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As his fingers moved across the keys, a small crowd slowly formed. At one point, a few strangers at MRT Bukit Bintang quietly sang along with him.
For busker Samuel, moments like these were what mattered more than what ends up in his tip box.
From Sabah to the streets of KL
Samuel, who hails from Sabah, is currently pursuing a degree in Classical Music Performance in Kuala Lumpur and his love for music began at just seven years old after watching a jazz pianist perform in a hotel.
“Since young, I’ve always wanted to try busking. That dream finally became a reality when I began busking with a partner before turning it into a full-time job five months ago.
“Personally, busking was never just about being seen or gaining experience.
It takes a genuine love for music, the kind that keeps you playing even when it’s hard, and that’s what continues to push me to improve every day,” he said.
Playing through the pain
Not long after he started, Samuel injured his wrist. The pain became so severe that even doctors warned him that he might need surgery if he didn’t have enough rest.
“It was very painful. I couldn’t even stretch it. I also suffer from chronic back pain,” he added.
Medical checkups later revealed that Samuel was lacking in magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium, all of which made him prone to injury. One of his arms also appeared noticeably weaker than the other, something he struggles with to this day.
At the same time, medical treatment hasn’t been easy to access. Samuel shared that his health insurance was switched to an education insurance by his parents, leaving him without coverage when he needed it most.
“There was no one who could help me. I didn’t even have money to go to the hospital.
“My father is the only breadwinner in the family and occasionally requires surgery himself. Despite the pain I face regularly, I don’t want him to worry too much about me.”
As such, Samuel continues to busk along the streets of KL, even if it means pushing heavy trolleys through MRT stations, carrying speakers weighing up to 15kg, and setting up equipment so that he could fund hospital visits.
Not about the money
For Samuel, giving up on music was never part of the plan. Even on days when he earns more than RM100, he knows exactly what keeps him going.
“It’s not all that important if passersby don’t give me money. At least they stand and listen.
“Sometimes, they sing along or just stop for a moment before going on with their day. For me, that moment of connection is enough.
“However, playing solo without any singing can feel quite empty, thus it’s different when someone sings along,” he said.
Achieving his final goal
When asked what his dream is, Samuel has a clear vision of what it is.
“My final goal is to play at concerts with famous singers in a band or go on world tours.
“For now, I’m sticking to performing in public at MRT stations and open spaces where strangers become listeners and collaborators. And that is already worth something.
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