UNITY IN MUSIC IN SONG

--------------------------------------

I refer to your report," Winning voice, A song to match," (nst Nov.22 ). The saying ," If music be the food of love - play on. I think the metaphor is most apt able in as far as Malaysia is concerned, because I am sure, in a way, Malay songs Sung by non-Malays, has been one of the contributory factors that has fostered National Unity. Now quite a large number of non Malays like Malay songs especially the younger generation.

If non-Malay bands could play Malay music and the singers could sing Malay songs,sometimes better than the Malays, and then made a name for themselves in the highly competitive Malay song industry, I see no reasons why Malay singers could not do the same and be successful in their ventures.

We cannot deny the fact that, there are top Malay singers, like Dato Siti Norhaliza, Dato Sharifah Aini, Dato Yusni, Adibah Noor, and many others who can sing very well in English, Mandarin, Japenese, Hindi and even Tamil. Unfortunately they never made it to the top, simply because they have not been exposed, in road shows, stage shows, in night clubs, in discos and pubs. With the exception of Dato Sharifah Aini, who made and English Album, the others have not.. Besides they have not receive enough publicity over TVs and Radio. As far as I know there is only one English mucical show on TV called, Down Memory Lane, hosted by Dato Yusni, or Juli Sudero.

I suggest that local TV and radio stations produce reality shows on TVs requiring Malay singers to sing in English, Mandarin, Hindi or Tamil. If these singers are well trained to sing in other languages and given publicity and exposure over TV and Radio, stage shows at various functions, I am sure they will make it to the top of the chart, in non Malay song industry in Malaysia.at the same time promote the 1 Malaaysia concept.



NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA
22.11.2009