Ode to Siva Choy - Remembering a legend from Singapore

Few of us are fortunate to meet legends in their lifetime. Frequently, they are so much larger than life, that one considers them immortal.

Legends who are humble, generous with their knowledge, and magnanimous in the way they take rookies under their wing.

I was fortunate to meet and work with one such maestro – Siva Choy (full name Sivanandan Choy), 71. Almost exactly twenty years to the day of our last professional engagement, I receive news that the seventy-one-year-old passed away in Perth, Australia.

It is exactly during these moments, that one is reminded of the fragility of life.

When we first connected, I was a novice reporter serving my National Service. Choy edited our stories and turned our amateurish writing into stories to remember. It was only after six months on the job, that we actually had our first physical meeting. Remember, these were the days pre-dating modern techno-tools such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber. Our correspondence was somewhat primitive – long memos via email – none of the high-speed communications we are accustomed to today.

Over time, I discovered his humour and illustrious background. Through old-school methods, he nurtured our skills using the Internet. Crafting an intriguing story; asking deep questions and developing a nose for news. More importantly, he taught us valuable principles:

• Respecting off-the-record statements/information
• Identifying and cultivating leads on the ground
• Developing long-term relationships with both senior and junior officers
• Reporting stories of inspirational officers to encourage excellence
• Maintaining a good archive of reportage

The multi-talented Choy inspired us to push the envelope and produce work remembered for generations to come.

This late evening as I reminisce, I recall completing my service and planning for further study.

Though I search without luck, the farewell message he sent me, his final paragraph remains vividly etched in my mind.

He wrote, “Pursue your dreams and ideals but always be true to your family, friends and country. Don’t forget who you are and where you come from.”

As I pen this, I thought it only appropriate to listen once more to the song he was most famous for – Why U So Like Dat?

Pioneer Siva Choy, thank you for your mentorship, the laughs and timeless lessons. It was a privilege. Your contribution to Singapore’s music, journalistic and arts scene will not be forgotten.

May many others be fortunate to work with legends like yourself. Rest in peace.

#SivaChoy #RIP #RememberingtheLegend

Siva Choy (1947 - 2018, Singapore) passed away on 4 March 2018. He was a musician, humourist and writer. While he is best known for the popular 1991 comedy album Why U So Like Dat?, he is also a pioneer of blues music in Singapore, and a multi-instrumentalist. He resided in Perth, Australia, but on occasional visits to Singapore, performed with local blues band Crossroads. He was part of a motley crew of creatives who helped established the Singapore Police Force flagship magazine, Police Life Monthly, as part of his part-time National Service in the 70s and continued to edit the magazine till the late 90s.

The writer, Singaporean Nisar Keshvani has more than 25 years of experience across five continents in academia, media and corporate communications. He worked with Siva Choy when writing for Police Life Monthly and Police Life Annual from 1996 - 1998. Keshvani co-produced its 21st Anniversary commemorative book; A Tribute to Our Officers, 30th anniversary magazine and the video-documentary My Police Academy: 1929 - 2005.

More:

The Straits Times - https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/veteran-blues-musician-and-funnyman-siva-choy-has-died-at-70-tributes-pour

Channel News Asia - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/why-u-so-like-dat-songwriter-siva-choy-dies-10011838

Today - https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/veteran-musician-siva-choy-songwriter-why-u-so-dat-dies-70

Remember When by Kannan Chandran (Straits Times, 1982) - https://bit.ly/2thNJit

The Why U So Like Dat? album - https://youtu.be/a4dW6XJ6oS8