Lake Maninjau

Zubir Said (also Zubir Syed) (22 July 1907–16 November 1987) is a film composer who composed the national anthem of Singapore, Majulah Singapura. He is believed to have written about 1,000 songs
Zubir Said was born in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Zubir Said attended a Dutch school but had no interest in the academic studies. His music started when he was introduced to the Solfa music system. A classmate subsequently taught him how to play and make a flute, and in middle school, he learnt guitar and drums.
After he recovered from his sickness, he took up his friend's suggestion to go to Singapore to make a living as a musician. In Singapore, he was exposed to many types of music.
In the late 1950s, the commissioning of Majulah Singapura took place. Zubir Said's song was accepted and the song was sung at the grand finale of the concert after the renovated Victoria Theatre on 6 September 1958.
When Singapore had attained self-government in 1959, the Government had to establish symbols of loyalty for Singapore. After alterations were made to the song, it was accepted by the Legislative Assembly on 11 November 1959 and was presented to the nation on 3 December to the public at the launch of loyalty week.
He continued working in Cathay Keris Film Productions until 1964 when he retired. He had since been conferred the Sijil Kemuliaan (Certificate of Honour) in 1963, recognising his contributions to the state. Among other awards, he also received the Asean Cultural and Communications Award in 1987.
Zubir Said died at the age of 80 in 1987.
He is primarily remembered for composing the national anthem of Singapore, Majulah Singapura, or Onward Singapore. The song unites all the races of Singapore to sing to this stirring tune with simple lyrics, together.
He has also submitted compositions to the Malaysian government for consideration for their National Anthem in 1956, although Negaraku was accepted in the end.
He is also remembered for his composition, Semoga Bahagia, for primary-schoolgoing his Children's Day song for Singaporean children, and for the Singapore Youth Festival, advising children to work hard for their future.

The Songs:
"Majulah Singapura"
by Zubir Said (1907-1987)

Mari kita rakyat Singapura
Sama-sama menuju bahagia
Cita-cita kita yang mulia
Berjaya Singapura

Marilah kita bersatu
Dengan semangat yang baru
Semua kita berseru
Majulah Singapura
Majulah Singapura

English Versions:
Come, fellow Singaporeans
Let us progress towards happiness together
May our noble aspiration bring
Singapore success

Come, let us unite
In a new spirit
Let our voices soar as one
Onward Singapore
Onward Singapore


" Semoga Bahagia "
By Zubir Said

Sama-sama maju ke hadapan
Pandai cari pelajaran
Jaga diri dalam kesihatan
Serta sopan-santun dengan kawan-kawan
Dengan hati bersih serta suci
Sama-sama hormat dan berbudi
Jaga tingkah pemuda-pemudi
Adat dan budaya junjung tinggi
Capailah lekas cita-cita pemudi-pemuda
Supaya kita ada harga di mata dunia
Kalau kita lengah serta lupa
Hidup kita sia-sia
Jiwa besar sihat serta segar
Rajin dengan sabar tentu bahagia
Lemah lembut perangai pemudi
Cergas tangkas wataknya pemuda
Suka rela selalu berbakti
Sikap yang pembela dan berjasa
Capailah nama yang mulia pemudi-pemuda
Rajinlah supaya berjaya semoga bahagia


Source: www.wikipedia.org and www.answers.com