The 57-year-old entertainment veteran has been a silent force behind Singapore’s avant-garde arts scene, nurturing emerging talent for over four decades.
SINGAPORE: “I agreed to your interview because you called me an ‘elder statesman’ in your email,” Najip Ali jokes, adding with a laugh, “People don’t usually call me an ‘elder’.”
At 57, Najip Ali is undoubtedly an elder, but in the best possible sense. He remains as youthful and energetic as ever, with an enthusiasm for life that makes him feel like a peer to younger generations. For over 40 years, Najip has been a driving force in Singapore’s cultural and entertainment scene, becoming a pillar of the Malay entertainment world since the early ’90s.
Though many new entertainers flash brightly and fade quickly, Najip’s presence has endured, evolving from the dance floors of old Zouk to becoming a respected figure in Southeast Asia’s entertainment scene. Unbeknownst to many, Najip has quietly shaped the city’s arts underground, nurturing young musicians, artists, and creatives who might have otherwise struggled to find a platform.
His contributions continue to impact Singapore’s cultural landscape, and it’s time for the public to recognize the significant role he’s played in its evolution.
The Man with the Microphone A defining memory for many in Singapore, including myself, was watching the endlessly energetic Najip Ali hosting Asia Bagus—a vibrant variety show that aired from 1992 to 2000. The show featured diverse musical acts from across Asia, including Indonesian ballads and Malay rap, all introduced by Najip with his signature flamboyance. His unrelenting enthusiasm and offbeat fashion—often inspired by the quirky Deee-Lite—made him a recognizable regional star.
“I learned from Japanese television,” Najip reveals during our conversation. “I couldn’t understand much, but the energy was contagious. They’d have hosts who would be naked in one scene and then thrown into a well in the next. Entertainment, in Japan, is bold and untamed.”
Tokyo Calling What many may not know is that Najip’s rise to fame was an unexpected twist of fate. While partying at Zouk, he was spotted by TV executives who thought his look and vibe fit the upcoming Asia Bagus show. Though he didn’t speak Japanese at the time, Najip embraced the role, finding his voice as a host and cultivating a lasting cultural impact on viewers across Asia.
“Asia Bagus was backed by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Najip explains. “Japan wanted to be part of Southeast Asia’s growth, and Asia Bagus captured the region’s imagination.”
First Love Najip’s first love, however, was dance. While he didn’t initially know he had a passion for performance, it was his time in the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company (MDC) that opened his eyes to the performing arts. This experience, he says, was pivotal in his understanding of the entertainment industry and solidified his desire to become a choreographer.
“I learned the true potential of dance, and it became my obsession,” he laughs. This obsession would lead him to choreograph Beauty World—a milestone in his career.
The Mailman of Culture Beyond his work in front of the camera, Najip’s role as a curator and connector of global arts left a lasting impact on Singapore’s cultural scene. Drawing inspiration from Malcolm McLaren and the global music and arts movements in Japan and the UK, he began hosting underground parties that brought new sounds and perspectives to Singapore’s youth.
“We were listening to music no one else had access to,” says DJ Kiat, a friend and fellow artist. “Najip brought music from overseas and gave us access to what was fresh and new.”
Najip’s parties became a cultural meeting point for artists, musicians, and creatives who could discuss ideas, push boundaries, and ignite new passions. “In the ’90s, Singapore was starved for fresh ideas,” he recalls. “These parties were the breeding ground for the alternative art scene we see flourishing today.”
Defining Malay Entertainment Today, Najip continues to influence Singapore’s Malay entertainment industry. Having been involved in numerous successful projects like Berani Nyanyi and Kaki Nyanyi, he focuses on helping local artists thrive. His work with Suria, a channel he helped revamp, has been instrumental in creating distinctive content for Singapore’s Malay community.
“What’s important is to create something unique,” he emphasizes. “My goal has always been to create content that resonates with the Singaporean Malay identity.”
Najip’s long-term ambition remains clear: to foster a unique voice in Malay entertainment that stands out in the global scene. He reflects proudly on his work, knowing that his contributions have helped shape the careers of emerging artists.
Meraki At almost 60, Najip continues to embrace creativity, sharing his knowledge and passion for the arts with younger generations. Whether producing shows or working with local artists, he’s a living testament to the power of passion-driven work.
“I still wake up every day excited by what I do,” he says. “Passion is what fuels everything I create. That’s what I tell young people—find your passion, and make it live.”
Najip’s journey has been one of constant reinvention, from hosting television shows to creating cultural movements that have shaped the artistic landscape of Singapore. As he continues to champion the next generation, his legacy remains firmly rooted in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant cultural underground.
