Music and Unity

Music and unity. In your opinion, what is the relationship between both of these things. Can various music unite people? Or it break people. Some people hate certain genre of music. For example, a person may dislike heavy metal music because the music is quite loud. Another person may dislike orchestra due to the pack of sounds played in one time. Based on these theories, how can music unite people? Simple. Music can unite people if people understands each other and respect other people opinion. Only with understanding and respect, music finally can represent the unity and peace.

UNITY THROUGH MUSIC...Unity can be gained with music if we understand the purpose of music existence; to unite. Photo taken from http://musicinafrica.net/sites/default/files/styles/zoom/public/arts_in_activism_3.jpg?itok=R0zrzVF1

How does understanding and respect can be gain despite of people’s different opinion? To gain understanding and respect for a person’s taste in music, we must know one principle; people are different. Not just their characters, people are different when it comes to their music taste. Perhaps by understanding this principle, music may finally represents unity through understanding.

Music can represent unity through the lyric. For example, Assalamualaikum by Faizal Tahir shows that we should unite. That songs also is a symbol of peace where the lyric wants us to support peace. The main idea here; the key to unite people with music is with a good lyric. If the lyric is good and has a good message, then people will unite because they are influenced with the lyric.

Besides, music can unite people when a person met another person who shares the same taste when it comes to music. Some people make new friends during a concert. This shows that same music passion can unite people. It is good to have someone who shares the same interests as you,especially when it comes to music. At least someone would not questioned things like “Why do you like this kind of music etc”.

In conclusion, with understandings, good lyrics and same passion with other people, music can finally become a medium to unite people in the world.

Summary of the Blog

Since the starting of the blog, I have presented to all of the readers about music icon around the world. I have describe Malaysia’s scene of music in the past and present and presented about two most talented Malaysian music icon; P Ramlee and Sudirman. Both of them are truly talented and they introduced Malaysia to the world with their achievement although they lived in different era. Next, I presented about Cantopop, a phenomenon that makes Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui and the Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop became famous and became idols to many people. Then, we move on to Indonesian music icon such as Ahmad Dhani, Erwin Gutawa and Melly Goeslaw and we can see how they managed to build their name in Indonesia, where music industry over there has high competition. Lastly, I have presented about three British groups that conquer the world with their music; Deep Purple, Queen and Bee Gees. All of them has high sales records. In the next entry which will be the final entry, we will discuss on how music can unite people in the world.

Bee Gees: British Music Icon

Have you ever heard classic song such as How Deep Is Your Love and Staying Alive? Do you know who are the singer? This entry will discuss about my favourite pop music group. Their harmony are fascinating and consisting of three people; Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb which are siblings. Stayed in Chorlton, Manchester, they later moved to Redcliffe, in Queensland, Australia, and then to Cribb Island. Their success in Australia make them returned to UK for a brighter chances to promote themselves to the world.
 

HARMONY...With the combination of all the three members, they produced a beautiful harmony and tackle their fans' heart. Photo taken from http://www.superseventies.com/3_78.gif

It was recorded that their records being sold more than 220 million records worldwide, thus making them one of the world's best-selling music artists of all time. One of their best lifetime achievement is when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997. According to their fans, the most famous records would be Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Staying Alive (1983). All of the members of Bee Gees; Barry, Maurice and Robin are talented in playing music. This is because all of them can play various instruments. Barry and Maurice can play guitar and Robin can play keyboard. In addition, Maurice can play bass and keyboard.

In conclusion, Bee Gees in a pop group that has a talent not just in their vocal, but also their ability to play instruments. Their ability and hard work managed to get them popular across the world.

Queen: British Music Icon

They have a great lineup. A powerful vocal with great musician that produced a good melody, here it is, the Queen band. Queen band is well known with their hit songs such as Bohemian Rhapsody and We Are The Champion. There are people who claims the strength of the band is on the Freddie Mercury itself but for me, the strength of the band is the band itself; the vocal, melody and the charisma. Freddie Mercury and the band completing eafh other. Until now, it is hard to find the quality that this band has in the new band and artist. There are people who have it but it is minor.

