniatures, Sabrina also gives us a glimpse of her bubbly personality by sharing her first world problems in the form of light-hearted and entertaining sit-down videos.
YouTube: sabyloves
Instagram: sabyloves
6. Roseanne Tang
This beauty guru is a professional make-up artist with her own beauty school, Bloom by Roseanne. When she is not busy conducting make-up classes, Roseanne channels her passion for make-up in the form of beauty tutorials and product reviews on YouTube channel. Her easy-going personality paired with her vast knowledge of make-up makes her videos both informative and engaging. Check out her latest hot pink lips make-up tutorial – perfect for our sunny climate.
YouTube: roseannetangrs
Instagram: roseannetangrs
These six individuals are just a handful of many rising local YouTubers with so much to offer. There is a strong sense of pride in witnessing our fellow Singaporeans flourish, fearlessly chasing their dreams in a highly competitive industry. It is time to #supportlocal and show some love to these aspiring home-grown talents.
Also, read The Perfect Shot – DarylAiden’s Photography Journey & DreaChong
