On Oct 3, TikTok user @jazzicalee uploaded a video documenting an incident at Pasir Ris MRT station where a man shouted at her group of buskers, demanded they lower their volume, and approached them closely, prompting the performers to pack up out of safety concerns.
Busker Jazzica Coco Lee Describes Feeling Uncomfortable
Speaking to Stomp, 25-year-old music student and singer Jazzica Coco Lee said the incident occurred on Oct 2 at around 11.50am while she and her group were performing outside an itea stall. The busking session had begun at 10am and was scheduled to run until noon.
In the video, an on-screen caption notes that an uncle approaches the trio—which included a singer, guitarist, and keyboardist—telling them they are too loud. Lee stated that his voice was almost as loud as their four instruments combined. As the man grew more agitated, he walked toward the left, pointed at the performers, and stepped very close to the guitarist and keyboardist.
Lee described the situation as uncomfortable and said she grew very worried for her bandmates’ safety. Despite attempts to accommodate the man by lowering their volume and stopping the guitar, the confrontation continued until the group decided to pack up their equipment and end the performance.
According to Lee, the group routinely uses a sound meter app on their phones to keep volume levels within the National Arts Council’s stipulated limit of 65 decibels. They also utilize a mixer and speaker system to prevent distortion and peaking during their sets.
Passer-by Yeo Steps In To Separate the Man and the Band
Several passers-by intervened to de-escalate the situation during the confrontation. One father, who wished to be known only as Yeo, stepped between the man and the keyboardist while holding his four-year-old daughter’s hand.
Yeo told Stomp that he had brought his daughter to grab a meal when he noticed the man non-stop yelling at the buskers. Noting that the group held a valid permit and licence to busk, Yeo said he felt he could not just stand by and watch.
After the confrontation at the MRT station, Yeo walked into a nearby McDonald’s to order at a self-order kiosk. He stated that the man followed him inside, stood behind him, and attempted to explain why he demanded the musicians lower their volume. Yeo ignored the man, who then began shouting at a McDonald’s staff member over an unrelated issue.
Police Arrive at Pasir Ris MRT Station After the Man Leaves
Police officers arrived at Pasir Ris MRT station while the buskers were packing up their equipment. Lee noted that her group had not called the police and remained unsure who alerted authorities.
The man had already left the scene before officers arrived. Lee directed the officers toward the direction the man had fled, describing him as wearing all blue. Police officers asked what happened, checked if the musicians were okay, and took down their particulars, statements, and details regarding the man.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pasir Ris Busking Incident
What time did the incident at Pasir Ris MRT station take place?
The incident occurred on Oct 2 at approximately 11.50am, during a busking session that ran from 10am to noon.
What sound volume limits do the buskers follow?
Singer Jazzica Coco Lee stated that the group uses a sound meter app to ensure their volume stays within the National Arts Council’s stipulated limit of 65 decibels.
How did authorities respond to the scene?
Police officers arrived after the man had left, checked on the welfare of the musicians, and recorded their statements and particulars.
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