Francissca Peter remembers Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab: A tribute to a musical legend

THE first time I met Allahyarham Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab was a humbling experience. He is a legendary figure whose songs I had admired through the voices of great and immensely talented artistes such as the late Biduanita Dato’ Sharifah Aini, legendary Uji Rashid, the late Dato’ Hail Amir, Dato’ Khadijah Ibrahim, the late Dato’ Sudirman Hj Arshad, Datuk DJ Dave, and many more. It was an honor to meet him in person.

I was especially proud to learn that two of the songs he wrote for me had topped the charts on several radio stations in the late 1980s and continues to be enjoyed until today. Having had the opportunity to work with such a monumental figure in the Malaysian music industry - a legend who has influenced our music for decades - was one of the highlights of my career.

One of the nicest compliments he gave me was about my recording process. He said I was a very fast recording artiste, requiring minimal corrections to my pitching. He also praised the natural emotions I conveyed in my singing, mentioning that he didn’t need to guide me much to achieve the desired delivery. Hearing this from someone of his stature was such an outstanding compliment. It made me feel proud yet humbled, as it came from one of the great figures in our music industry. Despite his fame and stature, he was gentle, kind, and encouraging - a true gentleman.

Old is not just gold but platinum when it comes to our true greats. Legends like Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab, and a few others have shaped the foundation of the Malaysian music industry. We must honor these pioneers and be proud of their contributions, as they represent the heart and soul of our nation’s musical identity.

It’s crucial for us to treasure and elevate Malaysian music, embracing our unique melodies, styles, and languages - whether in Bahasa Malaysia or others. All races should come together to support and celebrate our own home grown talents and stars, too. Let us take pride in our identity and work towards preserving the legacy of our music.

Allahyarham Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab was a soft-spoken and gentle man, almost shy in demeanor, yet highly focussed and serious. When I met him, he carried himself with a calm, uncle-like warmth that made him even more endearing. He was sweet, always stylish, impeccably dressed and a remarkable individual. A privilege to have known him.

Terima kasih atas lagu “Rindu Memaksaku Menyayangimu” dan "Rindu Seorang Kekasih", lagu - lagu indah yang terus hidup dalam hati pendengar dari generasi ke generasi.

Terima kasih Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab atas segala jasa dan karya yang tak ternilai.

Semoga roh Allahyarham Ahmad Nawab dicucuri rahmat serta aman dan tenang di syurga. Salam takziah yang tulus buat seluruh ahli keluarga dan sahabat-sahabat rapat di atas pemergian Allahyarham.

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