FOR a singer of Datuk M. Nasir’s calibre, it is hardly surprising that tickets to his upcoming concert on Nov 23 have sold out.
The tickets to his Konsert M. Nasir Satu Hikayat ― 40 Tahun Perjalanan may be priced from RM160 to RM860 but this didn’t discourage fans from snapping up the tickets.
Well, the prolific 62-year-old Nasir has many award-winning numbers to his name so this is to be expected.
Initially, some questioned the concert organiser, Shiraz Projects, for the high prices and in response, its executive producer, Shirazdeen Abdul Karim, said: “If you compare the prices to those tickets sold when international stars came here to perform, the price range for Nasir’s concert is affordable.
“This concert has no sponsors. We rely on ticket sales to pay for expenditure such as the concert hall rental and the salaries of those involved in staging the concert. They number about 200, ranging from musicians to crew members.
“It is quite disheartening to hear such negative comments from fans. The venue has hosted international performers such as John Legend and Mariah Carey. Music fans should not have double standards when it comes to our own performers.
“If fans don’t appreciate home-grown artistes, who else will?”
Due to the overwhelming response, which has even taken Nasir by surprise, Shiraz Projects has announced that the performance will be extended for another evening.
“Perhaps it has been a while since fans had the opportunity to catch my solo concert. I was told that many were disappointed when they found out that tickets were no longer available.
“My wish is that the show, which is held to celebrate my four decades in show business, will be cherished and remembered by many in the years to come,” said Nasir.
SONG LINEUP
The hits that will be performed at the concert include Tanya Sama Itu Hud Hud, Mentera Semerah Padi, Apokalips and Keroncong Untuk Ana.
Twenty songs will be sung, including those that Nasir had written for other singers such as Alleycats’ Senandung Semalam, whose lyrics were penned by him
“Others include Flybaits’ Kenangan Lalu and songs made popular by Kembara and Search.
Nasir shortlisted and shared the list of songs with some friends to discuss their suitability for the show which will mark his four decades in the business.
He emphasised that this concert was staged especially for his fans in Malaysia to celebrate his music journey with them.
As such, he promises it will be a concert with a difference, saying that he owes his fans a meaningful show besides entertaining them.
“I’m already 62. There’s no need for me to prove anything anymore. I just want to make it an unforgettable show.”
A CHANCE ENDEAVOUR
Born Mohamad Nasir Mohamed, Nasir was exposed to music from the radio. His elder brother also brought him to purchase records of singers and bands such as Bob Dylan, Queen, Al Stewart and Led Zeppelin when they were growing up in Singapore in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
He attended the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and graduated with a diploma in Western painting in 1978, originally wanting to become an artist.
He was roped into music-making in 1978 when a friend, Wan Ibrahim, then executive producer of Polygram Singapore, invited him to write song lyrics for the band Alleycats, which was becoming very popular at that time.
Nasir later decided to venture into singing, releasing a debut album titled Untuk Pencinta Seni/Pelukis under the name Mohamad MN in 1981.
He moved on to form folk rock act Kembara with A. Ali, S. Sahlan and siblings Abby and Eddie Ali.
The Ali siblings, however, soon left the group due to disagreements on the band’s music direction.
Kembara released its self-titled debut album, which became a commercial success with 25,000 copies sold. The band went to release six albums until they disbanded in late 1985.
Nasir also dabbles in painting, particularly abstract art. He has held several exhibitions; the first being Tanda in 2014 and Tanda II in 2015, both in Shah Alam.
Besides singing, Nasir also acts, having starred in various movies and TV drama, including Kembara Seniman Jalanan (1986), Fenomena (1990), Selubung (1992), Puteri Gunung Ledang (2004), Tombiruo: Penunggu Rimba (2017), Salam Taj Mahal (2000) and Dosa: Sacred Sin (2018).
Nasir’s last solo album was recorded in 2006.
He revealed that he has been working on a new album for the past five years.
“Yes, it’s still a work in progress,” he said with a laugh, adding that he hoped to release a single before the concert.
With or without the new single, Nasir is raring to give the performance of a lifetime come next weekend. His fans obviously can’t wait!