IT was a first for the four of them, and they gave fans from both sides of the Strait of Malacca a night to cherish forever.
Indonesia's rock kings Ian Kasela, Moldy Kusnadi and Seno Aji, collectively Radja, shared the big stage for the first time with their idol, Malaysia's rock queen Ella Aminuddin, in the two-hour, non-stop rock extravaganza 'Live In Concert With Radja, With Special Appearance By Ella'.
NUSANTARA ROCK
This amazing concert, which celebrated the best of Nusantara rock, took place at 8.30pm in the Mega Star Arena, Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur last Nov 12.
Dubbed the "night of three Rajas and a Ratu", the concert saw Radja, comprising vocalist Ian, guitarist Moldy and drummer Seno, invite Malaysian fans to sing and sway at their seats throughout the showcase that they described as a "labour of love to their favourite neighbouring country".
DEWI REMAJA
Performing 16 songs, they also gave promising new singer Shatirah Amanda, 23, her golden opportunity to open for an international act.
The petite Dewi Remaja 2019 graduate warmed up the 5,000-odd guests with her catchy, dance-pop singles 'Bayangmu Di Hatiku' and 'Langit Bukan Limit' for the first 30 minutes.
The crowd roared with applause as soon as Ian, Moldy and Seno stepped on stage, to deliver 'Bulan', their power-packed and catchy song about a relationship defined by the months.
Backed by computer graphics on the big screen that showed hundreds of clocks and later casette players, 'Bulan' was promptly followed by the sing-alongs 'Selalu Jauh Cinta' and 'Wahai Kau Cinta' about lost love and romantic confessions, respectively.
AFFIRMATION OF LOVE
Ian said: "We are so happy to be back in Kuala Lumpur once again. We hope all of you will have an enjoyable time, so feel free to sing along with us."
The rock trio continued their concert with 'Tetaplah Kau Jadi Milikku', an affirmation of love, 'Manusia Biasa' about human nature and 'Yakin', a motivational song.
Ian, who was dressed in a shiny yellow shirt, frequently pointed his microphone at the audience, and this made them sing entire choruses from time to time.
"I love you Malaysia, you guys are always sporting!" he said to a roaring applause.
SONS JOIN IN
Radja's next song, 'Tulus', about honesty saw Moldy deliver a powerful guitar solo which wowed the crowd. He also introduced his teenage son Axel to fans, and together with Ian they took the song to the next level.
For their next song, 'Cinderella' about finding one's true life partner, Ian introduced his songs Hugo and Farel, who sportingly sang and danced with their father.
"This is our first gig in Kuala Lumpur. We will be back!" said Hugo, who also sang his newly-released single 'Pilihan Terbaik'.
TRIBUTE TO MALAYSIANS
The concert's momentum rose a few notches when Ian and his sons belted out Radja's monster hit 'Aku Ada Kerana Kau Ada', as a tribute to all Malaysians.
"This is your song, ladies and gentlemen. I wanna say that without you, there will be no Radja," said Ian, who also sang 'Patah Hati', a song about falling down and getting up, and 'Call Me' about reaching out to troubled friends.
GOOD THINGS
For the latter 2 song, another Radja "prince" took to the stage, Seno's son Ano who proved a worthy disciple of his father in drumming the night away.
Ian's next song 'Angin', a prayer for good things to happen, was another sing-along moment. This tune saw him play an acoustic guitar, and fans gave him a standing ovation as soon as it was over.
BEAUTIFUL NIGHT
Ian then called on the audience to wave their lit-up handphones, for the next two songs required them to sing entire choruses.
They were 'Benci Bilang Cinta' about love and hate and 'Ga Ada Waktu' about breaking up amicably.
"This is truly a beautiful night, and I wish that it would not end. Thank you so much, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia!" said Ian, as the crowd chanted "We love you Radja!"
SHINING IN SILVER
The lights subsequently dimmed, and Ella emerged on stage dressed in a shining silver and black dress. The crowd once again clapped and cheered, before she delivered her trade mark anthem of lost love 'Sepi Sekuntum Mawar Merah'.
Radja returned to the stage, and thanked Ella for "making their night special".
"Thank you too. I have long waited for this day," replied Ella, to the cheers of the crowd.
Ian then called on the crowd to join him and Ella in singing 'Jujur' and 'Takkan Melupakanmu', Radja's best known hit songs which Ella beautifully covered some years ago.
SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINE
At the end of the concert Radja and Ella expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and called on Malaysians and Indonesians to unite in helping the Palestinians who are currently facing Israeli aggression.
Organised by Orange International Entertainment, the highly-anticipated concert marked the second visit of the year of Ian, Moldy and Seno to Malaysia.
Radja also had a concert in Johor Baru last March.