Formed in 1970, the line-up was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), Roger Taylor (drums, vocals), and John Deacon (bass guitar). This band played progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal. Later they become more flexible in their genre and they can play arena rock and pop rock genre. In 1980, they finally became one of the largest stadium rock band in the world. Until now, they are one of the world's best-selling music artists. This is proven with their album sales, 150 million to 300 million records.

VERSATILE...They can play various genres of music such as folk and arena rock. Photo taken from http://klck1400.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/queen-band-pic-2.jpg

Queen is influenced with British rock band in late 1960s to 1970s such as The Beatles and Deep Purple. They can be claimed as flexible because they played various genres such as pop opera, gospel, disco and folk music.

Despite of Freddie Mercury controversion (involvement with LGBT), they still managed to tackle many fans over the world with their music. Here, we can conclude that with a good melody and a vocal, a band can conquer the world with their quality.

Deep Purple: British Music Icon

From Indonesia, we move on to United Kingdom. Here, the music industry is more powerful with larger and greater competition. Even Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia music are influenced with United Kingdom music industry. In this entry, we will discuss about the one of the British bands who influenced rock bands such as Metallica and Bon Jovi. One main attraction of this band is the keyboard used which is different and unique. Yes, we are talking about Deep Purple here. Started as a progressive rock band, this band turned to the heavier sound in 1970. Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath were labelled as the globe's loudest band. 100 million albums were sold by them. These shows how powerful and influenced the rock band can be.

HEAVY ROCK...Deep Purple music is more into heavy rock and their album sold well. Photo taken from https://darkerthanblue.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/deeppurple.jpg

 

Speaking of Deep Purple lineup, they have various lineup due to various change of members. However, their most successful lineup would be Ian Gillan (vocals), Jon Lord (organ), Roger Glover (bass), Ian Paice (drums), and Ritchie Blackmore (guitar). These lineup together produced a song, Perfect Stranger which is one of the hit Deep Purple song. They even made a tour from Australia to North America and then to Europe.

Until now, they still go for a tour to entertain their fans. They sold  more than 150,000 tickets in France. This shows that they still have their influences among their fans. According to Planet Rock listeners, Deep Purple's Rapture of the Deep Tour was voted number 6 concert tour of the year in all music genre in 2007. They even managed to appear for the 1st time at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia.

In conclusion, we can see that Deep Purple has influenced many bands and their influences are still strong. This can be seen on their concert tour and their album selling. Together with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, they sold 100 million album worldwide.

Melly Goeslaw: Indonesia's Music Icon

In this entry, i will introduced to all of the readers one of the Indonesia’s best music icon. In my opinion, her music can be described as ‘ahead of time’. And her fashion,..well, from what I can say, she can resembles Anita Mui and Lady Gaga when it comes to fashion. She starts to become famous after composing the theme song for the most famous Indonesian movie, Ada Apa Dengan Cinta. She composed many songs and I admire her works too. My favourite song would be Jika and Ketika Cinta Bertasbih. Marrrying Anto Hoed, a composer, she is Melly Goeslaw, a singer and a composer with a unique and dashing fashion.

SOUNDTRACK COMPOSER...Her creation can be seen in several movie soundtrack such as Ada Apa Dengan Cinta and Ketika Cinta Bertasbih. Photo taken from http://data.seruu.com/images/seruu/article/2015/02/22/melly-g.jpg

 

Started singing in the fifth grade, she was also the Elfa Secioria backing vocalist during high school. She then moved to Jakarta to further her career in music industry. Became backing vocals for a promotional tour by Katon Bagaskara, she then met Anto Hoed and Andi Ayunir. After marrying Anto Hoed, these trio formed a band, Potret in 1993. Their debut album in 1995 was a hit. Melly finally became a solo singer and releasing her own debut album; Melly in 1999. It sold well and she became more popular when she sang the Ada Apa Dengan Cinta soundtrack.

Ada Apa dengan Cinta soundtrack made her and her husband received a Citra Award at the 2004 Indonesian Film Festival. In the next years, she kept involving herself with the production of movie soundtrack. Some of her notable works are Dibius Cinta, a soundtrack from a Malaysia movie, Cicakman 2 and Ketika Cinta Bertasbih, a soundtrack that shares the same title with the film. Also, she works with many artists such as Siti Nurhaliza and Yusry KRU. She also can be considered as active when it comes to scouting new talents.

