The son of an Indian Primary School teacher and a Chinese Teochew Homemaker; Thumboo now aged 81 is recognized as “Singapore’s Poet Laureate” and one of Singapore’s Pioneer Poets. His diverse cultural heritage helped to shape his values as he began his Primary School education on our little red dot. Growing up, he was read narratives and nursery rhymes by his aunt. This cultivated his early interest in literature. He continued on to major in both History and English Literature at University Level. Professor Thumboo obtained his doctorate in African Poetry from NUS (National University Singapore). Still a prolific writer, his most recent works were released in
“Hey Black Devil Thumboo! ” yelled a youth.
As a child of mixed heritage and growing up in early Singapore, Thumboo was name-called this colloquial moniker, often teased and at times ridiculed. …show more content…
As Thumboo began writing, he displayed his passion & strong belief in Nationalism as well as the Singaporean Identity. He displayed how history and heritage are often intertwined in our lives. As such, we are best able to define ourselves as individuals or as groups in multi-racial Singapore.
Famously, Thumboo wrote “I live in Singapore; I have likes and dislikes, a set of interests, a set of values, a set of responsibilities… History I see as fully inclusive, fully in terms of one's personal limits. And it includes beliefs, and anything of significance...nothing is irrelevant.”
In his poetic works, he successfully crafts a sense of belonging for the country he grew up & cherishes. This resonates with his Thumboo’s poetic works are typically lyrical with some descriptive ones as well. In many of his poems, he incorporates metaphors and rhythm, creating a masterpiece for an engaging and enjoyable
“Hey Black Devil Thumboo! ” yelled a youth.
As a child of mixed heritage and growing up in early Singapore, Thumboo was name-called this colloquial moniker, often teased and at times ridiculed. …show more content…
As Thumboo began writing, he displayed his passion & strong belief in Nationalism as well as the Singaporean Identity. He displayed how history and heritage are often intertwined in our lives. As such, we are best able to define ourselves as individuals or as groups in multi-racial Singapore.
Famously, Thumboo wrote “I live in Singapore; I have likes and dislikes, a set of interests, a set of values, a set of responsibilities… History I see as fully inclusive, fully in terms of one's personal limits. And it includes beliefs, and anything of significance...nothing is irrelevant.”
In his poetic works, he successfully crafts a sense of belonging for the country he grew up & cherishes. This resonates with his Thumboo’s poetic works are typically lyrical with some descriptive ones as well. In many of his poems, he incorporates metaphors and rhythm, creating a masterpiece for an engaging and enjoyable