(2) Too Young, But You Belong To Me Rose!

Rose and The Avengers were one of the best groups in Sarawak and had performed successfully in Brunei and other S.E. Asian cities. In Sibu they had performed at the Palace Theatre. The band at that time comprised two brothers, Peter and Jimmy Ho, lanky James Ong and percussionist Jalek Zula. According to the sleeve (image), Zula "has thrilled many an audience with his violent drum solos." In later years one of the boys joined Malaysia's Radio TV Orchestra.

From articles on the web, Iwanaga's father has been described as a friendly man of Japanese descent who once worked in Kuching and accompanied the group to Sibu for their performances. She is currently still very popular and singing with some bands that play evergreens. Since her time there have not been any English Language artistes who recorded in Sarawak.

Two of Rose Iwanaga & The Avengers' hits, I'll Never Find Another You and You Belong To Me are on the first Singapore 60s Definitive Collection.

References: http://www.hamlau.proboards.com/
http://www.suituapui.wordpress.com/

Image: http://www.garagehangover.com//

Video by lvlalaysiaboleh

(1) Rose Iwanaga & Avengers From Kuching, East Malaysia

This EP with, Please Tell Terry (Adrian C. Tills), Will You Love Me Tomorrow (C. King /J.Goffin), Too Young (S. Lipman / S. Dee), Say You'll Be Mine (Adrian C. Tills) is the group's first recording.

It is so popular that even up to the late 80s the English radio broadcast in Sarawak, Malaysia still plays Too Young and Will You under the nostalgic songs category on its programme.

Apparently the selection on this EP reminds many Sarawakians of the lively and swinging 60s back in small town Kuching, in East Malaysia, when young Rose Iwanaga made history by making the first English Language recording.

Originally there was another Kuching singer named Janice Wee who was with the group, but fate took a hand and because of family commitments, cancelled her recording trip to Singapore. To fulfill the contract with the company, The Avengers had roped in Iwanaga as substitute. But Wee's story has a happy ending when she went to Singapore later and recorded her own EP with The Boys (Naomi).

References: http://www.hamlau.proboards.com/
http://www.suituapui.wordpress.com/

Image: Universal Music Singapore/Steve Farram Collection.