AKUSTIKA II, which is part of DFP Seni Fest 2014, also features Hujan, Fredo, Elvira Arul, David Gomes, Bunkface, Atilia Haron and Ning Baizura.
At a press conference, Ning says she is excited about performing at DFP, where she will be performing her hit songs — Pasti, Ke Sayup Bintang, Pelangi Untukmu and a new song, Bukan Wanita Sempurna, composed by Indonesian Ade Govinda.
”I am so excited to be sharing the stage with this superb line-up, and especially Zainalabidin,” says the 39-year-old.
Ning wants to set the mood high from the beginning. “The excitement must start from the first song.”
She likens DFP hall to a “nice sports car”. “It’s like you are already inside this nice car, and it’s just a matter how you drive it.”
Zainalabidin adds: “As a singer, you can’t afford to make a mistake. The DFP hall will show you whether you are really a singer or just a face.”
Last December, Hujan brought the house down with its debut performance in DFP. It fully attended by 900 people.
This year, it returns to join the Akustika II line-up. Hujan frontman Noh says it is honoured to share the stage with artistes like Ning Baizura and Zainalabidin.
“I’d be more than happy if Hujan has a chance to collaborate on a song with one of them. Since it’s Malaysia Day, maybe we can work on a patriotic song,” says the husband of former hip hop artiste Mizz Nina.
“Fans of indie music will never have thought of sitting inside the prestigious hall, because DFP has always been associated with classical and jazz music,” he says.
Hujan will be the first act to perform at Akustika II. It will play hit tunes which include Kotak Hati, Bahgia, Bagaikan Matahari and Mencari Konklusi.
Sam, the frontman of indie group Bunkface, says his fans will get the opportunity to listen to other artistes’ music and likewise, “fans of Kak Ning and Abang Zainal will get to watch ‘newbies’ perform.”
Zainalabidin quips: “Luckily you called me ‘abang’ (brother), not uncle!”
Bunkface will perform Situasi, Ekstravaganza, Rentak Laguku, Agenda Jahiliah and Panik.
Meanwhile, DFP business and marketing management director Carl Selvarajah says the fifth instalment of DFP Seni Fest has upped the ante.
“We want to showcase local acts and attract new audience. The local acts in the line-up are among the best in the country,” he says. DFP has also relaxed the dress code and jeans will now be allowed to be worn.
“Music is entertainment. We don’t want it to be too serious, especially to the new audience,” says Carl.