Hidup Ini: A Journey in Song with Friends

Rahimah Rahim is one of Singapore’s most influential and enduring Malay-language singers, with a career spanning more than six decades across music, television, film and stage. Born in 1955 into a family of entertainers, she began performing at the age of six and rose to regional prominence after winning the prestigious Kimi Koso Talentime in Tokyo in 1974, launching her international career.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she became a household name with signature songs including Doa, Gadis Dan Bunga, and Bebas.

Her contributions to the arts have been recognised at the highest level—she received the Cultural Medallion in 2021, Singapore's highest cultural honour, and was inducted into the Singapore Women's Hall of Fame in 2017.

Now at 70, Rahimah continues to remain artistically active and relevant. In 2026, she released two new singles, Hidup Ini and Si Manis 17, as part of her Cultural Medallion Legacy Project. Hidup Ini reflects on life’s journey and the value of lived experience, while Si Manis 17 is a reimagined interpretation of a 1960s classic, paying tribute to her early musical influences. Beyond performance, her legacy has been preserved through national heritage and archival initiatives, including exhibitions by the Malay Heritage Centre that recognise her contributions to Singapore’s Malay cultural identity.

From a child performer to a national cultural icon, Rahimah Rahim’s journey reflects the evolution of Singapore’s music and identity. Her voice, artistry, and legacy continue to inspire, bridging generations and leaving a lasting imprint on the region’s cultural heritage.