A DRUMMER LIKE NO OTHER, AND A BIG BROTHER TO ALL
Search’s Yazit Ahmad was an inspiration to contemporaries and was passionate about music till the end, writes DENNIS CHUA
ICONIC rock band Search may be known for its charismatic lead singer Suhaimi Abdul Rahman or Amy, but die-hard rock lovers will always revere Yazit Ahmad as its founder and “big brother”.
Born and bred in Johor Baru, Yazit, the fourth of 10 siblings, was exposed to rock music at a young age and with his friends, guitarist Hillary Ang, bassist Memek, and guitarist Zainal, formed Search in his hometown in 1981.
In fact, Yazit brought Amy into Search shortly after Zainal left the group in the same year of its formation. Search’s longtime bassist Nasir Daud and its guitarists, brothers Kid (Hamzah Taib) and Din (Nordin Taib) were also roped in by Yazit, who studied at the same school as Kid in Johor Baru.
While Amy was the face and voice of Search throughout its years as a rock band, Yazit, the self-taught energetic drummer, not only gave them their distinctive beat, but also served as a leader of sorts behind the scenes, as he was the band’s most senior member. He was the disciplinarian who made sure everyone did a good job at concert rehearsals.
Yazit served the band faithfully for 35 years, and helped them successfully release 11 of their 12 studio albums, from
Cinta Buatan Malaysia in 1985 to Gothik Malam Edan in 2006.
Sadly, he and his bandmates parted ways in 2016 following some serious differences. Nevertheless, the then ailing Yazit was not one to indulge in self-pity and played the drums with various bands and soloists whenever his health permitted. His last major concert with Search was “Konsert Search Live In Istana Budaya” in December 2014.
Singer Datuk Nash described Yazit as a giant of Malaysian music. “What I loved about him was his generosity, friendliness and ability to get along with everyone. I met him early this year in Sungai Buloh and we had a hearty chat. Even though he was very ill, he told me that his spirit was strong and his passion for music undying.”
Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanah Air chairman Datuk D.J. Dave described Yazit as a legend synonymous with great drumming. “His professionalism and passion were second to none. He still chose to play the drums as long as his health permitted, and was never one to forget his old friends. We will all miss him.”
Rock singer Edrie Hashim said: “I got to know him well when I produced Gothik
Malam Edan. He was very humble and open-minded, a caring Abang Long to all of us. He played with me a few times, and I admired his work ethics, professionalism and down-to-earth charm.”
Karyawan president Datuk Freddie Fernandez described Yazit as a true Malaysian icon and world-class musician.
“We last saw him at an event early this month when veteran artistes in need were given some financial assistance from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry. Despite his illness, he was hale and hearty and told me his love for music kept him going.”
Veteran rockers Rodzane Mohamed or Jojet and Abdul Rahman Osman or Man Bai of Gersang fame described Yazit as a “leader” in rock music.
“He had a heart of gold and was always willing to help a friend in need,” said Jojet. “His honesty, punctuality, discipline and humility made him a role model to many rockers,” said Man Bai.
Former Search member Abdul Rahman Mahmood or Man Kidal described Yazit as his hero. “There would be no Search without Yazit. He played a key role in the band’s success. No drummer can match his superb skills, and his perfectionism pushed the band to great heights.”
Rocker Datuk Awie of Wings described Yazit as one of his best friends and mentor of sorts. “He was always like a big brother to me. He gave me lots of useful advice when I was a struggling young singer back then. I visited him many times when he was unwell, and he made me promise him that I would keep making Malaysian rock music great by guiding new talents.”
Amy, who is now in Jakarta, Indonesia as a commentator for the entertainment programme Golden Memories Asia, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” by Yazit’s death.
Yazit, who died at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 11.53am yesterday, was buried at the Raudathul Sakinah Muslim Cemetery in Taman Selasih, Gombak, at 3pm after Zohor prayers.
His remains were earlier brought to Masjid Salehuddin Al Ayubi in Taman Melati, not far from his house.