The Ukuladies started in 2011 as four women having ukulele lessons in their living rooms. From these humble beginnings they have grown into a group of 15-20 women who meet every week to strum, sing, and chat – with the odd glass of wine to lubricate their vocal cords and loosen up their strumming fingers. Their tagline – “Unite Unwind Uplift” – highlights the group’s identity as a community of women who come together to make music, have fun, and escape – just for a while – the pressures of work and family life. The Ukuladies rehearse at the Hollandse Club on Mondays from 8:00-9:30pm to accommodate working members.

     

      The group plays all kinds of music, from rock to pop and even punk – mostly new songs but there are always a few golden oldies in the set list. The arrangements are all covers of well-known songs, mostly arranged by members of the group. Ukuladies are like-minded women from different backgrounds and different nationalities, both expats and Singaporeans. Some are relatively experienced, but many have no prior musical background; the group welcomes beginners, but does require they have a few lessons before joining. New members are welcome at the beginning of each term. 

     

      Every year the Ukuladies hold a fundraising concert in aid of the charity First Hand – a Singapore-registered group of volunteers dedicated to helping vulnerable children and families in Cambodia. The next concert is planned for 5 December 2020 at the Hollandse Club, and will again raise money for First Hand. This is a charity that is very close to the Ukuladies’ hearts as they are all women and many of them are mothers.

 

      The annual concerts draw a crowd of over 150 people and have raised many thousands of dollars for charity. Over the years the Ukuladies have performed at the Visual Arts Centre, Eden Hall, Dulwich College, the Swiss Club, and local events such as Christmas fairs, etc. They have also teamed up with the nůmama choir to hold joint concerts. The group is always looking for opportunities to perform in the local community and welcomes requests from organisations and venues that support live music!