Farewell to Orchard Road’s Own Street‑Smiling Legend
Oh Ow Kee (Busking Uncle) – 80 Years of Big‑Ball Laughter
Orchard Road’s cherished entertainer, better known as Busking Uncle, quietly left us on June 5, 2024, at the age of 80.
Forget the usual melody and guitar solos—this beloved icon moved crowds with nothing but sturdy wooden balls, turning the sidewalk into a spontaneous carnival.
What He Left Behind
- Spouse: a steadfast partner who shared every stage and smile.
- Three children: carrying on his playful spirit.
- Eight grandkids: the tiny audience who looked up to him with wide eyes.
Check the online obituary on Obits.sg for the full tribute that celebrated his life, laughter, and the countless memories he spun into everyday walks along Orchard Road.
<img alt="" data-caption="In loving memory of Oh Ow Kee who passed away on June 5.
PHOTO: Obits.sg” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”d83c4613-8259-447a-8577-befa97170252″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/070622_ohowkee_obit.jpg”/>
Singapore’s Street Hoop King Bids Farewell
From the bustling lanes of Orchard Road to the quiet corners of local markets, a legendary figure has strolled the streets of Singapore for over a decade, turning heads with a swirl of hoops and a grin. His name? Oh — the man whose hips danced as “Woodball Woola” chains spun around his body like a living carnival. Since 2006, he’s been the go-to street performer, and before that he spent years doing his own kind of scavenger‑hunt gigs as a rag‑and‑bone trader.
Hey, These Hoops Were a Gift from China!
According to his wife, the magic began when a friend smuggled the first pair of chains from China about twenty years ago. “It’s a bit of a challenge for guys to master it, but once my hubby got the hang of it, he was a hoop‑hero—moving them all over his body, even juggling three at once,” she recalls fondly. She’s proud of his skill and his knack for turning on the charm even when life knocked him down.
Only Hobby? Hula‑Hooping Speaks for Itself
Hula‑hooping is not just a pastime for Oh; it’s the one thing that kept him going, especially when the mood was low. “He’d always crack a joke,” his wife adds, “no matter how battered the day. Little humor for a daily grind!”
Beyond the City: A Pan‑Asian Spotlight
- Bangkok Post (2010) called him a “captivating Singapore street vendor” after a memorable meeting.
- BBC took notice in 2013, featuring Oh in their deep dive into Singapore’s street scenes.
When the News Spreads, The Wishes Pour In
Word of Oh’s passing washed in through social media, and fans were quick to pay their respects. Word from one netizen: “He spoke to my son while performing on Orchard Road. Greatly missed by all.” One heartfelt note on Obits.sg read:
C. Wang scribes: “You’ve been a familiar face on Orchard Road since I was a kid. A true Singapore legend and icon. Thank you for the years of joy and entertainment you’ve brought to our lives. Rest in peace.”
Remembering a Legend
For years, Oh’s spiraling hoops turned ordinary afternoons into whimsical moments. As a figure that blended skill, laughter, and a touch of street‑charcoal, his absence is felt by all who cherish the quiet magic hidden in everyday corners. He may have closed his curtains, but the echoes of his hoops and laughs will keep looping through our memories. Rest well, dear friend.
