KUALA LUMPUR: Legendary singer-songwriter Datuk M Nasir entertained about 2,800 fans during his drum-centric concert, Gendang Pati, at the Plenary Hall in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here tonight.
The 66-year-old multi-award-winning artiste showed no signs of slowing down as he delivered an energetic performance backed by an ensemble of drummers and percussionists that presented a different dimension to his hit songs.
Fans were treated to a festive atmosphere as the maestro known as 'Sifu' performed over 20 pop-and-folk rock tunes, that included Inang Pulau Kencana, Secangkir Kopi Semanis Puan, Kias Fansuri, Melawan Arus, Tanya Sama Itu Hud Hud, Raikan Cinta, Sentuhan Listrikmu, Mustika, Apokalips and Mentera Semerah Padi.
"Don't feel isolated. I'm taking you on a journey," he said after kicking off the show with a rousing rendition of Phoenix Bangkit Dari Abu.
The 3-hour concert also presented a celebration of music and the rhythms of life that were imbued with a variety of enchanting strains from the Nusantara Archipelago, such as Sunda, Jawa, Inang and the infectious Joget.
M Nasir was accompanied by a solid collective of musicians, made up of music director and guitarist Nan Alias, guitarist Rafi Mohamad, bassist Norman, keyboardists Firdaus Mahmud and Eddie of Slam and drummer Ujang of Exists.
The capable musical troupe was completed by percussionists Paang, Mat Din, Che Long and Anas, and back-up singers Eja, Widy, Yuaz and Awe.
At one point, a guest performer in the form of choir group Sam Tet Voices from SJK Cina Sam Tet, Ipoh took to the stage.
The 25 boys from the choral outfit delivered an acapella version of Bagaikan Sakti, written by M Nasir for the 2004 film Puteri Gunung Ledang, which was originally sung by Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza.
With an illustrious career spanning over 40 years now, M Nasir easily enthralled the appreciative audience.
From his easy-going banter and inspired performances, to the pulsating rhythms from the various traditional Malay gendang and modern percussive instruments, he dished out one memorable number after another to rousing applause.
Presented by MND Sport & Event Sdn Bhd and produced by Roman Abadi Sdn Bhd, Gendang Pati had audience members singing along, as well as swaying and dancing at their seats, during several segments of the upbeat show.
M Nasir had previously staged the Gendang Pati concert in Singapore in July.
