MOHAMED RAFFEE BIN SYED YAKOBAddress :Blk 2 St Georges Road # 02-55 , Singapore 322002

Contact : Tel: 65-91151974 / Fax : 62547439Email: mohamedraffee@gmail.com / worldartistefactory@gmail.com

Place of Birth : Singapore. Age : 55yearsArtistic Field : Music/ Media

PROFILE

44 years of experience in the Music Industry (Singapore, Malaysia and India)

Experience covers the field of Producing, Composing, Music Arranging, Multi Instrumentalist, Vocalist, Audio Engineering and Sound Design.

Started out as a child artiste in 1971, as a solo instrumentalist in children’s variety programs at the then Radio & Television Singapore ( RTS)

EDUCATION 1967 – 1972 : Cambridge Primary School 1973-1978 : Raffles Institutio

SKILLS Proficiency and mastery in the Englisg Language, both written and spoken.

Speak, read and write in English / Malay / Bahasa.Spoken languages : English, Malay, Bahasa, Tamil.Computer literate with latest Micsrosoft Office.Internet savvy and updated with present developmentsMature, Patient and able to handle high stress or high power work.Self motivated with no supervision needed.Able to converse confidently, people from all walks of life.

Expertise in Audio / Video, Analog/Digital

Have been in professional music studios since my early 20s with vast experience and great ear for audio. Skills inclue, composing original scores, tracks, arranging music, recording, mixing, mastering , editing and packaging the audio content for the demanding market.

Since 1990, I have utilized Digital Music Technology for my work.This includes work centred around a core DAW ( Digital Audio Workstation ) system made up of mainly Apple Computers, using various Hardware and Music Software. I have mastered Hard Disk based recording systems like ProTools, Logic Audio Pro 10, Reaktor softsynth and sampler from Native Instruments, Reason software synth and sampler from PropellerHead Systems plus innumerable softsynths, samplers, effect plugins and processors and many more

Digital format has been my platform for audio recording and film scoring for the last two decades.

I have always updated myself up to the latest digital technology in music production.

Practical working experience include Musical Work in :

INDIA : INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY

1997 – 2007

World famous Indian music-prodigy A R Rahman has not only taken India by storm with his music but also made his mark in London with his music production for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway success, “Bombay Dreams”. He has also scored music for a Chinese Film “ Warriors of The Heaven and Earth” (China’s entry for the Oscars (Best Foreign Film Category). He also scored the music for Hindi Blockbusters “Lagaan” and “ Rang De Basanthi” , both of which were nominated for Oscars (Best Foreign Film Category). These are only some of his internationally recognized work, besides his numerous achievements in the National Level in India itself. He also won Double Oscars and Bafta awards in 2010 for music scoring in the film “ Slumdog Millionaire “

I have had the honour and privilege of working with Indian Film Music Director A R Rahman since 1995 tii today as music arranger, keyboard programmer, guitarist and Vocalist in several feature films scored in India. They include the following:-

1997 - Film - Kaadhal Desam (Tamil - Director Kathir)Rendered the song “Anbey” with SP Balasubramaniam

1998 – Film – “En Swaasa Kattre” (Tamil/Telegu – Director Ravi)Rendered the song “Jumbalakka” in both Tamil and Telegu

1999 – Film – “Sanggamam” (Tamil) Rendered back-up vocals for the song “Varaagha Nathi Karai Oram” – sung by Shankar Mahadevan

1999 – Film – “Taal” (Hindi - Director Subhash Ghai) Rendered back-up vocals for the song “Ishq Bina”

1999 – Film – “Pukar” (Hindi) Rendered back-up vocals for the song ”Kay Sera”

1999 – Film – “Jodi” (Telegu) Rendered the song “Nee Kanne Hamsa” ( Telegu version of “Kai Tatti Tatti” )

2001 – Film – ‘Kannathil Muttammitaal” (Tamil / Telegu - Director Mani Ratnam)Rendered the song “Sinyore” in Tamil and Telegu, arranged and played acoustic guitars

