KUALA LUMPUR: Traditional pop singer Noraniza Idris has expressed disappointment over talk that Istana Budaya "could not meet the payment she wanted".
In a news report today, the 52-year-old said she was unable to perform in Istana Budaya's coming tribute concert to her longtime collaborator Datuk Suhaimi Mohamad Zain or Pak Ngah because she was "not free".
Noraniza said that the event's co-organisers Pak Ngah Productions and Istana Budaya contacted her via WhatsApp and asked about payment, to which she replied "rate biasa" (normal rate).
She said: "Their offer was a general one to all of Pak Ngah's collaborators. I wasn't given the details of the concert, and if they had done so I don't think it would be a problem for me. In fact I could even perform for free!"
Noraniza was upset that some Netizens had clamed that she was "demanding" towards the organisers.
"That was purely a misunderstanding. I didn't make any demands, especially since Pak Ngah was a dear friend and mentor to me. The organisers should have had a meeting with me so that I could get a clearer picture of the show."
Noraniza added that she would not be able to join in the concert because of her "busy schedule" throughout November.
"I'm currently involved with lots of cultural programmes in KL and Melaka, and the only time I'll be free is after Dec 15. It would be great to be part of the Pak Ngah tribute, but unfortunately not this time."
Istana Budaya director-general Datuk Mohamed Juhari Shaarani had earlier said that the national theatre wanted to invite veteran artistes such as Noraniza to the concert, particularly those who had collaborated with Pak Ngah.
He added that some were unable to make it to the show, while the national theatre's budget could not meet the payments which the others wanted.
Noraniza said that she had contacted Juhari and told him that it was "not fair" to associate her with the artistes who "demanded high payments".
"I had a word with the director-general, and he apologised on the national theatre's behalf. In fact he was surprised that Netizens had made this an issue."
Noraniza, 52, has had six studio albums to date, four of which have been produced by Pak Ngah.
Pak Ngah also produced the album Seri Balas which featured Noraniza and Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza performing four duets, including the popular Hati Kama.
The concert is titled Karya Agung Pak Ngah Datuk Suhaimi Mohamad Zain Bersama Orkes Tradisional Malaysia Dan Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza. It will take place in the national theatre at 8.30pm on Nov 14 and 15.
Besides Siti and Orkes Tradisional Malaysia led by conductor and music director Yazid Zakaria, it will also feature singers Ernie Zakri, Syamel Fodzly, Asmidar Ahmad and Rojer Rozaidy.
Tickets are priced from RM86 to RM446.
Visit www.airasiaredtix.com.