Ben Nathan marks musical comeback with concert, 2 new singles
TWO months ago, when 1980s singer Ben Nathan said in a television interview that he was “back and ready to face the world”, his fans have been counting down to his first comeback concert.
Their wait ends on May 21, for that is when the crooner behind the hit song Stanza Sepi Sekeping Hati will serenade fans with four of his most well-known songs, which were radio staples 27 years ago.
And better news for fans, 55year-old Ben will head to Jakarta, Indonesia, after Hari Raya to fulfil a long-held wish to record new songs.
“Finally, I’ll be off to Jakarta, and I’m really looking forward to that trip. I’ll be hitting the studio to record two songs there, and my musician brother, Bob, will be writing them,” said Ben when announcing his comeback concert, “Konsert Kasih Dan Harapan: Ben Nathan”, at Hard Rock Cafe, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
Ben’s Jakarta trip is organised by Jojo Events and supported by Yayasan Artis 1Malaysia (YA1M).
Jojo Events and YA1M are also behind his comeback concert, which will be held at noon on May 21 in Saloma Bistro And Restaurant, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
“I’ve just celebrated my birthday on April 24 with my family in Petaling Jaya, and the concert and trip to Jakarta are the best birthday presents I’ve received in years!
“From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank YA1M, Jojo Events, artiste friends, family and fans for their love and support — you’re the greatest!” said a delighted Ben who has six albums and 30 songs under his belt.
Ben is the seventh of 11 siblings and hails from Bukit Mertajam, Penang. His best known songs are Stanza Sepi Sekeping Hati, Ilusi Satu Penantian and Tak Mungkin.
Bob said Ben was living with his family and practising his songs daily. Some of his old friends from the music industry, most notably Datuk D.J. Dave, Man Bai and Sahara Yaacob, have visited him regularly to cheer him up.
“His doctor visits him monthly and he has been taking his medication daily,” said D.J. Dave.
Dave, who is also YA1M president, said Ben’s health was improving steadily after six weeks of treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, where doctors have said that he was 80 per cent recovered.
Dave will be one of Ben’s guest artistes at the 105-minute concert, which will see 20 songs performed. Other singers include Datuk M. Nasir, Nash, Fredo Villenguez, Aris Ariwatan, Sahara, Ramlah Ram and Maisarah Faizal.
The concert is also to raise funds for Ben’s medical treatment and therapy. Proceeds will be channelled into a special fund created by YA1M to assist him.
Present at the launch of “Konsert Kasih Dan Harapan: Ben Nathan” were Jojo Events founder Tan Sri Syed Yusof Syed Nasir, M. Nasir, Sahara and Maisarah.
The concert is supported by The Malay Mail, Kool FM, Rentak Sejuta, Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur and Saloma Bistro And Restaurant.
Tickets are priced at RM5,000, RM3,000 and RM2,000 per table, and RM100 for individuals inclusive of lunch. Call Hard Rock Cafe at 03-2715 5555, YA1M at 03-2276 3327 / 2272 1080 / 018-871 4305. Reporting by Dennis Chua