2002 – Film – “Kaadhal Virus” (Tamil – Director Kathir) Arranged and programmed keyboards for the song “Eh Eh Enna Aachu” sung by Vasunthara Das

2002 – Film – “Unakku 18 Enakku 20” (Tamil – Directed by Jothi Krishna) Arranged and Programmed keyboards for the songs “Sandhipoma” and “Kama Kama”

2002 – Film – “Boys” (Tamil – Director Shankar) Arranged and Programmed Keyboards for the song “Dating”

2002 – Film – Tehzeeb (Hindi) Programmed Keyboards for the song “Meherooba” sung by Asha Bhonsle

2003 – Film – Bose, The Forgotten Hero (Hindi Director Shyam Benegal) Rendered a Sufi (spiritual) song “Zikr” with AR Rahman

2005 – Film – Ah Aah (Anbe Aaruyiray- Tamil Director SJ Suryah) Arranged and programmed keyboards on the songs “Maram Kottiyay”,”Varughirai”, Bass, Rhythm programming and Guitars on song “Tigu Tigu”

2005 – Film – “Rang De Basanthi” (Hindi Director Rakesh Mehra) Programmed Rhythm Loops for a song.

2005 – Film – “Manggal Pandey” (Hindi Director Amir Khan)Keyboard and Rhythm Programming

2006 – Film – “Sillunnu Oru Kadhal” (Tamil Director Krishna) Programmed Keyboards and performed on guitars for the song “ Maaricham”

2007 – Film – “Sivaji” (Tamil – Rajini Starrer, Director Shankar) Programmed Keyboards for Background Score

2013 – Film “ Ambikaapathy “ ( Tamil Film – Starring Dhanush )I was invited to render a tamil song “ Solvadhei Seidhu Mudippom “ for the film.

Music Director / Composer - DEBUT

India Year 2008 /2009

A first for a Singapore born Composer.

Invited by Star Veteran Director Mr KS Ravikumar to be the Music Director / Composer for a Tamil Feature Film

Film : Jaggubhai Actors : Sarath Kumar / Shreya Directed by : KS Ravikumar Playback singers, Hariharan, Shankra Mahadevan, Chinmayi, Sunita Sarathy, Suchitra, Maheswari, myself. Produced by : Radaan & Zee Motion Pictures ( India ) A worldwide Release

Audio Release was graced by The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr Karunanidhi and India’s Double Oscar winner Music Composer AR Rahman, among other personalities.

Film Premier was graced by India’s Superstar Rajinikaanth and Kamal Haasan.

SINGAPORE

Radio Television Singapore / Singapore Broadcasting Corporation / TCS / Mediacorp

Ministry of Education (MOE) Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore (CDIS),

National Arts Council (NAC), Ministry of Information, Communication and Arts (MICA , formerly known as MITA)

Live Concerts at Victoria Theatre, National Theatre and various cultural programmes at Neighbourhood Community Clubs for Festivals

Media Deveopment Authority

MALAYSIA

Radio Television Malaysia

Astro Vaanavil

INDIA

The Indian Film Industry, popularly known as Kollywood and Bollywood.

MY WORK

SINGAPORE

MINISTRY OF CULTURE ( Year 1976 )

Performed in ’Concerts for the Young’, organized by the then Ministry of Culture

MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND ARTS NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL

1998 NATIONAL DAY SONGS

Engaged, by Music Composer Sydney Tan to Re-arrange and produce a new version of the National Tamil Song, “Munneru Vaaliba” and “Enggal Singapur” for The 1998 National Day Celebrations. ( Only the song Munnaeru Valiba is in the audio file. I cannot find the other song, “ Enggal Singapur )

2000

Scored Original Theme, Background Music and Original Song for the Tamil Adaptation of the theatrical drama, “THE COFFIN IS TOO BIG FOR THE HOLE”

The original play written by the late playwright Kuo Pao Ku. Reproduced in Tamil by Playwright Elangovan of local IndianTheatre Group “AGNIKOOTHU”

