THE man who brought Malaysian popular music to France, Datuk Sheikh Abdullah Sheikh Ahmad Bakhbereh, admits that he is always a "button click" away from his home country's latest developments in music.
"Thank God for technology. I've been able to catch up with Malaysian showbiz through my personal computer at home, or even my cellular phone while on the move," said the artiste whose fans fondly call Dato Shake.
WORK OF ART
Based in Paris, France since 1973, Shake lives "five minutes away" from the iconic Eiffel Tower and loves his second home dearly.
"Paris is a beautiful work of art, with warm and friendly people everywhere I go. Kuala Lumpur is just as beautiful too, with the world's friendliest folks, and that's why I visit home every two years," he said in a recent online interview.
MUSICAL TRIP
The 73-year-old artiste will take fans on a musical trip down memory lane at Zepp KL in Jalan Hang Tuah on Dec 16.
The two-hour concert, which begins at 8pm, is titled Dato Shake Live At Zepp KL 2023 and presented by InTour Live Events and iMe Entertainment Group.
"I am honoured to perform in the newest, world-class concert hall in KL. It is great to be back in warm, sunny Malaysia now that winter is around the corner in France."
ON THE BANDWAGON
"Many Malaysian artistes, old and new, are having concerts at various popular venues, now that the worldwide lockdown is over. I'm happy to hear that Search, which is also from my hometown Johor Baru, became the first band to rock Zepp KL last year," he said, adding that it was time for him to "jump on the bandwagon".
LONGTIME COLLABORATORS
Shake, who chose Dec 16 as the concert date as it was easy to remember, added that he will be accompanied by about four musicians who were his longtime collaborators.
"There will be seven musicians in total, both local and foreign. They're very experienced and talented, and I'm confident they will give everyone in the hall a 'shakin'' good time.
"As for guest artistes, I cannot reveal them for now," he said.
K-POP FEEL
Shake spent most of the two-year Covid-19 lockdown period conceptualising his concert with his musician friends.
"I've decided to give it a K-pop feel, as many young Malaysian music lovers love that genre. As in all Dato Shake concerts, I'll be singing in English, Malay and French, and there'll be a few stylish and colourful costume changes."
NEW ARRANGEMENTS
Shake has some new songs in the pipeline and he will sing a couple of them at his coming concert.
"I'll serenade fans with about 25 songs, including medleys. It will be a trip down memory lane for everyone, from my early days in Johor Baru to the present."
He will also introduce new arrangements for some of his evergreen songs.
GOOD CAUSE
Shake's December concert will be for a good cause, too. He plans to aid various charities at home and abroad, including the Palestinians of Gaza.
"It is always good for artistes to give back," he said, adding that he planned to write a book about his musical journey.
Tickets are priced from RM358 to RM5,000 and are available at www.ticketcharge.com.my.