I started to listen to her song when I was in a very young age. In my opinion, her music can be described as unique and new based on my listening and comparison with her same era song. She is gifted with a talent and with efforts, she can become better.

Erwin Gutawa: Indonesia's Music Icon

Our next icon is well known as a powerful composer and a great musician. He has the experience on conducting a large scale concert. During his early years, he is a bassist in a band called Karimata. I once saw a recording that shows he played bass in one of Roslan Aziz concert in Stadium Merdeka. His skills in playing the bass can be considered as an expert. Now, he is a legend in Indonesia and his daughter is also an artist. He is Erwin Gutawa, father of Gita Gutawa.

BASSIST TO CONDUCTOR...Starts as a bassist, he finally became a conductor and worked at Royal Albert Hall, London. Photo taken from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Gutawa_2004_2.JPG/220px-Gutawa_2004_2.JPG

Erwin Gutawa is a musician, composer and a music conductor. He has worked with several Indonesian music icon such as Harvey Malaiholo, Ruth Sahanaya, Chrisye, Titi DJ, Krisdayanti and Rossa. Started as a bassist, he is an architecture student. During 1985 until 1993, he joined Karimata band and played jazz music. He has his own orchestra in 1993. His daughter, Gita Gutawa also involved in music industry.

As a music icon he has achieved many things in his career. During 1992, he won the Midnight Sun Song Festival in Finland with Ruth Sahanaya. His concert, Rockestra received award from Anugerah Musik Indonesia which is the Best Music Arranger. Rockestra concert can be described as unique because the concert mixed orchestra with rock music. The concert involved rock bands such as Slank, Gigi and Dewa with 85 musicians with guest musicians such as Ahmad Albar, Roni Harahap, Jockie Soerjo Prajogo, and Nicky Astria. In 2002, his 40th birthday is celebrated with his 1st solo concert, Konser EG at the Plenary Hall of the Jakarta Convention Center. Chrisye, Ruth Sahanaya, Krisdayanti, Sheila on Seven, and Slank are featured in the concert. He managed to deliver various concerts starting from his solo concert. He finally went to the Royal Albert Hall, England and become a conductor at the London Symphony Orchestra. He is one of the judges for Indonesian Idol's for the 6th season.

Erwin Gutawa can be described as one of the greatest musician that Indonesia has ever had. He can be claimed as a great musician alongside with Ramli M.S and S.Atan. With his knowledge on music and his experience, he is legendary and one and only, Erwin Gutawa.

Ahmad Dhani: Indonesia's Music Icon

Indonesia in a country with powerful music industry. Even until nowadays it is hard for Malaysian to conquer their music industry. However, there are Malaysian artist who became a phenomenon in Indonesia such as Search, Exists and Dato Sheila Majid. Their songs such as Isabella, Alasanmu and Sinaran still being sang by Indonesians. With aura and charisma, they develop their names in Indonesia. In Indonesia, there are many good artist and composer such as Melly Goeslaw and his husband, Anto Hoed. In this entry, I will present about one of the best Indonesian composer. During 1990s, he has a band called Dewa 19 and their hit song is Kangen. His son can play various instruments and obviously that talent is inherited from him. He is Ahmad Dhani, a truly talented composer.

Ahmad Dhani is the leader of the famous Indonesian band, Dewa 19. That band is the most successful band during 1990s and 2000s. He is the boss of Republik Cinta Management. As a composer, he love to quote famous people quotes in his lyric. MTV Trax magazine in 2002 claimed him as one of the 25 most influenced Indonesian musician/band in Indonesia’s music. During his young age, he starts to learn keyboard the the Queen band influenced him well. During his school years, he and his band won several events and he and his bands played jazz genre at that time.

After his school years, he moved to Jakarta to find a potential medium to promote his band. After being rejected by several recording company, he finally being accepted by Jan Djuhana from Team Records. Dewa 19 first album was a hit in that time and one of the hit song is Kangen. With Dewa 19, Ahmad Dhani has around 11 albums such as yaitu Dewa 19 (1992), Format Masa Depan (1994), Terbaik Terbaik (1995), Pandawa Lima (1997), The Best Of Dewa 19 (1999), Bintang Lima (2000), Cintailah Cinta (2002), Atas Nama Cinta I & II (2004), Laskar Cinta (2004), Republik Cinta (2006), and Kerajaan Cinta (2007).
 