2004

MAHA MELA - An Indian Musical Carnival organized by the NATIONAL ARTS COUNCIL for The Singapore Arts Festival, 28 May - 20 June 2004

2006 ONE SEASON MANY FACES – BANDHANA – SINGAPORE ARTS FESTIVAL between 1st – 25th June 2006

2010 NATIONAL DAY PROJECT Engaged, by Music Composer Sydney Tan, to compose, arrange and perform as a musician for the Indian Music Segment for the 2010 National Day Celebrations

2010 August Performed at The Heritage Festival as Mohamed Raffee & The Vasantham Boys At The SMU Campus.

2010 Invited by The People’s Association of Singapore (P.A) to be one of the Judges for the Singapore 2010 National Song writing competition.

2011 Performed at The Singapore Arts Festival “ I want to Remember” Concert at The Esplanade Park as Mohamed Raffee & The Vasantham Band on May 21st.

2011 July Performed at The Heritage Festival with an Ethnic Band set- up, at Fort Canning Park as Mohamed Raffee & The Vasantham Boys

ESPLANADE SINGAPORE

2002 Opening Festival of The Esplanade – Theatres By The Bay – The Arts Hub of Singapore. The Western – Carnatic Fusion Group called “ BRAHMA” comprising , Violin Virtuoso Brothers from South India, GANESH & KUMARESH , my musician brothers, Bashir - Keyboards and Noor – Drums and Percussions, myself – Guitars and well – known Malaysian Artiste, Casey Subramaniam on Bass Guitar

2004 KALAA UTSAVAM - INDIAN FESTIVAL OF ARTS 2004 (12-21 NOV 2004). Party with Mohamed Raffee and the Vasantham Boys

2007 KALAA UTSAVAM - INDIAN FESTIVAL OF ARTS 2007 Mohamed Raffee and the Vasantham Boys

2011 25th-26th October Concert at The Esplanade. Mohamed Raffee & The Vasantham Boys : Bollywood Night”

2012 14th October A Mega Concert at The Esplanade Concert Hall “ Samarpanam - Memories from The Siver Screen “ In conjunction with Celebrating Esplanade’s 10th Anniversary

Engaged as Music Director, Arranger, Musician involving 16 Musicians and 20 Singers

2012 12th and 13th October Concert at The Esplanade, by The Waterfront. Mohamed Raffee & The Vasantham Boys : Bollywood Night”

SENTOSA

201213th October (3-6pm)

Concert at Sentosa, by The Merlion “Mohamed Raffee & The Vasantham Boys : Celebrating Deepavali”

2013November (3-6pm)

Concert at Sentosa, by The Merlion “Mohamed Raffee & The Vasantham Boys : Celebrating Deepavali”

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION1982-2003 / 2011

Engaged by Curriculum Development Institute of Singapore (CDIS) and The Ministry of

Education as a composer, arranger and instrumentalist for the production of original songs and music for use in the education media for primary and secondary schools and ETV programmes. Composed hundreds of Tamil songs for children.

Completed 3 CD-Rom Projects; Interactive Media for Primary School Teaching syllabus ( Tamil)

Radio & Television Singapore ( RTS)

Year 1971 to 1974

Started as a Child Artiste, performing on the Mandolin, A Stringed InstrumentPerforming mainly at Tamil Programmes on Radio and Television SingaporeAnd at yearly special programmes like “ Vaanoli Perunaal “

Year 1975 to 1979

Formed and lead the first Indian Students Band “ Manavar Isai Kuzhu” together with my brothers, Mohamed Bashir and Mohamed Noor and several friends. We were the resident student band for the Indian students’ variety shows for Radio and Television. Namely, Maanavar Medai, Illayar Medai and Illayar Arangam

Year 1975

My Band “ Maanavar Isai Kuzhu “ was Invited to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the newly built Singapore Broadcasting Corporation Building ,CALDECOTT HILL, in 1975, performing alongside The SBC English Orchestra

