In his element

taken from The New Straits Times Online 10 February 2009
By : FARIDUL ANWAR FARINORDIN

M. Nasir’s highly anticipated concert at Istana Budaya this month promises a ‘fifth element’, writes FARIDUL ANWAR FARINORDIN.

THE song list is still shrouded in mystery, but top musicians who will accompany “sifu” M. Nasir in his concert at Istana Budaya this month will be led by Aznan Alias (Nan) as the musical director and guitarist.

Other notable musicians for Konsert Alam Muzik M. Nasir, to be held from Feb 27 to March 1, are Zul Mahat (piano), Jay Jay (bass), Nafi Spider (second guitar), Firdaus Mahmud (first keyboard), Eddie Slam (second keyboard) Ujang (drums), Pa’ang (first percussionist), Hamzah (second percussionist) and flutist Mohar.

At a closed-door meeting held at Balai Berita recently, producer and concert veteran promoter Ali Bakar said there will also be four back-up vocalists for the three-night concert, Nasir’s first show at the prestigious venue.

As for the songs to be performed by the singer, who have been in the industry for more than three decades, the promoter who is also Box Office Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s director remained tight lipped.
“Currently, Nasir is busy rehearsing for the concert at his studio Luncai Emas in Sungai Buloh,” he said, touching briefly on the show’s mystical “fifth element” concept, a collaborative effort with the show’s scriptwriter Helmi Antong.

Sources have revealed that the 52-year-old singer, composer and actor will belt out his hit songs Masirah, Ijab Kekasih, Apokalips and Mentera Semerah Padi, among others.

Tickets for the show, Ali added, are selling fast. Currently only the RM150, RM200 and RM250 seats are available.

It is learnt that superstar Anita Sarawak and husband Mohd Mahathir Abdullah, as well as rock singer Awie (who, together with his former band Wings, rose to stardom by singing Nasir’s compositions) are among the celebrities who bought their tickets just days after they went on sale.

There is also an autograph-signing session after the shows. “It will be based on a first-come, first-served basis and only half an hour is allocated for this,” Ali said.

The New Straits Times Press is the official media for the concert, where RM1 from each ticket sale will go to the NSTP Charity Fund. Exclusive mugs and mouse pads will also be sold at the show. Pre-event purchase of the merchandise will be made available through NSTP publications soon.

“It’s going to be a different M. Nasir show from any of the ones that he had done in the past,” Ali said, hinting on the use of multimedia elements.

For ticket bookings, call 03-4149-8600 or visit www.ticket2u.biz.