Uniqueness is cornerstone of an inspirational SM Salim - Sheila Majid

IT was a sight to behold.

The year was 2003. Two Malaysian showbiz giants were seen instinctively laughing and smiling during a recording session, of what seemed to be a mega-hit tune, not too long later.

By its own admission, the song started climbing the charts, thanks to its melodious tune and irrepressible lyrics that have tugged at many heartstrings.

'Entah Jadi Entahkan Tidak', an upbeat and spellbinding tune tinged with the classic Malay charm, the tune popularised by the late Tan Sri SM Salim and pop icon, Datuk Sheila Majid became an anthem and is still being played years later.

Yesterday, SM Salim, the entertainer who was responsible in defining classic Malay music in the country, died aged 88.

Sombre mood was evident as family members, relatives, close friends paid their last respect to SM Salim. He died on Thursday at around 5.44pm due to old age. - Photo Astro AWANI/SHAHIR OMAR

"Tan Sri's demise is a great loss to the music industry. His longevity is an inspiration and testament to Allahyarham's unique stature," said Sheila, who was saddened by the news.

She also expressed her gratitude for the golden opportunity to work with SM Salim citing the latter as 'a close family friend'.

"He may have left us but his light, his legacy will always shine in our hearts," said the singer behind monster hits including 'Warna', 'Memori' and 'Sinaran'.

READ: DPM Zahid hails late SM Salim for major contribution to arts and broadcasting

Former Warner Music (M) executive director, Datuk Nasser Abu Kassim said his friendship with SM Salim started as a die-hard fan.

It was when Nasser, who was then responsible in securing new talents for the music label, picked up his courage to call SM Salim and offered him to join the Warner Music family, that they became close.

"I summoned him to the office and I left the album concept entirely to him. He was a multi-talented artiste, he was a comedian, a great singer, composer and lyricist. He was exceptional and in this day and age, it is difficult to find an artiste of his calibre," said Nasser in a telephone interview with Astro AWANI's 7.45pm bulletin, Thursday.

Pop singer, Zainal Abidin who collaborated in 'Satu' with the inimitable SM Salim could not hold back his emotion when he spoke about the veteran singer. "He was a father figure to me. He was always giving me advice. He used to tell me to stay humble, to keep my feet on the ground not be too overzealous with popularity and such. His passing is a huge loss. He was a veteran singer who was tireless in preserving the legacy of classic Malay songs." said Zainal.

Born Sheikh Salim Sheikh Muhammad Mahron on July 30, 1928 in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, SM Salim’s career as a singer began in the early 1950s. Not many knew but SM Salim made the country proud when he was invited -- under the United Nations banner -- to perform for Malaysian army stationed in Congo back in the 1960. He was conferred the Tan Sri title from the then-Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on June 2, 2001, making him the second artiste after Tan Sri P.Ramlee to receive the prestigious title. Amongst SM Salim’s most notable works included the 1992 'SM Salim', 'Sekapur Sirih' (2000), 'Perjalanan Seni' (2001) and 'Sekarang Dah Jadi' (2003). Apart from Sheila and Zainal, he has also collaborated with the other country's A-list entertainers including Datuk Siti Nurhaliza for 'Mohon Kasih' and 'Seloka Cak Kun Cak' (Datuk M.Nasir).