Year 1978 - 2014

Singapore Broadcasting Corporation ( SBC ) / Television Corporation of Singapore ( TCS) /MEDIACORP

For Prime 12 / Vasantham

TAMIL : Variety / Musical /Drama / Info-Ed / Magazine / Telemovie

Band Leader, Composer, Arranger,Music Director Musician, Vocalist and Actor for ;

Deepavali Variety Special - 1980 to 1983, 1990 to 1995, 2000 and 2003 Concert at Sentosa - 1991 Talentime – 1984, 1986 , 1988, 1990, 1992, 1997, 1998, 2001 Indian Variety Programmes – “Thein Kinnam” , “Maalai Mathuram”, “Ninaithaale

Inikum”, “Masthanaa Masthanaa”, “Theem Taka Theem”, “Music Mantra”, “ Arohana “, “ Pradhana Vizha”, “Osthi”, “Indian Beat “ – Between 1985 to 2013

Special for the SARS Epidemic

Composed, Arranged and Performed original Tamil Song “ URUTHI KONDU YETHEYUM VELVOM”, paying tribute to all health workers in singapore who were involed in controlling the Sars Epidemic.

4th Pradhana Vizha – Award

Won an Award at the 4th Pradhana Vizha Awards for my original song contribution “ URUTHI KONDU YETHEVUM VELVOM” A song dedicate and paying tribute to all health workers in singapore who were involed in controlling the Sars Epidemic.

Scored original theme, background score, original songs for Dramas/ Teleserials

Title : Ondray Ondru - Year 1997 Directed Produced by Raam MurugaseEagle Vision for Vasantham Mediacorp

Title : Indra - Year 2000 Directed Produced by Raam MurugaseEagle Vision for Vasantham Mediacorp

Title : Oattam - Year 2001 Directed Produced by Raam MurugaseEagle Vision for Vasantham Mediacorp

Title : Naan Sollavaa Directed Produced by Raam MurugaseEagle Vision for Vasantham Mediacorp

TELEVISION ( TAMIL )1993 – 2003

Children’s Educational / Variety Programmes & Dramas Composed, Arranged and Performed Theme Music, Background Scores and Songs for

Title : Ooh Lalalaa Directed and Produced by Haider AliEagle Vision for Vasantham Mediacorp

Title : Siruvarghal Naanggal Directed & Produced by TT DhavamanniEagle Vision for Vasantham Mediacorp

Title : Pirai Directed & Produced by TT Dhavamanni

Eagle Vision for Vasantham Mediacorp

Title : Matchsticks – The Musical ( Tee Kutchi) (Year 2003)A TelemovieDirected by : TT Dhavamanni Produced by : Blue River Pictures for VasanthamMediacorp

Special Mention : (New York Festivals 2004; Finalist with Certificate of Distinction. ABU / CASBA UNICEF Child Rights Award 2004which won an award at The American Television Awards 2004 in New York). Finalist with Certificate of Recognition. Pradhana Vizha 22004 ; Special Mentioned Award

Title : Padighall 2 series ( Year 2008 ) Directed by : TT Dhavamanni Produced by : Blue River Pictures for VasanthamCommissioned by Media Development Authority

Special Mention : Asian Television Awards 2008. Nominee- Best Single Drama or Telemovie

Title : Narakasura in Town ( Year 2010 ) A Telemovie for Deepavali Directed by : TT Dhavamanni Produced by : Blue River PicturesCommissioned by Vasantham

Title : Karka Tamizh ( Year 2011 ) Directed by : TT DhavamaniProduced by Blue River Pictures for Vasantham Commissioned by MDA for Mediacorp.

