DJ Carlito Meets Swallows' Vocalist Kassim Selamat And Pop Yeh2 Author Yusnor Ef

IMAGE: DJ CARLITO WITH KASSIM SELAMAT (SWALLOWS VOCALIST) ON THE LEFT AND YUSNOR EF (AUTHOR OF P. RAMLEE BOOKS AND COMPOSER OF 60s POP YEH, YEH MUSIC).

(1) DJ Carlito wrote to me on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 2:47pm:"Hello Andy, I hope you are doing well... You may recall I emailed you a while back regarding my search for licensing of old Malaysian Pop Yeh Yeh music for a small CD release here in the USA (1000 copies). Thanks to you, Mr Yusnor Ef replied to me once, but said he was busy on a TV show and never responded after that. I know he is a very busy, and well respected man, so I don't want to be a nuisance."

(2) Another note came from Carlito on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 10:47am:"Hi Andy, Ive set the date for my trip to Singapore and KL... I'll be there hopefully in the second week of July, 2010... I hope to meet up with several people... Mr Yusnor Ef would be on the top of my list. I would also love to meet you and hear about your music research."

(3) After much hard work and his research trip to Singapore and Malaysia DJ Carlito has this to say on his blog:

"Thanks again to Cikgu Yusnor Ef and Encik Zam Zam for helping arrange this meeting with the legendary Kassim Selamat. It was great to see Encik Yusnor Ef and Zam Zam again, and really inspiring to meet yet another one of my all time favorite Pop Yeh Yeh artists - Kassim Selamat.

Actually, my friend Yuana drove Encik Yusnor Ef and Encik Kassim Selamat back home that evening, and we listened to the Swallows greatest hits CD the whole way back. I sat in the back seat next to him and he sang every song; he even elbowed me a few times in the ribs during the freak out guitar solos. This is where I got a little teary eyed, a memory that I will never forget...

I hope to go back again to spend more time with Encik Kassim Selamat (Rahmat is his real last name - Selamat is his stage name - taken from a P Ramlee film character) and with Cikgu Yusnor Ef."

(4) Andy writes:

Well DJ, although we never met during your trip to Singapore, I am glad you contacted Kassim Selamat and Yusnor Ef. I didn't help much but managed to connect you to Yusnor via e-mail. Because of your passion and interest in the subject you have achieved your goal. Congratulations!

Exploitation:

As an aside, I hope these 60s pop artistes will not be exploited for their music. According to a friend, they are our national treasure! I am also wondering why some of our Singapore music research students have never thought of writing about them? Strange indeed. Perhaps some readers out there may have an answer.

Article: Andy Lim.

Carl Hamm: "Please do not download the image from this posting."
Image/article based on: http://menarigogo.blogspot.com/

Carlito's Blog: http://turquoisekid.blogspot.com/

DJ Carlito: Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States of America.

Goodbye Yusnor Ef: A Tribute To A Great Friend, Composer, Producer n Teacher.

The late Yusnor Ef

Always a great friend and always so sincere in everything he did. He was honoured with a Cultural Medallion too and wrote 250 Malay songs for Singapore.

Goodbye Yusnor. 

Yusnor Ef has passed away on 16th April, 2025. Condolences to his wife and family.

Here are some stories about this author and historian: his friends, connections and work. Click the link:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2010/08/carlito-meets-kassim-selamat-and-yusnor.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2013/12/yusnor-250-songs-prolific-talent.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2011/10/muzik-melayu-sejak-1940-oleh-yusnor-ef.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/06/yusnor-ef-lyricist-50th-wedding.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2011/08/aku-dia-dan-lagu-lagu2-nostalgia-lirik_29.html

There are at least 5 more articles about Yusnor on this blog.

Check content page below.

R.I.P my 60s music friend. 

Selamat tinggal, Che'gu.

Comments are welcome.

Images: Copyrights Reserved.

Yusnor: 250 Songs Prolific Talent Heartfelt Lyricism

Young Yusnor

Yesterday:

In 1963, Mohammed Nor (Yusnor) and I used to take a chartered bum-boat every week day from Changi jetty to Pulau Tekong and back . He taught in a Malay primary school and I in a Chinese one.  L2 was so important those years and many teachers were picked to teach English, Malay or Tamil as a 2nd Language in most government schools all over Singapore including the off-shore islands.

In the boat Yusnor would relate to me how he became P. Ramlee's student and learnt the art of movie making from the legend himself.  The stories he told made our 40-minute boat-ride seemed shorter and the sea could sometimes  be rough during stormy weather.  Yusnor was also writing songs for our local pop bands, all 250 and more. That's a lot of songs!

A Changi Bumboat.