TALENTED...Started with a band, he finally became a music producer and has collaborated with many artists. Photo taken from http://cdn.klimg.com/kapanlagi.com//p/ahmad_dhani_2605.jpg

Ahmad Dhani also known for his several works with various artists such as Krisdayanti and Agnes Monica. He also works and joined several bands such as T.R.I.A.D and Mahadewa. He personally loves jazz music and produced 100% jazz album, The Best Is Yet To Come.

Here, we can conclude that Ahmad Dhani is one of the best Indonesian music icon. His creations in music field are well received by fans. A legend in Indonesia music industry, he is Ahmad Dhani.

Four Heavenly Kings

In Hong Kong music industry, there are a group of legendary singer who are well known as the Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop. The term “Four Heavenly Kings” actually came out from the Buddhist theology. In Hong Kong music industry, this term refers to the four singer, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Leon Lai and Aaron Kwok. These four men came out with good looks and powerful vocal when it comes to singing. They also act in films and a movie star too. The term Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop came out from Oriental Daily News, where they referring to the four biggest Hong Kong superstar during 1990s.

FOUR HEAVENLY KINGS...Their songs and movies become hit until now thus making them deserve to be labelled with that name. Photo taken from http://factsanddetails.com/media/2/20080303-4kings.jpg

 

My personal favourite would be Jacky Cheung among those four artists. This is because I used to listened to his songs such as Everlasting Love, Linda and Li Xiang Lan. He can be described as versatile because he managed to sing various genres such as pop, RnB and jazz. His jazz album, Private Corner is claimed as one of his best album. He received multiple awards throughout his career such as Best-Selling Chinese Artist at the World Music Awards, and Radio Television Hong Kong's Golden Needle Award. Known for his romantic songs, he organized several concerts of himself during the past until present.

Next is Andy Lau. Successful as an actor, he is also a successful singer. Known for his act in movies such as God of Gamblers, people also adore his vocal and his songs too. He once recorded a Malay song, Adakalanya Menghiris for his Malaysian fans. That song was taught by Saari Amri, a Malaysian composer. He managed to get into the Guinness Book of Records in 2000 for the Most Awards Won By a Canto-Pop Male Artist. He once performed with Jackie Chan in the summer Olympic closing ceremony in 2008. He married a Malaysian women in 2008, Carol Chu and has a daughter, Hanna.

Let’s move on to Aaron Kwok. I saw him for the first time when he act in Para Para Sakura during my childhood. He also stars in The Monkey King 2, a 2016 Chinese New Year movie. His music career starts with three mandopop album including the song Loving You Forever. His success in Taiwan makes him went to Hong Kong in 1991 and involved himself with Cantopop. His success in Hong Kong made him being one of the Four Heavenly Kings and a star in Asia. He won awards such as the 1991 Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards, 1991 RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards and Asia Pacific Most Popular Artist Award in 1999. He won major awards anually until 2001. He also collaborated with Janet Jackson and Ricky Martin for Pepsi commercial. He managed to perform concerts in many places such as Malaysia, Singapore, U.S.A and Canada.

Last but not least, he is Leon Lai. Captivated people with his good looks, he starts as a recording artist from Capital Records but did not have any album. So he went to Polygram with the help of his teacher, Dai Si Zong. In Polygram, he released his 1st album, Leon and later, Meet in the Rain which is a success. In 1998, he involved with Sony Music. He achieved several awards such as 1990 Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards, 1990 RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards, 1993 Most Popular Male Singer award and 1995 TVB Jade Solid Gold. He announced that he would not receive awards in Hong Kong anymore.

These Four Heavenly Kings have the aura that managed to captivate people to listen to their songs, watch their movies and concerts. For me, all four of them are legendary and they deserve the title Four Heavenly Kings.

