Preserving The Legacy Of Ahmad Nawab

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- “Indahnya sungguh di Hari Raya, ramainya orang bersuka ria…” – these timeless lyrics from the song ‘Seloka Hari Raya’ continue to resonate every Aidilfitri.

Performed by legendary singers Uji Rashid and the late Hail Amir, the song, blending traditional Malay elements with classic 1970s pop, remains relevant even after more than five decades.

Composed by the late Ahmad Nawab, the song not only captures the festive spirit of Aidilfitri but also stands as a symbol of the timeless beauty of local music across generations.

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In truth, ‘Seloka Hari Raya’ represents only a small part of the maestro’s vast legacy, having produced more than 2,000 songs and over 200 albums featuring artistes from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Ahmad Nawab’s immense contributions to the local music industry remain underappreciated compared to other artistes, particularly among younger generations. This has inspired his family to continue preserving the legacy of the nation’s revered music composer.

In a special room at his residence in Taman Melewar in Gombak, Selangor, a treasure trove of memorabilia stands as a testament to his more than seven decades of dedication to music.

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Among his musical instruments on display are several types of saxophones, including baritone, tenor and soprano, alongside a clarinet, flute and a piano. There are also racks filled with handwritten musical scores, old newspaper clippings, photographs, vinyl records and recording tapes, all now under the care of his fourth child, Nasir Khan.

“My father personally kept all these items over the years. He was meticulous and had a habit of documenting everything related to his career,” Nasir told Bernama recently.

Among the most valuable pieces in the family’s collection is a baritone saxophone used in the films ‘Masam-Masam Manis’ and ‘Ragam P. Ramlee’, making it one of the iconic instruments linked to the late musician’s association with local film music.

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“The instrument was actually borrowed by P. Ramlee during the filming of both films. In the movies, he only mimed playing the saxophone, while the actual performance was done by my father,” Nasir said.

Nasir, 63, who had worked closely with his father, described him as a perfectionist who paid great attention to detail, especially when composing and arranging music for song recordings and films.

Even in his 90s, Ahmad Nawab’s passion for music never faded and he continued practising the saxophone almost daily, believing that musical skills must be constantly honed and instruments properly maintained.

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“In this room, there are also handwritten musical scores that show how carefully he arranged every section of a composition before recording. It reflects his discipline and his commitment to precision and excellence in every composition,” he said.

Over a career spanning more than seven decades until his passing in November 2024, the Penang-born maestro witnessed various changes in music recording technology, from two-track systems to eight, 16 and 24 tracks – demonstrating his ability to evolve with the industry.

Nasir added that his father had expressed his wish for his musical collection to be preserved properly.

“I hope that one day, it can be housed in a dedicated gallery so the public, especially the younger generation, can experience and appreciate my father’s artistic legacy firsthand,” he said.

-- BERNAMA