Buvaneswaran S/O Ganesan

Finding his own rhytmn

Growing up, music filled Buvaneswaran’s “Buvan's” home. His parents, both blue-collar workers, loved listening to Michael Jackson and classic Tamil songs, nurturing his love for music from a young age.

His father noticed that Buvan had a natural sense of rhythm and encouraged him to pursue music more seriously. After Buvan won first prize at a community singing competition in Primary One, he began Carnatic music training at the age of eight, giving him a foundation in classical music. 

As he progressed, Buvan realised that many musicians followed a more conventional path through established conservatories and institutions. Some dismissed his early achievements as "showmanship". He often felt like an outsider in traditional music circles, constantly trying to prove he belonged.

“I spent years trying to prove I fit in,” Buvan recalls.

The pressure peaked when a music school principal told him that pursuing music would be futile. Rather than giving up, Buvan chose a different path. He turned towards contemporary music production, embracing the versatility that others had overlooked.

Instead of allowing criticism to define him, he worked relentlessly to expand his craft, learning to compose across genres and languages — from Mandarin television dramas to Malay films.

A chance to grow with the NAC Arts Scholarship

A pivotal moment came when Buvan received the NAC Arts Scholarship, supported by the President’s Challenge.

The scholarship gave him the opportunity to pursue higher education, receive mentorship, and deepen his skills in composing and producing music for television and film.

For his family, it marked another milestone. Buvan became the first person in his family to attend university. More than easing his parents' financial burden, the scholarship affirmed that his unique musical perspective was valued.

Rather than asking him to fit a conventional mould, it gave him the confidence to embrace his ability to move between cultures, musical traditions and creative disciplines.

Creating space for the next generation

Today, Buvan measures success differently.

He works with students from schools across Singapore, using music production and digital art to help young people express themselves, build confidence and learn from one another.

Bringing together youths from different races, religions and backgrounds, he believes music can create conversations that words sometimes cannot.

Looking ahead, he hopes to compose a national Tamil song — one that celebrates Singapore’s multicultural identity and reflects the country that shaped him.  

For Buvan, music is no longer about proving he belongs. It is about creating spaces where others feel that they belong too.

About NAC Arts Scholarship supported by President’s Challenge

The NAC Arts Scholarship empowers emerging artistic talents from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from less advantaged backgrounds, to pursue their creative aspirations. By opening more pathways into the arts, we hope to empower young talents to grow their potential and contribute to Singapore’s cultural identity and creative economy.