Anita Mui: Cantopop Diva

In the past entry, I have discussed about the late Leslie Cheung involvement in the music industry and his great achievement. From a common singer, he managed to become an entertainer and having a large scale concert. For this entry, I will present about his friend who is also a singer. Starts as a singer, she finally conquered Asia with her hit song, performed at the 1988 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in Seoul and received the title “Madonna of Asia” by the media. Her vocal and her dance managed to captivate the audiences’ attention. She is Anita Mui, a truly gifted Cantopop diva.

MADONNA OF ASIA...Her powerful dance and vocal and her aura managed her to be labelled as Madonna of Asia. Photo taken from http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/d314f673c8231d67c2d353b0696fbaff/1934938.jpg

 

Being raised without a father, she started as a performer in the very young age and she performs in the streets or in the theatres singing Chinese operas and pop songs. In 1982, she entered a singing contest; New Talent Singing Awards and won. She managed to record one album at that time. Starting from the next album, she starts to be known. She won awards such as the RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs award and the 1st top 10 Jade Solid Gold Best Female Singer award until 1989. She received Gold Songs Gold Awards for her signature song, Song of Sunset. She was one of the youngest performer in Hong Kong Coloseum and her first concert ran for 15 nights in 1985. She had her temporary retirement too, same like Leslie Cheung and she even organized a farewell concert. However, she returned to the industry in 1994. She even coached several singers such as Andy Hui, Denise Ho, Edmond Leung, Grasshopper (band), as well as Patrick Tam. In 1998, she received the RTHK Golden Needle Award when she was 35 years old thus being one of the youngest receiver of the award itself.

She was reported having a cervival cancer. Her last concert, Anita Classic Moment Live Concert was held in Hong Kong Coloseum from 6 to 11 November and 14 to 15 November 2003. On 30th December 2003, she passed away due to respiratory complications. She was 40 years old at that time.

Anita Mui can be described as a diva in Hong Kong Music Industry. Being labelled as Madonna of Asia shows that she is truly a talented performer. Until now, I still listened to her song; Song of Sunset which is her signature song. Her songs will always be listened and she will always be remembered as a great performer.

Leslie Cheung: One of the Founding Fathers of Cantopop

During 1980s and 1990s, Hong Kong citizens and Chinese around the world was affected with an entertainment wave; Cantopop. There are many stars singing Cantonese songs and some created phenomenon. There are stars who managed to promote themselves until they reached a level where they can organized a concert tour across Asia. Some starts as a singer and got the chances to star in a movie thus becaming both actor/actress and a singer. With good quality that a star needed, many artists such as Wong Ka Kui with his band, Beyond, Anita Mui, Leslie Cheung and the acclaimed Four Heavenly Kings; Jacky Cheung, Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok and Andy Lau managed to attract fans thus making people adore them.

In this article, I will introduced to all of you one of the founding fathers of Cantopop. During 1980s, he used to be the idol among the teenager of Hong Kong and other Chinese around the world. Even other races attracted to him because of his act in his films such as A Better Tomorrow and Once A Thief. Successful as an actor and a singer, he is Leslie Cheung, one of the founding fathers of Cantopop. Born in 12th September 1956, he grew up with his grandmother. His parents are divorced and he sometimes depressed with his unhappy childhood years.

He did not start well in music industry. There are reports that said he was booed in his performance. However, he did not give up and stay in his path. After several trial, Leslie who has the unique baritone voice managed to become one of the successful Hong Kong singer. He managed to organize a concert in Hong Kong Coliseum, which is a great achievement for a singer. The prestige of Hong Kong Coliseum is like a Royal Albert Hall in London and a The Paddock in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia during that time. His final concert before his temporary retirement was held in Hong Kong Coliseum for 33 consecutive nights.
 

PERFORMER...Talented as a performer, his live performance can be described as unique and full of entertainment. Photo taken from http://asianpopnews.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Leslie.jpg

However, due to his passion in music, he finally made a comeback in 1995 and releasing an album, Beloved which is a hit. After his comeback, he got active in music industry and his concerts received good feedbacks from his fans. His concerts; Leslie Cheung Live in Concert 97 that shows his elegance as a performer and the controversial Leslie Cheung Passion Tour is still in the fans memory and being talk about. Both of these concerts are different from his  1980s concert and his fans said that Leslie brought the new side of him in both of these concerts.

