About Kartina Dahari
Lived 1941 – 2014 (aged 72). Kartina Dahari was a Singaporean singer and actor.
Biduanita Negara Kartina Dahari (12 November 1941 – 30 April 2014) was a Singaporean Malay singer and entertainer who was a fixture on television and radio from the 1950s to the 1980s. Dahari, who was nicknamed "Queen of Keroncong," a type of Malay folk music popular at the time, was best known for her hit single, "Sayang Di Sayang" ("Lover is Loved"), which was composed by Zubir Said. She was the first Malay language singer to record English language songs, releasing four EPs, two LPs and four singles in that language. In 2009, Dahari was awarded a Golden Award (Perdana Emas), which was presented to her by former President of Singapore S. R. Nathan. She was also the recipient of the Artistic Excellence Award, which was bestowed on her in 2010 by The Composers and Authors Society of Singapore. Her last public appearance took place at the Esplanade, Singapore in 2013 when she went on stage to express her appreciation for the support shown by the organizers and her fans, at the close of her tribute concert performed by her peers.
Death Dahari was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010. She died on 30 April 2014, at the age of 72. Her three children and three grandchildren survive her.
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Important facts
People in Kartina Dahari's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Kartina Dahari's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Kartina Dahari?
Singaporean singer (1941-2014)
When was Kartina Dahari born?
Kartina Dahari was born on 12 November 1941 in Singapore.
When did Kartina Dahari die?
Kartina Dahari died on 30 April 2014.
What was Kartina Dahari's occupation?
Kartina Dahari was a singer and actor.
What nationality was Kartina Dahari?
Kartina Dahari was Singaporean.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Kartina Dahari. https://biography.guide/kartina-dahari/
MLA: "Kartina Dahari." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/kartina-dahari/.
Chicago: "Kartina Dahari." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/kartina-dahari/.
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