KUALA LUMPUR: Popular singer and actress Marsha Milan Londoh has paid tribute to veteran pop star Uji Rashid as Sabah's First Lady of Song and described her as an inspiration to all "sumandaks" (Sabahan women) in the music industry.
"I love Kak Uji, even though I was born after her 1970s and 1980s heydays. Every Hari Raya Aidil Fitri I look forward to enjoying her timeless duet with the late Datuk Hail Amir, Seloka Hari Raya," said Marsha at the launch of her latest song Hening Rindu at Warner Music Malaysia in Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya today.
Describing Uji, 70, as a versatile entertainer who excelled in singing as well as acting, Marsha, 39, said that she unwittingly followed the veteran's footsteps by becoming a singer and actress.
"When it comes to great duet partners in Malaysian music, nobody beats Kak Uji and the late Datuk Hail. I'm saddened by his recent demise, and I pray she will continue to be blessed with good health and happiness," said Marsha, whose favourite Uji movie is the tear-jerker Permintaan Terakhir.
Meanwhile, Marsha said that she would be spending the weekend in Shanghai, China as part of Tourism Malaysia's roadshow in the country.
"I'm very excited to perform in China for the first time, and I'll be including some Kadazan-Dusun songs in my repertoire," said Marsha, adding that it will be her first time celebrating Kaamatan in a foreign country.
"It's a great honour to represent Malaysia abroad. I've always wanted to perform in China, especially in Shanghai, and my golden opportunity has finally come."
Hening Rindu is written by Wan Salleh and composed by Ikhwan Fattana, and comes with a music video that stars Marsha and Singapore-born actor Datuk Adi Putra.
It is the theme song of the drama series Aku Bukan Ustazah on TV3.