The comments jokingly ask whether he had taken a law or lecturing course in Australia and if his mother currently likes jazz or rock music, while others apologised for the flood of negative comments. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
American musician Kyle Green woke up on Tuesday (Jan 30) to the rather bizarre sight of an Instagram inbox full of messages from Malaysian SPM candidates airing their grievances over a tough English listening test.
This year’s exam had allegedly featured a recording of an interview with a fictional musician also named Kyle Green, which bore some similarity to the real Green’s life story.
Following the exam, Malaysian SPM students took to social media and tracked down the Instagram page of the real Green, adding comments referencing the listening test on some of his posts.
The comments jokingly asked whether he had taken a law or lecturing course in Australia and if his mother currently likes jazz or rock music, while others apologised for the flood of negative comments.
The jazz guitarist said in a series of Instagram Stories that have since expired that alongside a full Instagram inbox, he had also received WhatsApp messages and emails from Malaysian students.
“A part of the test was a listening section where they listen to an interview (of) a musician named Kyle Green.
“To my recollection, I don’t remember such an interview that I have done, so I’m imagining it was some fictional thing that was made up, but some of the plotline kind of fit with the story of (my) life.
“As a result, the kids have found me on the platforms and have been just bombarding me with messages and voice messages, and all of these types of things, so it’s been crazy,” he said in the Stories.
Green further mentioned that fake accounts impersonating him had also cropped up following this, and cautioned his followers to be aware.
Addressing students in Malaysia, he shared his hopes for their success in the test, and advised those who may not have performed as well to study harder next time.
He also shared some words of encouragement to the students in a later story posted today (Feb 2).
“I believe you all have some days of rest before your next exams, and many of you have asked me to wish you luck, and of course I do.
“But remember, luck is where being prepared meets opportunity, so make sure to get plenty of rest and study adequately, and give your best effort,” he said.
