From sunlight to spotlight

A day in the life of buskers in Singapore

- Jessica Novia

It is 10am at East Coast Park. Ms Caroline Cornelius-Jones, who goes by CJ The Bubblegirl, parks her van near Marine Cove.

A Singapore permanent resident, the 57-year-old has built a career around performance. Since 2001, she has run a party entertainment company, appearing in a range of character roles.

In 2009, inspired by a bubble show by Canadian artiste Fan Yang, she learnt to create giant bubbles. In 2016, she began bubble busking.

Aside from her, there is one other bubble busker in town, she says.

"There are a few other bubble artistes, but not many. The others are magicians, clowns or balloon artistes. I purely do bubble shows."

Whenever her schedule allows – about once a month – she busks at a grass patch near the playground at Marine Cove.

"(Being a bubble artiste) pays for everything for me," she says. "It covers my van, my housing rent – everything."

Parks are her favourite, as she prefers to perform on grass.

"Grass holds moisture, and the dew makes the air more humid. Bubbles love humidity," she explains, adding that she also needs large open spaces as her bubble wands can stretch up to 3m long.

As heat affects how large her bubbles can grow, she prefers performing in the mornings or late evenings. Her show lasts about 20 minutes, and she typically stages two per session.

"I'm basically running around with high energy, long poles with nets. I'm weightlifting!"

CJ says she does not busk mainly for the money, but for the opportunities it brings.

"I'm busking for future shows," she says, adding that parents often approach her after watching her perform and may book her for private events.

"It's like free advertising in some ways. And I get tips as well."

2.30PM TAMPINES MRT STATION