Sadly, this Hong Kong music icon committed suicide in the 1st April 2003. He fell from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong due to depression. Despite of the SARS disease, thousands attended Cheung's memorial service. His death shocked the fans and the entertainment industry and three months later, his last album Everything Follows the Wind was released.

As an entertainer, Leslie Cheung captivated people’s heart even after his death. People still watched his concert and listened to his concert. I myself listened to some of his songs such as Admiration, Wind Continues to Blow and Monica. As an entertainer, he should be remembered for his contribution on entertaining people.

Sudirman: Asia's Best Performer

Before this, we have discuss about P Ramlee, one of the Malaysia’s finest music icon. This time, I will present about one of the Malaysia’s music icon but in different era. As we know, P Ramlee reached his fame around 1950 to 1960s. Our next star is someone who reach his fame during 1980s. Once, he was labelled as Asia’s Best Performer around his years as a performer defeating Leslie Cheung and Kuh Ledesma and other Asia’s performers. Graduated as a lawyer and had his own business, he is the one and only Sudirman, the man who won Malaysians’ heart until now, even though he is no longer with us.

For me, Sudirman can be described as a talented performer. He can attract many people to watch him on stage with his approaching method. Now, let’s study a little bit about Sudirman. Born in 25th May 1954 in Temerloh, Pahang, he is the son on Hajah Romlah binti Dahalan and Haji Arshad bin Haji Hassan and he is the youngest among his siblings. Spending his school years in Pahang, he finally pursued his study in law in University of Malaya in 1976 and managed to divide his time with his career and studies. He received his Bachelor in Law in 1980 and became a lawyer. He ended up being full time artist in 1984.

ASIA BEST PERFORMER...He managed to captivate the judges with his ability and won the title Asia Best Performer defeating other contestants. Photo taken from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GQZbBnj1aw9DgheAw7U7hfVx8fYeVP9GzzGa8bpRzKgheG0qNDyzzP_kqCKQ07e8kYn6xzndaaQLAYhJnezHHMXjwU5rfe_Lp9mM5W2E8xOLL8YlaBFMEBLCQ1zISjQbKrBGUl3nOlxz/s1600/sudirman.jpg

His path in the world of music became brighter when he won the 1st place in the 1976’s Bintang RTM. Starting from there, he starts to record songs and albums and having a lot of fans. Sudirman can be described as ‘Citizens’ Entertainer’ because his songs mainly about society life and culture. Even until now, his songs such as ‘Apa Khabar Orang Kampung’ and ‘Balik Kampung’ still being listened by various people because both of these songs described the society’s culture. His credibility can be seen when he won the title ‘Asia’s Best Performer’ defeating Leslie Cheung, Kuh Ledesma and other Asian performers. Also, he managed to organize a free concert in Chow Kit Road which was attended by 100000 people thus deserved to be included in Malaysian Book of Records.

In 22nd February 1992, he passed away in his sister’s house in Bangsar due to pneumonia. His funeral in Temerloh was attended by thousands of his fans, including Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (now received Tun), who is Malaysia Prime Minister during that time. He is truly an icon for Malaysia’s music industry. Although he left us long time ago, his legacy such as his songs and his one time only movie are still being enjoyed by us.

P Ramlee: Malaysia's Music Icon

Different country has different music icon. Madonna, Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson, they are the symbol of U.S music icon. Malaysia has its own music icon too such as Sheila Majid and Genervie Kam. But for this entry I would like to talk about my selection; P Ramlee.

Perhaps people would ask, why P. Ramlee. Well, my answer would be why not? P Ramlee can be claimed as one of the legendary music icon in Malaysia. As a Malaysian, I grew up with P Ramlee song and I believe so do you. His creation is a masterpiece and listened by every race. He is not just a music icon but also an icon of unity.

