Malaysia's legendary singer Datuk Sharifah Aini, 61 dies

Fans of this songstress would recall her memorable renditions of the haunting Seri Dewi Malam’ and ‘Hapuslah Airmatamu’

Malaysia’s legendary songstress, Datuk Sharifah Aini died after suffering from lung fibriosis at Damansara Specialist Hospital at 1.26am early Saturday morning. She was 61.

She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the specialist hospital after suffering from breathing complications.

Sharifah, who turned 61 on July 2, was diagnosed with lung fibrosis, also known as interstitial lung disease two years ago. The condition is rare and causes hardening or scarring of the lungs.

Born at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru, Sharifah who was fondly known as Kak Pah was raised by her grandparents at Kampung Majidee.

Her sheer talent for singing was discovered after she won Bintang RTS, a singing contest in Singapore in 1968 where she sizzled judges with the beautiful rendition of 'Tiga Malam'. A year later, Sharifah signed a singing contract with EMI. Her debut album titled, 'Seri Dewi Malam' received critical acclaim from music pundits in Malaysia and Singapore.

Her legacy remains evergreen, and the kind-hearted and good-natured as well as dedicated artiste will be fondly remembered by her fans in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

She was regarded one of the pioneers who had made the country proud with her perseverance and persistent and successfully collaborated with some of the country's heavyweights including Sudirman Haji Arshad, Latiff Ibrahim as well as Indonesia's Broery Marantika,

After she has carved a name as a singer, Sharifah also made a name as an in various films including 'Hapuslah Airmatamu', 'Sumber Ilhamku' and 'Bintang Pujaan'.

Sharifah, who was awarded the title of the First Lady of Songs, broke Malaysia's recording history by becoming the first artiste to have recorded a whopping 93 albums including seven English albums.

She was survived by her son Aliff Omar Ali Bakar.