SINGAPORE — Anybody who has seen or heard Bobby McFerrin’s performances — even if it’s just from watching a YouTube video — will not forget just how wonderfully comfortable the legendary performer appears to be on stage. Often clad just in jeans and baggy shirts, the 10-time Grammy winner has spent decades wowing audiences with his vocal talent.

The 64-year-old, who is best known for his 1988 a cappella hit, Don’t Worry, Be Happy, as well as his spontaneous, free-wheeling musical style, has worked with some of music’s biggest names — including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, jazz keyboardist Chick Corea and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. But it’s his improvisation that will make you sit up and take notice. In Germany, for example, he famously invented parts on-the-spot for the 60,000 choral singers present. He also frequently invites his audiences to join him in creating music — and it’s something he plans to do when he performs at the Singapore International Jazz Festival, which runs from March 5 to 8 at the Marina Bay Sands.

And no, it doesn’t matter if people make mistakes. “The ‘mistakes’ are often the best part! If the audience doesn’t understand what I was trying to cue them to sing and they sing something else, or a bunch of different things, I embrace what happened and use it as part of the music,” he said.

“That’s what’s so wonderful about music and life — you are never in total control. There are always surprises along the way!”

Q: You’ve spent your entire life making music. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from music?

A: Music is a lot like life — you just need to keep moving forward. I try to keep choosing what makes me feel joy.

Q: You’re said to have broken every rule in music. What is one rule in your life that you would never break?

A: To thine own self be true.

Q: How do you stop being afraid of making mistakes, both in music and in life?

A: You do your best even when you are afraid. You don’t let the fear take over.

Q: You’ve been to so many places. What is the first thing you look for when you enter a hotel?

A: A quiet room with a bathtub, an easy chair and a good reading light.

Q: You’re always ready for adventure on stage. Are you like that too, in your private life?

A: I’m really a very quiet, shy, private person. I’m always ready to get silly and play and make stuff up, but my offstage adventures are usually pretty mild.

Q: What can audiences look forward to seeing at your show at the Singapore International Jazz Festival?

A: The amazing musicians in the band, a lot of laughing, some great songs and I hope the whole audience singing.

Bobby McFerrin will perform on March 6. For ticketing information, visit http://sing-jazz.com/2015/