After some years as a teacher he was transferred to the Curriculum Development Institute of  Singapore (CDIS) to write text-books, lyrics and produce school documentaries during his ETV (Educational Television) years.   I went abroad but we kept in touch... 

On New Year's night 2014 we shall be watching a sell-out concert in honour of  this quiet and humble gentleman: 

*Di malam itu engkaulah bintang
Ramai yang datang bertepuk riang
(That night you are the star
Many who come will applaud with joy)

He is a true bintang (star) and hero indeed, a hero who uses his pen, which is definitely "mightier than the sword."  

Today:

"Since the ’60s, one Malay music songwriter has stood out in Southeast Asia for his prolific talent and heartfelt lyricism, having lent his magic touch to hundreds of songs by artists such as P Ramlee, Saloma, Ahmad Jais and Anita Sarawak. Till this day, the songs of Singapore Malay music pioneer and Cultural Medallion recipient, Yusnor Ef, continue to be performed and enjoyed by many.

                               You Tube: Saloma: Aku, Dia dan Lagu. Yusnor Ef.

 

Enjoy an evening of songs specially selected by Yusnor Ef, including Gelisah (Restless), Taj Mahal and Joget Malam Berinai (Wedding Night Dance) to be sung by ’60s and ’70s songbird Sanisah Huri, in a rare appearance, joined by other well-loved veteran artists Maria Bachok, J Mizan, A Razak, Zamzam and Rahimah Rahim.

Popular young artists Imran Ajmain, Sezairi, Maya Rahman and Zaibaktian will also grace the concert together with a special guest appearance by Malaysian singer, A Rozaini, who will be singing songs by A Ramlie such as Kasih Sayang Suami Isteri (Love Between Husband & Wife) and Hancurnya Istana Cinta (Broken Love Palace).

Accompanied by Orkestra Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru and guest musicians from Orkestra Melayu Singapura, this special evening features music arranged and conducted by renowned Malaysian composer, Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain, affectionately known as Pak Ngah.

For one night only, immerse yourself in beautiful songs that owe much of their appeal to Yusnor Ef's evocative lyrics."

Content from: http://www.esplanade.com/whats_on/programme_info/pentas_aku_dia_dan_lagu/index.jsp

Date: lst January, 2014, Wednesday.

Time: 8pm

(2hrs without intermission. Performed in Malay).    

Venue     Esplanade Concert Hall.

Images from: Google.

Read more about Yusnor by clicking his name under Labels below:

"Muzik Melayu Sejak 40an": Oleh Yusnor Ef

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI TO ALL MUSLIM FRIENDS N READERS

                   

Aidil Fitri - Sanisah Huri - Lyrics by Yusnor Ef YouTube video by UniversalMYVEVO

I was invited to Yusnor Ef's latest book launch at the National Library at North Bridge Road (image 1). It was held at the Pod on the 16th floor. The gathering, that included Minister Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, was well attended and many of the invited guests enjoyed good food and music performed by Sri Gemilang, an 8 piece orchestra that featured traditional Malay music like Bunga Tanjong and Bengawan Solo. Their lady singer Cha Cha provided soothing vocals in air-conditioned surrounding.

The book, which is in Malay, traces the development of Malay pop music from the 40s to the 70s. Content has philosophical quotes about music from Mencius, Aristotle, Beethoven, P. Ramlee and a host of other well-known personalities.

PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING

Interviews with the various Malay artistes, composers, their lyrics and songs abound as stories are told complete with record-cover images and photographs from yesteryear. The different genres of Malay music, that include discussions on its roots, growth and final blossoming, are appropriately covered by the author.

My favourite pages are those that trace the development of music from Malay movies, the Pop Yeh Yeh kugirans (garage bands) and Lagu Lagu Jenaka (humorous songs). To reveal more about this exquisite book would not be fair to Yusnor Ef. Besides, I am still reading it. Best is to get a copy if you are keen to learn more about Muzik Melayu Sejak 1940... an.

Oh yes, there's a CD with 25 Malay classic songs included with the book.
This posting is not a book review.

Image: Invitation card of which the left half is the book cover.

Original article: Andy Lim.

Yusnor Ef Lyricist: 50th Wedding Anniversary

My Hari Raya Puasa Posting

Hullo,

This posting is for all but especially for my Muslim friends. Here is a love story that happened right here on our little island.

Hari baik, bulan baik.  Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.

Sincerely,
Andy.

Love is not finding someone to live with;
It is finding someone you can't live without*

An invitation to a wedding anniversary dinner took me and my wife to the Sheraton Hotel at Scotts Road for a night of feasting and music.  Cultural Medallion 2011 winner for excellence in an artistic field, Yusnor Ef and his lovely wife Jamila Jan were celebrating their 50th Golden Wedding with more than 200 invited guests that included a Singapore cabinet member Assoc. Prof. Faishal Ibrahim.  And the TV cams were there to record the occasion.

