COMPOSER Johan Nawawi, 51, was working on a 30-year compilation album featuring his greatest hits when he died due to a heart ailment on March 24.
The Kelantan-born hitmaker’s unfinished project has recently been completed by his widow, singer Nora Ariffin, as a tribute to his musical genius and a labour of love to an exemplary husband and father of four children.
“I’m planning to launch Johan’s compilation album next month. It’s got 30 of his best known songs — one song for every year,” said Nora yesterday.
The songs are performed by Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Sheila Majid, Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim, Dayang Nurfaizah, Liza Hanim, Indonesian singer Kris Dayanti, and Nora herself.
“Of the 30 songs, 25 have been released, and I sing five of them. There is also a rearranged version of my earlier hit, Hanya Satu, which Johan did last year. It’s special because it’s our last musical collaboration.”
She said the album would be distributed by Warner Music Malaysia.
A bonus track, Ada Dalam Tiada, is Nora’s tribute to Johan.
“It’s written by Sirkhan and composed by Habsah Hassan. Johan inspired many new lyricists to shine, and I’m glad to work with one of them, Sir-khan.”
Johan composed 300 songs in his three decades in music.
“The 30 songs I’ve selected for his tribute album will appeal to anyone regardless of age. They’ve been beautifully interpreted by some of our best singers, who have given them a timeless quality.
“It’s my hope that the album will introduce Johan and his music to new fans, and serve as a cherished gift to everybody who has known, worked with or befriended him.”