Singapore - Marina Bay Sands is proud to welcome award winning singer-songwriter Jessie J, who is currently in town for the Singapore International Jazz Festival being held at the integrated resort from 5–8 March. She took time out of her schedule for an exclusive meet-and-greet with local youth who hail from 10sq and are recipients of the Business Times Budding Artists Fund, a designated charity of Sands for Singapore.

In continuation of Sands for Singapore's initiatives of giving back to the local community in meaningful ways, the meet-and-greet at Marina Bay Sands presented the local talent a rare opportunity to meet their favourite star.

As Jessie entered the room, the young performers from 10sq surprised her with an a cappella rendition of 'Masterpiece', which moved the Grammy nominee to return the favour. In addition to giving them autographed tickets to her show, the star invited the youth to perform the song with her on stage in the evening. Introducing them on stage for the second last song of the set, she said, “This is what I live for, they are my inspiration!”

"My fellow singers and I feel very privileged to be given this rare opportunity by Sands for Singapore to perform for Jessie J. We did not expect her to invite us on stage to perform with her, and it is definitely a dream come true! She is one of my idols and has inspired me to pursue my passion for singing. This experience is truly memorable and one that I will never forget,” said Muhamad Zahirul Haqq Muhamad, 15, a singer from 10sq.

Originally a car park, 10sq managed by The RICE Company Limited (RICE) is an arts training centre for young people which combines traditional arts spaces with arts technology. The programmes are designed as a catalyst for young people to initiate new creative ideas and be inspired to reach beyond their limits. 10sq is also home to youth budding artists, majority of whom are beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, pursuing an arts training programme in Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts and Music.

Jessie J is here as part of Singapore International Jazz Festival, which brings together more than 250 artists, over four nights on multiple stages at Marina Bay Sands. Jessie J closed Saturday evening's set following performances from local sensation Charlie Lim, Indonesia jazz pianist Indra Lemana, the charming men from Brooklyn Snarky Puppy, and a cappella stalwarts Naturally Seven.

Following its stunning debut in 2014 at Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore International Jazz Festival (Sing Jazz) is taking place from 5-8 March and will entertain music lovers with another thrilling programme of jazz and jazz-inspired music. The Festival will culminate tomorrow with Roy Ayers, The Steve McQueens, Courtney Pine, Yuna and Brand New Heavies.

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About Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd
Marina Bay Sands is the leading business, leisure and entertainment destination in Asia. It features large and flexible convention and exhibition facilities, 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, the rooftop Sands SkyPark, the best shopping mall in Asia, world-class celebrity chef restaurants and an outdoor event plaza. Its two theatres showcase a range of leading entertainment performances including world-renowned Broadway shows. Completing the line-up of attractions is ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands which plays host to permanent and marquee exhibitions. For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com

Sands for Singapore, Marina Bay Sands' corporate social responsibility programme, is committed to helping Singapore in meaningful ways. The goal of the programme is to identify portions of the local community that are currently underserved, leverage our unique offerings and mobilize our over 9,000 workforce to make a positive impact. Our designated charities have benefitted from our continuous support and engagement. Besides working with our designated charities, we further support beneficiaries including those related to youth and education.

For Media Enquiries
Ronda Ng-Doswell (+65)9152 2842 / ronda@fullcirclepr.co
Tessa Chay (+65)9623 9946 / tessa@fullcirclepr.co

Sarina Pushkarna (+65)6688 0013 / sarina.pushkarna@marinabaysands.com
Gayathri Ramasamy (+65)6688 1407 / gayathri.ramasamy@marinabaysands.com

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