Composer for Theme Songs and Songs

Variety / Documentary / Informative / Cultural Programme

1990 to 1996 : “Ninaithale Inikkum” / Prime 12 / TCS /Mediacorp

1997 : “ Sollathaan Vendumaa” Produced by Muru ( Eagle Vision ) for Vasantham / Mediacorp

2001 : “ Ennipaar” Produced by Muru ( Eagle Vision ) for Vasantham / Mediacorp

2000 : “ Peysuvom” Muru Produced by Muru ( Eagle Vision ) for Vasantham / Mediacorp

2000 : “ Pena Munai” /Produced by Mohamed Ali for Vasantham / Mediacorp

“ Kala Saagaram” Produced by Bala ( Eagle Vision ) for Vasantham / Mediacorp

“ Agni” produced for Vasantham / Mediacorp

2010 : “Arohana “ – produced by Muru / Eagle Vision / Vasantham / Mediacorp

2011 : Karka Tamizh– produced by TT Dhavamnni/ Blue River Pictures for MDA/ Vasantham/Mediacorp

2010 : Pradhana Vizha – produced by Ali / Eagle Vision / Vasantham / Mediacorp

2012 : Indian Beat ( Taalam) –- produced by Anbarasan /Eagle Vision / Vasantham / Mediacorp

2013 : Osthi – produced by Lavanya / Eagle Vision / Vasantham / Mediacorp

2014 : TAMIL DOT COM– produced by TT Dhavamnni/ Blue River Pictures for Vasantham / Mediacorp

OTHER CHANNELS MEDIACORP

2014 : PESAN AYAH– A Malay Telemovie for 'Father's Day', produced by TT Dhavamnni/ Blue River Pictures for Surya Channel / Mediacorp

2014 : LEARNING CURVE– An English Telemovie revolving around Teacher and Student relationships.Produced by TT Dhavamnni/ Blue River Pictures for Channel Five (5)/ Mediacorp. To be screened on January 2015.

2015 : ANAKKU DUNIAKU– A Mother's Day Special, A Malay Language Telemovie revolving around 3 mothers.Produced by TT Dhavamnni/ Blue River Pictures for Suria Channel Mediacorp. Produced a Malay Language Mother's Day Song ( Released as a Single ).Screened on 1st May2015.

Special Programmes

2005 – Invited by Mediacorp (Eagle Vision Production) for Vasantham Central’s 1st ever “Vasantham Star” as a Judge

2009 – Invited by Mediacorp (Eagle Vision Production) for Vasantham Central’s 3rd “Vasantham Star” : as a Judge

2009 – Invited together with my band,“Vasantham Boys” to perform at the Gala event, Vasantham Channel’s 1st Anniversary Pradhana Vizha 2009

2009 – “ Aspirations “

Invited to be a Mentor to young and aspiring Indian singers and composers in Singapore. A 10 part series produced by Humming Bird Productions for Vasantham Channel

2009 – Singapore Mediacorp’s Vasantham Channel commissioned and Eagle Vision produced “Arohana” A 5 part Tele-Biography oon myself and my band “Vasantham Boys”, comprising of my brothers Bashir, Noor and long time chilhood buddy Daniel and myself. Featured our Musical Journey as young children in the 70s culminating in our venture into Kollywood, India as, Music Director and musicians for Indian made movie, “Jaggubhai”

2010 – Invited together with my band,“Vasantham Boys” to perform at the Gala event, Pradhana Vizha 2010

Invited to be a Proposal Reviewer for MDA’s Grant Schemes for the music sector, 2012.

2013 – Invited by Production House “ LiveAction “ for Vasantham Channel to be a judge at the Superstar Asia Challenge. A Tamil Talent Quest between best artistes in Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

2014 – 18th MayA Mega Concert titled " Vasantham Live "at The Esplanade Concert Hall A Joint Production by Vasantham Channel , Mediacorp and Esplanade Theatres by The Bay.Engaged as Music Director, Arranger, Musician involving 20 Musicians and 30 Singers

2014 - Invited to be The Musical Director, Arranger, Musician and Singer for The "Tamizha Tamizha " Show to commemorate The Tamil Language and New Year.

Produced by Eagle Vision, Mediacorp. Guest of Honour : Minister Mr Eswaran.

2015 - Invited to be The Musical Director, Arranger, Musician and Singer for The "Tamizha Tamizha " Composed, arranged, performed an Original Tribute song for the Late Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Produced by Liveaction @ Mediacorp.

