Singapore has long had a burgeoning urban musical scene, and is a center for rock, punk and other popular genres in the region. Rock was popular in Singapore by the 1960s, and the following decade produced legendary bands like The Quests , led by Wilson David ; other rock bands of note include the October Cherries . Folk music includes the ethnic Chinese, Malaysian and Tamil sounds.

Pop music

Singapore's pop scene began in 1960, when the Blue Diamonds performed, and really launched after Cliff Richard & the Shadows arrived a year later, thus launching the beat boom . Like much of the world, the British Invasion began in 1963, led by The Beatles. Some bands remained instrumental, while others incorporated singers. Soon, British R&B became popular, and spawned a local Malay variety. Pop stars of the 60s included Naomi & the Boys , D'4 Ever , Antarctics , Mike Ibrahim & the Nite Walkers , Swallows , Ismail Haron & the Guys and Les Kafila's .