Music Book Room has called it a day, but Singapore’s city of books is reinventing itself as an arts, music and cultural hub. Read more at straitstimes.com.
called it a day on Feb 28. Known as a treasure trove of music books, CDs and vinyl records, it was among several original tenants that had exited the building over the years.shuttered in 2022.
It had over 30 bookstores selling all kinds of publications, stationery, textbooks and exam papers – a veritable heaven for bibliophiles and students. In 2011 alone, nine new art galleries moved into the building. There are now 18 art galleries which form the bulk of its tenants. Mr Teo Zi Xiang and his father, artist Terence Teo, own Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery, one of the 18 art galleries at Bras Basah Complex. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Co-owner Sivaranjini Moorthy Raman, 40, recalled how she used to hang out at the building in the early 2000s as a mass communications student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, to get her stationery, books and printing done.”There are several music schools here but we each have our own unique positioning,” Mr Shamroz said. “In fact, it is a healthy music ecosystem here as our equipment comes from Swee Lee , and we also recommend products to other music tenants.
“As a former design student, Bras Basah holds a lot of sentimental value for me personally, as I would always go there to get my art and printing materials and design books from Basheer bookstore,” said the 37-year-old. “Our business is not bad,” said dental surgeon Alan Chan. “Our main customers are regulars – Bras Basah Complex residents and people who work nearby.”
While hers is not a lucrative business, Mrs Tan said she is still running her bookstore, which she started at Bras Basah Complex in 1980, to “fulfil needs”. By this, she means her customers’ psychological and spiritual needs. Mr Nasser’s business dropped by 40 per cent after 2005 due to changes in reading habits and online shopping, but he is making every effort to keep the store going. He has improved his social media presence and talks to customers to find out about their changing needs. “When cab drivers hear that I am heading to Bras Basah, they still say that it is a place known for books,” he said. “I have to fight on to keep the legacy alive.
In the early 80s, the venue was packed to the rafters hosting xinyao ballad performances. At its peak, there was an event taking place almost every weekend. The venue’s calendar is gradually being filled up with arts and cultural activities such as book fairs and art exhibitions, even though these were put on hold during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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