2015 - Invited to perform, with my band Vasantham Boys, at the SG 50 Concert at the Singapore Sports Hub to celebrate Singapore’s 50th Birthday.

2015 – A Mega Concert titled " Vasantham Live "at The Rock Theatre.To commemorate Singapore’s 50 the Anniversary .Commissioned by Vasantham Channel (Mediacorp )Engaged as Music Director, Arranger and Orchestra conductor involving 30 Musicians and 50 Singers.

MY ORIGINAL MUSIC ALBUMS 1993-2007

Self Produced, composed, arranged and programmed keyboards, played guitars and sang on all my following Albums. Featuring “ Vasantham Boys” – comprising Bashir on Keyboards and Piano, Mohamed Noor on Drums, Percussions and Electronic Rhythm Programming and Daniel on Bass Guitar and featuring Percussionists and Violin Orchestration from the south Indian Film Industry in Chennai.( Conducted by Kollywood’s acclaimed Music Arranger, Mr Das Daniel)

A first time for a local born composer to record music albums employing local artistes as well as professional playback singers and top notch session musicians from The Indian Film Industry.

I also became the first Tamil Artiste ( from Singapore and Malaysia ) to be contracted to Warner Music Malaysia. - 1994

1993 – Album – “BREAKTHRO”

1994 – Album – “KARUPAAYEE”

Both the above albums continue to be runaway hits till to date still enjoying airplay in Sing apore and Malaysia

I had famous south indian film playback singers, SP Balasubramaniam, Mano, Swarnalatha and Minmini to render vocals on both the abovementioned albums

2004 – Album – “Listen” –Launched by music Director AR Rahman at KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2006 – Album – “Best of Breakthru & Karupayee” – a reworked rerelease

2007 – Album – “Asaiye Alai Poley” An album of re arranged remixes of old tamil hits, released worldwide in August 2007, by SAREGAMA India Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of the RPG Group

2000 : CHINESE MUSIC ALBUM : INCANTATION

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER : LEE MUSICMUSIC

PRODUCER AND ARRANGER FOR TWO SONGS IN THIS ALBUM

ALSO PROGRAMMED SYNTHESIZERS, PLAYED THE MANDOLIN, GUITAR

SPECIAL EVENTS

1994 - International Year of The Family Carnival at The Marina Promenade, organized by Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA)

2000 - Opening Ceremony of the New Pasir Panjang PSA Port Terminal ( Part of Tribal Tide, Premier World Music Fusion Group). Guest of Honour , Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong.

2010 – SINDA – 20th Anniversary. Performed at their concertat Ritz Carlton Singapore

INTERNATIONAL CONCERTS BY INDIAN FILM MUSIC DIRECTORS

2003 May - “VIDYASAGAR GRAND MUSICAL NITE 2003” . I was invited to perform as a guitarist by famous indian film music director, Vidyasagar, for his concert at the Kallang Indoor Stadium, Singapore.

2003 December – “AR RAHMAN’S UNITY OF LIGHT CONCERT” – I was invited to perform vocals at the mega concert by Oscar winner and world famous Indian Film Music Director, AR Rahman, held at the Shah Alam Stadium, KL. Malaysia, in front of a 20,000 strong crowd.

MALAYSIA

1993 – 2010

Invited by Malaysian Teleserial Director, Francis Silvan(Sabtham’s Vision Sdn Bhd) to Score background music and original songs for Teleserials Broadcasted at RTM (Radio Television Malaysia)

1993 – Joe Muniandy 1994 – Nanban 1996 – Foto 1997 – Cikgu

2003 – Invited by Astro TV Malaysia to be a judge for Vaanavil Paadal Thiran Potti 2003” together with Music Director Deva , Playback singer Anuradha Sriram, held at the Genting Highlands.

2009 – Invited to be a Judge at the Deepa Raaga , to select the first universal Deepavali songs for Global Indians. Jointly organized by Chakravathi and Celcom Malaysia