A different stage role for Johan
Actor Johan As’ari is set to recite a poem on stage at the 1st World Sama’ Fest, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
HE is known to deliver convincing dramatic portrayals on the screen. On stage, however, he’s not as confident. Or so says actor Johan As’ari about his invite to recite a poem at the upcoming 1st World Sama’ Fest, an international Islamic festival to be held on July 28 at Putrajaya International Convention Centre from 8pm to 11pm.
A first-of-its-kind event organised by Pertubuhan Tarekat Muktabar Malaysia (Pertama), it aims to highlight the types of entertainment permitted in Islam.
During his performance, he will be backed by nasyid group Suara Pertama, who will recite zikir in the background. “Actually, I have performed on stage before. I played the piano for Meet Uncle Hussain when the local band performed on
some years ago. I suppose going on stage to play music isn’t too nerve-wracking,” says the 29-year-old actor who has also starred in theatre productions.
The 1st World Sama’ Fest, however, is a different thing altogether for Johan as this marks his first participation in a huge Islamic event. “My nerves are acting up! The members of Suara Pertama are all ustaz and obviously they’re used to this setting.
“I, on the other hand, am a newbie, so I’m afraid that I may ruin our performance,” laments the actor. The poetry Johan will be reciting is about a youth who is seeking forgiveness and guidance from God.
“Since I’m delivering a message on God’s greatness, I feel that I should source
Raihan is among the artistes performing. for more knowledge on Islam. That way, I would be able to perform better that night. Putting my acting experience into the recitation, I need to also understand the underlying meaning of the poem.”
Will he be singing along with Suara Pertama? “Oh, I better leave it to the experts and stick to just reciting the poem,” says Johan, laughing sheepishly. “So far, they have been impressed with my performance. I hope to make them proud.”
It was Pertama’s secretary general Sheikh Abd Kareem Said Khadaied who had approached Johan with the idea of participating in the 1st World Sama’ Fest. “He saw me as someone with potential and a stage presence, as well as a role model for youths, someone who hopefully can attract them to join the event,” says Johan.
MORE ON SAMA’ FEST
means to listen in Arabic, and besides entertaining, the fest also hopes d to exhibit the growth of civilisation in Islam, while strictly follow the guidance of Islamic laws.
The whole event is made up of a variety of Islamic performances, including reading the Al Quran, selawat, qasidah, nasyid and naat, all of which contain praise of God and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
The fest will begin with a Quran recitation by students from Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab, Melaka.
Johan and Suara Pertama’s joint performance comes on next, and finally, a zikir performance by local nasyid group Raihan.
Raihan leader Che Amran Idris says the group is honoured to be part of this groundbreaking event. “Hopefully it will be successful and be brought to different venues around the world,” he says.
Local veteran stars Datuk Hattan and Nash will also join in the celebration.
Accompanied by students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Raja Muda,
Shah Alam, Nash is set to perform two songs.
Nash will perform two songs and will be accompanied by students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Raja
Muda, Shah Alam.
“Another unique thing about this concert is that no strings instrument are permitted in any of our performance. Only percussions,” he says.
Hattan says: “It’s definitely not what we’re used to as performers but this allows us to delve deeper into the meaning of the songs.”
Besides local stars, the fest also features performers from other countries namely Khalwati Ushaqqi (Turkey), Nur Muhammadi (Morocco), Hassan Khurshid (Pakistan), Rabitah An Nur (Syria) and Chicago Mawleed Committee (the US).
Audience can also look forward to the performance of the Sufi whirling dance, a customary meditation practice in Turkey.
“Inviting other countries to participate is a great idea. I’m excited to learn other Muslim cultures around the world,” says Johan.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
The patron of Pertama, Datuk As’ari Ibrahim who is Johan’s father, says Pertama aims to present a new kind of entertainment to Malaysians.
“Some see entertainment as something negative as it can distract you. But the entertainment that we are presenting at the Sama’ Fest is good for the Hattan looks forward to delivering his unique performance. mind, body and soul.”
Abd Kareem jokes: “If Selena Gomez can pull in 4,000 local fans, I’m sure Malaysians will give the same amount of support, if not more for Sama’ Fest.”
Meanwhile, the 1st World Sama’ Fest is one of the seven events featured in Haflah Zikir Perdana Sedunia 2017. It will take place from July 26 to 30 at PICC and this year’s theme is Islam Is Peace.
The other six events include the International Scholar Conference, YAB Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi Cup marhaban competition and Majlis Zikir Perdana Sedunia 2017, which will be attended by the Deputy Prime Minister himself. Johan will be reciting a poem at the event.