A band was in attendance on the high stage to accompany the various Malay artistes who were present that night. The evening's entertainers provided songs composed by Yusnor himself. 

There were at least a dozen and more songs performed, out of the 250 that he composed these past 50 years. Many personal tributes by family, friends and colleagues of the couple were given.

Even after many years of marriage,
I still bring home fresh-cut flowers,
It's the little things that keep love alive...*

What was just as important were the table gifts that Yusnor and Jamila provided for guests that evening, the usual traditional red boiled egg in a glass container and, a totally unexpected present of three box-files (Musim 1, 2, 3) that included 9 DVD's coprising 108 of his compositions, encased and presented in a black and gold folio. There were gasps around the wedding hall as guests received them. 

These discs are music videos and some of the songs included in the DVD's are: Gelisah, Normilah, Kaseh Sayang Suami Isteri, Aku, Dia Dan Lagu, Bimbang, Pepatah Pujangga, Anak Zaman Ini, Kawan Ku Bintang Capricon, Joget Idilfitri, Bersabarlah Sayang.

Musim 2 highlights: Gadis dan Feshen, Di Mana Persandingan, Cahaya Bulan Di Ayer Tenang, Joget Malam Berinai, Lanang Tunang Tah Jadi, Penyamun Tarbus, Si-Bujang Tua,Warna Gambaran Hati.

The silver discs are like personal You Tube videos, encased only in this special box collection of his.  Unique indeed.

This occasion wasn't the first time Yusnor had invited me. The other events included the launching of his book, Muzik Melayu Sejak 1940 An. The second was a concert in his honour, where artistes performed his songs at the Esplanade Concert Hall.  The third was an audience with him when his own composition and The Silver Strings', You're The Boy were played by the Wind Symphony conducted by Adrian Tan. (You can read them on the blog.)

An old teacher friend, we used to serve time at primary schools in Pulau Tekong Besar. Meeting at Changi Jetty late morning, we took the same little boat to the island daily. 

It was a 40 minute ride as we became friends on the high seas, with Singapore music as a mutual link that bonded our relationship since 1963. During stormy weather, balancing in the small sea-craft could be challenging. I remember as we neared Tekong jetty, others in the boat would shout with relief, "Land ahoy!" 

When I left for overseas studies, Yusnor was transferred to the Curriculum Development Institute Singapore (CDIS), Ministry of Education and mastered the techniques of film making, became a Mass Media consultant and later a producer and director of many Malay TV documentaries. But we kept in touch.

We have been contacting each other ever since.

Age does not protect you from love,
But love, to some extent, protects you from age*

I'm sure you are a family member, friend or colleague of Yusnor. Do write in to pen your thoughts about him.

*Personal quotes from Yusnor Ef.
Images: Google: A Personal Collection (Copyrights Reserved).

Aku Dia Dan Lagu: Lagu2 Nostalgia Lirik Yusnor Ef

In February this year, Yusnor Ef gave me a 5CD presentation box of about 128 of his original compositions, sung by the top 60s and 70s Malay pop yeh-yeh artistes from Singapore and Malaysia.

The singers are too many to be named but they include Ahmad Jais, Eddie Ahmad, A. Ramlie, Sanisah Huri, Sharifah Aini, Rozainah Baharudin, Milah Husain, Mariah Bachok, Anita Sarawak, P. Ramlee, A. Razak, Ahmad Daud, Salomah, Rahimah Rahim, A. Romzi, Sugiman Jahuri, Rafeah Buang, S. Rossley, Junainah Amin, Kartina Dahari, Saadiah Saad, Fazidah Joned, Elmi Salleh, J. Mizan and a host of others.

In the accompanying 140 page booklet of glossy photographs, thumb-nail sketches, music sheets, lyrics and testimonials from the top hierachy of the Malay music community, the set represents Yusnor's lifetime achievements packaged into a compact gift-box that is a treasure trove of musical gold pieces.

So as you listen to Yusnor's compositions sung by artistes who are still household names, you can browse and enjoy viewing his 40 plus years of photographs and documented anecdotes titled: Kisah Di Sebalik Lagu and the reasons why he pens the songs which he holds so dear to his heart.

Here are a few one-liners from the dozens of tributes he received through the years.

1. 'He is a prolific writer of more than 250 songs... one of our greatest music icons in the 20th century.'

2. 'His phenomenal ability to pen human emotions of his cultural situatedness... his own conviction of music as makanan jiwa.'

3. 'His works in Bahasa Melayu and English have been held in high regard throughout the Malayworld... shedding fresh light on the development of Malay music.'

4. 'He is a true teacher in my eyes, perhaps that is probably why I still call him Cikgu till this day.'

