Sharifah Aini's Musical Legacy Takes Centre Stage At The Prestigious DFP

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- The late Datuk Sharifah Aini was more than a singer – she was a defining institution in Malaysia’s music scene who helped shape the tastes, standards and spirit of generations of listeners.

It is therefore fitting that the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is celebrating her legacy through the concert ‘A Tribute to Sharifah Aini’, to be held at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) on June 6. 

Regarded as a legend without equal, the singer’s passing in 2014 did not diminish her influence; instead, her works remain a benchmark for vocal finesse.

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Known as record label EMI’s ‘golden child’, Sharifah Aini achieved remarkable success, with her album sales reaching Gold and Platinum status, and produced more than 100 albums throughout her career.

The tribute concert will be led by music director and conductor Ahmad Muriz Che Rose, who described the production as a significant responsibility in preserving the original spirit of the legendary artiste’s work.

He said the repertoire has been carefully curated to reflect the breadth of Sharifah Aini’s musical range, encompassing pop, ballads, traditional pieces and film soundtracks, as well as the songs she sang in English. 

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“By Western standards, it would not be an exaggeration to describe Sharifah Aini as a prodigy in the music world. From the time she started her career as a singer, she made a powerful impact on the industry, captivating all who heard her voice and leaving an enduring legacy that is difficult to rival.

“Over more than three decades, she recorded around 700 songs, cementing her position as one of the most influential figures in the history of local music. Now is the time to elevate her masterpieces to a higher level, in line with the greatness of the legacy she left behind,” he told reporters at a press conference here today on the upcoming concert.

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The prestigious stage will bring together performers from two generations, namely legendary singers Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim and Salamiah Hassan, alongside newer voices Asmidar and Shiha Zikir.

All the songs will be rejuvenated through special arrangements by a distinguished lineup of composers, including Azhad Sulaiman, Shahhakam Mokhtar, Jenny Chin, Ilham Subri, Luqman Aziz, as well as Ahmad Muriz himself.

Meanwhile, Khadijah described the opportunity to be part of the tribute concert as deeply personal, given her long-standing close relationship with Sharifah Aini, whom she regarded as family.

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“When the offer came to perform in this concert, I accepted without hesitation,” she said, recalling their long-held plan to perform together in a concert that never came to fruition.

For Shiha, participating in the concert holds profound meaning, as her mentor-mentee relationship with the late singer went beyond the professional realm.

She said Sharifah Aini, whom she fondly called “Umi”, played a significant role in shaping her discipline and work ethic as an artiste.

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“Whatever I am today, a part of it comes from Umi’s guidance and advice,” she said, emphasising that the late singer’s teachings remain a guiding force in her life.

Tickets for the concert are priced between RM249 and RM499, and are available via the MPO website at www.mpo.com.my or by calling 03-23317007.

-- BERNAMA

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