ONCE popular in the 1980s, veteran singer Ben Nathan saw his life plunge into darkness for two decades, before he was finally "rescued" seven years ago.
Thanking his fellow veteran singer Datuk DJ Dave and the charitable organisation he founded, Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanah Air (YKAT) for "saving" him in 2017, Ben said that what actually saved him was the realisation that he still had many fans around the country who loved him dearly.
"I had to make a comeback for them. They have always been waiting and praying hard for me, and so I decided to pull myself up once again to reunite with all of them," said the 62-year-old artiste who has gained a new musical lease of life.
Ben admitted that he missed "recording in the studio" and was overjoyed when his comeback single Kebahagiaanmu was recently launched at Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur in Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.
The song, which is the handiwork of an Indonesian artiste, marks Ben's comeback to showbiz after 25 years "in the wilderness".
"Kebahagiaanmu is about making my loved ones and loyal fans happy. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank Datuk DJ Dave for encouraging me to record this wonderful song. Thank you so much Datuk!"
Ben added that he was once a "star" to his fans, and even though he "went through hell" for many years, he has remained a star in their eyes.
"This made me realise that I had to reappear and shine for them all!"
Ben's younger brother Bob, 49, said that the singer was now living in a home in Petaling Jaya and his health was relatively stable.
"Ben is in good spirits. Even though his condition is gradually improving, he still has to take several medicines, and has to visit his specialist doctor once a month for a check-up," said Bob.
"His family members visit him as much as they can, and we have assured him many times that we will always be there for him."
Bob said that he was very happy to see his elder brother return to the recording studio which he once described as his second home.
"I hope that Kebahagiaanmu will be welcomed by all fans of Ben, and that the new generation of music lovers get to know him better," said Bob, adding that he was confident that his brother will continue to get better.
Dave and YKAT met Ben, the seventh of 11 siblings, in the streets in 2017 and were deeply moved by his condition.
They worked hard to persuade him to get "off the streets" and helped him seek medical treatment.
Consequently, Ben recorded Kebahagiaanmu last year with RM20,000 worth of financial aid from the Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana).
Ben said in November 2022 that he would be releasing a new single soon.
In 2017, shortly after "leaving the streets" where he spent 20 years of his life, Ben said that he thanked the media, Kuala Lumpur Hospital's (HKL) staff, his family and friends for helping to bring him back.
"It is good to be back and I am ready to face the world." he said back then.
On Mauy 21, 2017, Dave and Jojo Events Sdn Bhd organised a charity concert for Ben.
The concert was called Konsert Kasih & Harapan Ben Nathan and was held at the then Saloma Bistro in the Malaysia Tourist Information Centre in Jalan Ampang.
After the successful concert, YKAT and Ben went to Jakarta where he recorded some new songs.
Ben had spent years sleeping and wandering the streets of Brickfields, Central Market and Kerinchi following a breakdown after breaking up with his lover and losing his savings in the mid-1990s.
He rose to fame with songs like Ilusi Satu Penantian and Stanza Sepi Sekeping Hati at the height of his career.
Ben who hails from Bukit Mertajam in Penang released two studio albums titled Stanza Sekeping Hati in 1986 and Ilusi Satu Penantian in 1987.
His other popular songs included Blues Roti Canai, Seindah Namamu, Prelude Cinta, Apa Salahnya and Anna.
