Mediacorp Launches Reality Competition Show For Street Performers Called Battle Of The Buskers

Calling all street performers! Mediacorp is launching a new reality competition called — you guessed it — Battle of the Buskers (游走的歌王).

“Contestants will face off in electrifying battles and high-stakes performances at designated busking hotspots island-wide,” according to a Mediacorp statement released Monday (May 8).

It adds, “Given the unique significance of audience engagement involved in busking, on-site audiences, livestream viewers and professional judges will come together to select the crème de la crème of buskers — those who not only draw the largest crowds but also dazzle with their exceptional talents.”

To join, buskers must have a valid Busking Card (Letter of Endorsement) issued by the National Arts Council of Singapore. They can enter either as a solo act or as a group (of no more than five persons). They must also be able to converse in simple Mandarin and perform Chinese songs during the competition. There is no age limit; contestants under 18 are required to obtain parent/legal guardian’s consent before signing up.

You can also recommend a busker to compete. (Jeff Ng fans, you know what to do, right?)

Registration is now open and closes on May 26, 11.59 pm, while recommendation forms are due May 19, 11.59 pm. For the application and recommendation forms and rules of the contest, visit www.mediacorp.sg/battleofthebuskers.

Battle of the Buskers is expected to debut on Channel 8 and other digital platforms between July and November this year.

Photos: Omran Soliman, Charles Parker/Pexels