The kampung boy returns
aniu’s first Malaysian solo concert last week was a dream that took 18 years to fulfill.
IT may have taken him up to 18 long years to fulfill his dream, but Aniu finally staged his very first solo concert in Malaysia. The Aniu Sing A Song For You 1st Concert Live In Malaysia, which marked another milestone in his life, was organised by Galaxy Group and staged at Genting’s Arena Of Stars last Saturday night.
“It feels like I’m dreaming, but turns out to be true,” mused the 38-year-old musician-turned-moviemaker, who had fancied holding his own concert ever since he debuted as a singer-songwriter in 1997.
Along the way he has released 16 albums, 15 movies, and even became an award-winning filmmaker when his directorial debut Ice Kacang Puppy Love (2010) swept five awards including the most-coveted best film gong at the inaugural Golden Wau Awards (2013).
“Life is such that there is no turning back. We can only move forward, face each challenge head on, clear every hurdle, and become more and more handsome,” quipped the Penang-born entertainer whose real name is Tan Kheng Seong.
Opening his show with Yong Ma Lai Xi Ya De Tian Qi Shuo Ai Ni (Let Me Express My Love Using Malaysia’s Weather), Aniu appeared in his trademark shorts and sneakers, even as he swapped his singlet for a glit- tery tuxedo.
Aniu delighted fans with 26 of his hit songs in the three-hour show including rustic-themed compositions that are full of colourful imagery like Mamak Dang (Mamak Stall), Cai San Lun Che Mai Cai De Lao Ah Bo (The Old Man Who Sells Vegetables On His Tricycle), Sungai Puyu De Feng (The Wind In Sungai Puyu), Guang Jiao Ya (Barefoot Kid), and Da Du Nan (Potbelly).
Fans sang along with their favourite homegrown star as he belted out Cantonese songs like Hak Chiu Nui Long (Girl With Shades) and Ji Lam Ching Go (Most Romantic Love Song) as well as Hokkien songs Sui Cha Bo (Pretty Woman) and Ah Kong (Grandpa).
His lively repertoire also included soundtracks of his movies such as Huat Ah Huat Ah Huat (2014) theme Ni Zhui Leng (You Are The Most Beautiful) and Ice Kacang Puppy Love theme Chun Wen Yi Lian Ai (Pure Love).
Aniu also took the opportunity to express his love for his teenage daughter, who is also a talented artist, and how proud he was of her. Singing the song he wrote for her, Wo Yao Wei Ni Chang Shou Ge (I Want to Sing A Song For You), he said: “My daughter, I wish for your happiness always. Just go ahead and do whatever makes you happy. I hope you will become more and more beautiful, too”, as her colourful artwork was shown on the LED screen.
Other beloved guests at his show included his on-screen wife, Elanne Kong of The Wedding Diary 1 & 2 (2011 & 2013) and Lee Sinje of Ice Kacang Puppy Love, who was there with her parents and stepdaughter.
Taiwanese heartthrob Richie Ren, Aniu’s co-star in Summer Holiday (2000), emerged amid wild applause as to show his support as the surprise guest performer for the night. Ren also recorded Aniu’s signature hit Dui Mian De Nv Hai Kan Guo Lai (The Girl Opposite Looks Over Here), the song that changed his life forever.
“My happiest days were when I was running around barefoot and shirtless, flying kites in the kampung. I told myself that when I grow up, I want a job where I could go around in shorts, slippers and a singlet,” declared Aniu, who still remains a kampung boy at heart.
Since it was the 10th day of lunar new year Aniu aptly closed his show with a lively rendition of his own Chinese New Year song Tao Hua Duo Duo Kai (Plum Blossoms Blooming) and encored with Gongxi Gongxi (Congratulations) while casting chocolate-filled gold coins bearing his well-wishes into the air.