ROCKERS SING FOR ROHINGYA REFU GEES
Quoting the late rock legend Gregg Allmann, Papa Rock reminded audiences to “leave something good for the world”, even if it was merely attending a concert. Ramli belted out Dunia
two meaningful songs about society’s mad rush for materialism, and the need for everyone to uphold Eastern values of cooperation and respect. Both songs raised the excitement level a few notches up and prepared the audience for Jikalau Berkasih, an energetic number best known for its trademark “hey ya” chorus. Fans sang along.
Having got the crowd bopping to his groove, Ramli spoke about a 40-year-old poem which he had recited 547 times. Before he could sing it, fans were already screamingit out — and were proven right when he began belting out
Encouraging them to sing along to the memorable line
Ramli told the crowd that they were truly his “beautiful flowers” for the evening. He subsequently introduced them to a “truly beautiful old friend”, whom fans quickly identified as Ella. Looking splendid in a black and gold dress, Ella promptly performed her adrenaline-pumping number to the fans’ delight, before taking them on a “dream cruise” titled Remarking that they appeared a little tired after a scrumptious dinner, she “perked” them up with her favourite romantic number,
This sing-along had fans cheering all the way, and brought a sweet smile to Ella’s face. She reminded fans to spare a thought for refugees around the world.
Ramli returned from his brief break, and teamed up for a powerful rock duet. “It’s great to have you, Ella! We should do more of this together,” remarked Ramli.
The nasyid trio Raihan, comprising Amran Ibrahim, Che Amran Idris and Abu Bakar Yatim, appeared onstage next in smart, grey outfits. A delighted Ramli expressed his admiration and invited them to sing a poetic song he had once performed with A. Romzie.
had fans singing along to the more spiritual Raihan interpretation. The group then sang another Raihan favourite, with the crowd, before bidding goodnight and thanking Ramli for organising a “simple yet beautiful show”.
Papa Rock spent his last half-hour singing the advisory the Middle Eastern-influenced and the catchy
with its bouncy chorus. Walking off-stage and greeting diners at every table, Ramli delivered and
two songs that point out the dangers of a “me first”attitude.
He thanked fans and sponsors PWTC and Universiti Utara Malaysia for helping to realise the concert, calls for an encoreresulted in him singing
and all of which spoke of hope and healing in a cruel world. Ramli’s concert was initially meant to be a twonight affair. However, its original sponsor withdrew support due to unforseen circumstances.
An hour before the show started at 9.30pm, diners were entertained with poetry reading by actor Pekin Ibrahim, and a medley of pop songs by a few
alumni — Zahid Baharuddin, Akma Abdullah, Maulana Mohamad and Haziq Rosebi.