FOR many people, music and songs provide the backbeat to their lives, plus wonderful memories.
As the King of Entertainment Tan Sri P. Ramlee once said, it is hard to separate "irama dan lagu" (music and song).
For this reason, Mega Eve Sdn Bhd is holding a special celebration of music and songs featuring three of the region's best Malay language singers — Indonesian pop queen Datuk Rossa, Sarawak's No. 1 diva Dayang Nurfaizah and evergreen Malaysian pop king Datuk Jamal Abdillah — in the first concert of its kind at Arena Larkin, Johor Baru.
The two-hour concert starting from 8pm on Sept 7 is 'Divas & Diamonds 2024'.
The stars are set to bring their own sparkle to entertain fans from both countries with more than 20 songs, including duets and medleys worthy of superstars.
Rossa, Dayang and Jamal are not the only stars of the show. There will be a fourth artiste who is hugely popular and he will be announced on a later date.
With this star-studded line-up, music lovers, especially those from Johor, can expect a night of excellent performances, as each of the artistes will bring their "A-game" with innovative sounds an lights, plus spectacular vocals and showmanship.
Mega Eve chief executive officer Dr Farhan Razali said "diva" brings to mind someone with outstanding talent, charisma and style who is regarded as the best of the best in their craft.
"Being legends in their own right, Rossa, Dayang and Jamal meet all the qualities of a diva. Together, they have more than 60 albums and dozens of music awards."
The concert will feature all-time favourite songs as well as their latest hits. Fans can expect a night full of thrills and surprises, courtesy of the trio's enthralling performances.
Rossa said she had not performed in Johor Baru for almost a decade and was looking forward to singing in the country's Southern Gateway.
"'Divas & Diamonds' is the perfect platform for me to meet my fans in southern Peninsular Malaysia. I am very excited and cannot wait to step on the grand stage of Arena Larkin," she said at the launch of the concert at Hotel Majestic, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
Jamal said in a televised message that he, too, had not visited Johor Baru for a long time and was "raring to go".
"I've got lots and lots of fans in Johor. I promise to give them a great evening, with ample sing-along opportunities and evergreen songs that they always enjoy."
Dayang said it was an honour to be part of a "glittering line-up".
"It's a really busy year for me, but I love my work so much. Nothing makes me happier than serenading my dear fans in a concert. Watch out for me, JB!" she said, adding that she had a new album in the pipeline.
Two bands will accompany the artistes in the concert, led by an acclaimed music director.
The state-of-the-art stage will be located in the centre of the venue to allow the stars to get closer to their fans.
"Each artiste will perform for 30 minutes, with six to 10 songs. We expect 6,500 people to turn up at the arena," said Farhan.
He said five per cent of ticket proceeds would go towards supporting the people of Palestine.
"This donation from Mega Eve will be handed directly to the Palestinian embassy in Malaysia."
He said Mega Eve would continue to support the government's initiatives to help the suffering people of Palestine, especially those bearing the brunt of Israeli aggression in Gaza.
Tickets are priced between RM288 to RM888 and can be purchased at www.ticket2u.com.
