Jacintha Abisheganaden, known professionally as Jacintha, is a name synonymous with excellence in Singapore’s vibrant arts scene. Born on October 3, 1957, she was destined to be a luminary, thanks to her richly diverse heritage. Her father, Alex Abisheganaden, was a distinguished classical guitarist and music teacher of Ceylonese-Indian descent.
He was a recipient of Singapore’s prestigious Cultural Medallion. Her mother, Eileen Wong, of Cantonese descent, was a pianist and arts teacher. This blend of cultures and artistic influences shaped Jacintha’s early years, imbuing her with a profound love for music and the arts.
Growing up in such a musically enriched environment, Jacintha started learning piano and voice from her early teens. She was an active participant in the Singapore Youth Choir, where she met Dick Lee, who would later become a significant collaborator.
Her musical influences were diverse, ranging from vocal jazz and traditional pop to the works of Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and South African singer Miriam Makeba. She was particularly captivated by the Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes and had a deep admiration for Barbra Streisand.
Academic Pursuits and Early Career of Jacintha Abisheganaden
Jacintha’s academic journey was as impressive as her artistic one. Jacintha Abisheganaden attended Marymount Convent School and Raffles Institution, eventually graduating with an honors degree in English from the National University of Singapore. Her thirst for knowledge took her to Harvard University, where she studied creative writing.
Her career took off in 1976 when she won the local television talent contest, Talentime, singing jazz. This victory marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would span decades. In 1981, she won the Best Female Performer award for her role as Nurse Angamuthu in “General Hospital” at the Drama Festival, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Making Waves in Journalism and Theater
In 1982, Jacintha Abisheganaden joined The Straits Times as an arts reporter, interviewing notable figures such as Neil Sedaka, Cliff Richard, and Sophia Loren. She simultaneously pursued acting, taking on roles in productions like “Samseng and the Chettiar’s Daughter” at the Singapore Arts Festival and the Experimental Theatre Club’s “Terry Rex.”
Jacintha Abisheganaden’s debut album “Silence,” released in 1983, was a critical success, with The Straits Times praising it as the most impressive debut album by a local singer.
Throughout the 1980s, Jacintha’s career continued to flourish. She starred in various theater productions, including Dick Lee’s “Bumboat” and TheatreWorks’ “Love and Belacan.” Her second album, “Tropicana,” was released in 1987, the same year she was voted Best Performer at the ASEAN Song Festival. Her role as Zemphira in “The Gypsies—The Tragedy of Zemphira” further cemented her status as a leading actress.
A Versatile Performer
The 1990s saw Jacintha expanding her artistic horizons. She acted in Eric Khoo’s short film “August” and released her third album “Dramamama” on Japan’s Wave Records.
Her portrayal of Grizabella in “Cats” when the musical opened in Singapore was another highlight of her illustrious career. She also hosted the cooking show “Mum’s Not Cooking,” demonstrating her versatility beyond the stage and recording studio.
In the mid-1990s, Jacintha was introduced to Ying Tan, who signed her to his Groove Note label. Her first jazz album, “Here’s To Ben – A Vocal Tribute To Ben Webster,” was released in 1998, followed by “Autumn Leaves: The Songs of Johnny Mercer” in 1999. These albums garnered international recognition, with tracks featured in TV series and Hollywood movies.
Continuing Influence and Legacy
Jacintha’s influence on Singapore’s arts scene is profound. She performed her cabaret jazz show “The Angina Monologues” at the Old Parliament House in 2004 and served as a judge on the second season of Singapore Idol in 2006.
After a 13-year hiatus, Jacintha Abisheganaden returned to the stage in 2012, playing herself in Ong Keng Sen’s “National Broadway Company,” a musical commissioned for the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s 10th anniversary.
Jacintha Abisheganaden’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, versatility, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her contributions to music, theater, and the arts have left an indelible mark on Singapore’s cultural landscape. As a founding member of TheatreWorks, she has also played a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of artists.
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