KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian singer and songwriter has been bringing cheer to her neighbours on her street in Ealing, West London, every Sunday afternoon, while Britain is under partial Covid-19 lockdown.
To commemorate Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on Friday, Amy Tan, 35, with her laptop and a PA system, sang for 90 minutes in front of her house.
VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe when Britain and its World War II allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945.
Among the songs Tan sang were all-time favourites such as Top of the World (by Carpenters), My Girl (Temptations), Only You (The Platters).
“I want to bring the arts to the community, knowing that they will appreciate it,” she said in a telephone interview.
Another resident, Martin Barrett, also gave a speech to commemorate VE Day, and said it was fantastic seeing all their neighbours outside their houses.
“I have lived in England all my life and I can tell you what’s going on here is something very, very special,” he said, while asking the neighbours to applaud Tan and her husband.
Tan’s neighbours dancing in the streets while listening to her sing.
Tan, who is a church pastor, said she was worried about the elderly and the vulnerable who had to self-isolate and wanted to do something for them.
“I decided to start an initiative – the Covid-19 Mutual Aid – to get musicians to actually contribute in any way they can.
“Over a weekend, we went to a few houses around our area, and I sang to people who were vulnerable in front of their houses,” she said, adding that two musicians accompanied her.
Once Britain went into lockdown on March 23, she started recording and sending a song dedication to the neighbourhood street whatsapp group.
“But sometime before Easter Sunday, instead of sending the usual recorded songs, I thought I should sing a few songs for my neighbours in front of my house.
“They liked it and kept requesting for more.
“Quite a number of people came out to their gardens to listen and some were dancing,” she said.
Following good feedback, every Sunday after her online church service, she would start singing at 2pm.
“I cover all kinds of selection, including worship songs, due to my experience as a professional singer and worship leader in Malaysia,” said Tan, who used to sing at corporate functions and weddings in Malaysia.
Originally from Kuala Lumpur, her family migrated to Britain three years ago.
Not contented with just singing to her neighbours, Tan now has something up her sleeve – a massive online project involving 150 singers and musicians which she said will be a “surprise,” without divulging further.
