By VICTORIA BARKER

THIS Saturday, the who's who of the Singapore music scene - from the veterans of the 1960s to today's up-and-coming stars - will take to the stage at VivoCity as part of the Singapore HeritageFest (SHF).

Organised by the National Heritage Board and produced by esteemed home-grown singer-songwriter Clement Chow, the concert aims to raise awareness of Singapore's rich musical background. It will see 40 performers, including Iskandar Ismail, John Molina, Wendi Koh and Paul Ponnudorai.

But how has the local scene evolved over the generations, and how can these acts benefit by learning from each other? my paper chats to four of the talents to find out.

1970s REBEL QUEEN
Rahimah Rahim, 53

Claim to fame: A former talent-show winner who was famous for her brand of Malay pop music, as well as for wearing daring outfits and booty-shaking.

Now: Her last album, Awal & Kini (Before And Now) was released in 2006. She also holds a day job as a customer-service representative at a maid agency.

This Saturday, she intends to sing the Pussycat Dolls' version of Sway. 'But I won't dance like them lah,' she said. 'I'll leave that to the younger ones.'

On the old days: 'We used to have live music from one end of Orchard Road to the other, which I miss.'

Advice: 'There's so much foreign music these days that local musicians can get left behind. But always accept criticism. It'll make you better at what you do.'

SOULFUL JAZZ POWERHOUSE
Alemay Fernandez, 30

Claim to fame: This Eurasian singer got her start in television and musical theatre before going into music full-time 10 years ago. But it wasn't easy. 'People assumed that because I was young I'd sing pop music as jazz is a more mature genre of music,' she said.

Now: She performs regular gigs at at Boat Quay haunt Jazz@Southbridge and Bar Stop at Devonshire Road.

What she's learning from the veterans: Performing with some of Singapore's finest is a thrill because of their energy and passion. 'Sometimes the littlest tip or suggestion they give can make a complete difference to how you perform and how you approach your music,' she said.

SINGAPORE'S MUSIC MAN
Iskandar Ismail, 53

Claim to fame: He is a household name who wears various hats - including those of composer, arranger and producer. He has frequently acted as musical director for the National Day Parade.

Now: Iskandar was the recipient of the Cultural Medallion last year. He will play the piano at Saturday's concert.

'I miss performing, so I'm looking forward to it,' he said.

Iskandar on today's music scene: 'It was a more vibrant scene back in the 1960s and 70s, with lots of recording opportunities. Nowadays, musicians have to find their own way.'

Advice: 'Do not be afraid of failure. If you're really passionate, just keep on trying and you will succeed.'

NEW-AGE FOLK GUYS
Jack Ho, 32
Rai Kannu, 31

Claim to fame: Jack Ho and Rai Kannu, members of rock band EIC (East India Company), have garnered a following by playing popular covers of top 40 songs on the club and pub circuit.

Now: Performing with EIC and as a duo keeps them busy four nights a week, with gigs at pubs like Timbre and Wala Wala. Last year, they released their debut album, In Stores Now!, an 11-track collection of original tunes.

What they're learning from the veterans: 'These artists have paved the way and opened doors for newer bands,' said Ho. 'It's so heartwarming to see that their love of music is still so strong. Their positivity really shines through.'

Catch the SHF 2009 Raw, Real and Rockin' concert on Saturday at VivoCity Amphitheatre (level 3) at 8pm.

Admission is free.

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