LEGENDARY...He can be claimed as a successful man in music and film industry. Photo taken from http://www.p-ramlee.com/p-ramlee/images2/ramlee10.jpg 

Here is a little bit of details about P Ramlee. He was born on the 22nd March 1929; the first day of Syawal; a celebration month for Muslims after a month fasting. He was born in Penang. His father, Teuku Nyak Puteh was an Acheh Sailor and his mother; Che Mah Hussain is from Kedah. He received his primary education in Kampung Jawa Malay School. For his secondary education, he attended Penang Free School, which is located in Penang. Not long after that, World War 2 happened and Japanese army invaded Tanah Melayu. During Japanese invasion, he attended Japanese Navy School Kaigun Gakko. After the war ended, he continued his study at Penang Free School.

His involvement in music industry starts when he saw his friends playing musical instruments in his village. From there, he starts to collect money to buy a violin. During his days with the Japanese army, he used to perform in front of the Japanese army on some events. He also practiced playing musical instruments with Sinaran Bintang Sore brass band during nights after Isya prayer. He also was a member of Orkes Teruna Sekampung and he plays violin for that band. He also was a singer and a composer for the band. He also learned to play piano with Mr Kamaruddin. His band starts became famous after P Ramlee won the 1st place in a competition organized by Radio Malaya and they once performed on a same stage with Rayuan Asmara, another famous band in that time.

Based on these information, we can conclude that P Ramlee starts to sharp his talents in Penang. It is the place he started to received knowledge on music. From Penang, he moved to Singapore and begin his career as an actor, composer, singer and director. In the middle of 1960s, he moved to Kuala Lumpur and stayed there until the end of his life. Throughout his career, he produced 401 songs which is a great achievement for an icon. Based on my findings, it is proved that he is one of the best talents that Malaysia ever had.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malaysia's Music Scene: Then and Now

As a Malaysian, I see that the scene of music in my country are influenced by other country’s music and mostly are western music. Even P. Ramlee recorded a song; Bunyi Gitar which has The Beatles influence in it. In the 1960s, western culture starts to dominate the world with their films and music. This has influenced the youths to follow the style of the westerns. During this era, there are many bands are influenced with The Beatles music such as A. Romzi and The Hooks with their hit song at that time; Dendang Remaja which has a strong The Beatles’ influence in their guitar beat.

SINGAPORE'S DEEP PURPLE...Fans labelled Sweet Charity as Singapore's Deep Purple. This photo is taken from http://ourstory.asia1.com.sg/days/images/date2.jpg

In the end of 1970s and early 1980s, Singaporean bands start to tackle Malaysian with their rock and disco music. Ramli Sarip and his band, Sweet Charity created a phenomenon in Malaysia with their hit songs; Kamelia, Musibah, Teratai and Dunia Perlumbaan. Sweet Charity’s music is influenced from the Europe band, Deep Purple which plays rock music. They once being banned in Johor due to the fans’ riot. Rosli Mohalim, Sweet Charity’s guitarist once being listed among the best guitarist in the world and his band once being labelled as Singapore’s Deep Purple.

During the middle 1980s to the early 1990s, we can the rises of Malaysia rock bands and this can be seen with the presence of Battle of the Bands competition in every state. Johor and Perak are the region that has the most influence in rock music. This is because there are many Malaysia legendary bands came from both of the region. During this era, we can see the rise of the legendary rock bands in Malaysia such as Search, Wings, M.A.Y and Ella and the Boys.

However, 1990s has become the downhill of rock band in Malaysia due to the long hair issue and causing them to be banned in the national television. After the incident, many bands broke up and stay low profile. Starting from the middle of 1990s, Malaysia scene of music is influenced with the pop genre until presence. The rise of solo artist such as Hafiz and Hazama shows that pop genre are dominating the country’s music.

Introduction

INFLUENTIAL...Music is very influential in this world and despite of our differences, we can unite through music. Photo taken from https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/587949417577066499/3uCD4xxY.jpg

Music around the globe. What is your first impression when you saw the blog’s title? This blog is created to discuss about music around the globe. In the next entries, I will post about music in various countries and revealing those who are influential in their country’s music industry and music industry contributor from different era. Countries that will be discussed in this article is Malaysia, Hong Kong which is popular with Cantopop during the 80s and 90s,Indonesia which has a powerful music industry and British that influenced many countries music industry. In the end of the blog, I will sum up my entries and tell how we can be unite through music. Hope all of you will enjoy the blog and the content too. Enjoy your reading!