5. 'My husband and I introduced him to P. Ramlee...'

Some of the songs in the series and randomly picked are: Gelisah, Anak Zaman Ini, Tiga Gadis Jelita, Taj Mahal, Tangisan Malam, Ros Merah, Senjaka, Joget Aidilfitri, Suasana Riang Di Hari Raya, Si Bujang Tua, Sinar Hidupku, Normila, etc.

About Pulau Tekong (Island), Yusnor Ef and me:

I have known this patient and talented gentleman since 1963 when both of us took a daily boat ride from Changi Jetty to the two schools we taught in. He was the Malay che'gu at Selabin Malay and I at Pulau Tekong Chinese.

In the rain and sunshine as we rocked n rolled in the boat, our friendship continued through the years. Although Mohd. Noor taught for about 5 years in his, I was lucky enough to serve for only one year. Those were hard times indeed.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

TO ALL MY MUSLIM FRIENDS AND READERS, SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI, 2011.

Pop Melayu 60an Yusnur Ef, P. Ramlee, Quests

===========================
===========================
===============
A lyricist himself with more than 200 original songs to his name, he translated English hit song 'Sunny' and others into Malay. They were recorded by The Quests in the late 60s. His own compositions have been recorded by numerous Malay pop artistes.

On 14th January, '09 I arranged for an interview to meet this great man. He is Mr. Mohd. Noor Bin Mohd. Yusuf better known as Yusnor Ef, the expert on Malay music in Singapore, Malaysia and the Far East. He is an old friend.

Yusnor is also a connoisseur on P. Ramlee's life and work and has produced numerous documentaries on the actor, TV and film production and Malay culture.

He has written a book in Malay on 60s music, 'Aku, Dia dan Lagu Lagu Nostalgia' and another on P. Ramlee. He is now writing a book in English on the same topics.

Yusnor has a bio-data that fills pages since he won numerous awards. He is a true blue Singaporean but works from his office in Kuala Lumpur.

To read more about Yusnor Ef just key in his name on the Internet. He is that popular!

Image: Taken by Andrew Lim at a bookshop in Funan Centre.

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(1) 1950's Hari Raya Songs, Kampong Rendezvous. (2) Singapore Wind Symphony Plays Local Music

AN ARTICLE COMBINING RAYA SONGS

AND THE SINGAPORE WIND SYMPHONY

SELAMAT HARI RAYA 2019 FROM SINGAPORE

TO ALL MUSLIM FRIENDS AND READERS

                               Selamat Hari Raya by Saloma

Songs with a festive theme are always in demand.  According to Guinness World Records the best selling single up till today is Bing Crosby's, White Christmas with a sale of about 50 million copies internationally. 

In certain South East Asian countries, the Chinese New Year song He Xin Nian and the Malay festive song, Selamat Hari Raya are also pop hits but on a much smaller scale.

On Friday the 17th of July, Muslims would mark the end of the fasting month by celebrating Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.  Selamat Hari Raya is a popular song that will be played and sung by those who celebrate the occasion.  But there are many different compositions with the same title.  

Two of the earliest ones recorded were the most popular. The first Selamat Hari Raya song was composed by Zubir Said.  He was the person who also wrote our National Anthem, Majullah Singapura.  The second Selamat Hari Raya song was by a well-known musician and band leader from the 1960's called Ahmad Jaffar. 

I spoke to long-time friend Mr Yusnor Ef, well-known author, Pop Yeh Yeh lyricist and Singapore Cultural Medal Winner, who tells me that there is a long list of Hari Raya song compositions ,including his, recorded and sung by many Malay artistes.

In a book published by PERKAMUS called, *Seven Magnificent Composers, four such songs were listed.  These versions were the two I mentioned and another two composed by P. Ramlee and Kassim Masdor. 

The former was a famous actor, film director and composer. The latter was a well-known Singaporean composer and music professional. There are actually more than fifty songs that have this theme and very many more today.

Patronising the Queen's Cinema on the Paya Lebar side of Geylang to watch movies, I started becoming familiar with these songs and some other Malay and Chinese pops.  Near the cinema were two Malay kampongs. One was called Kampong Wak Tanjong, just across the road from the Paya Lebar Fire Station and Sims Avenue.

The other was Kampong Melaka, near Sandy Lane where City Plaza now stands and where I came to know many Malay friends when I visited them during Hari Raya. Ketupat, satay, lontong, sayur lodeh and rendang. And F&N orange to down the lot. A feast it was for a wide-eyed teen.

I still remember Moya my Bawean friend from Kampong Melaka who taught me my first basic chords on his acoustic guitar. I never went beyond chords C, F, G7 and Am.  It was within this environment that I learnt the lyrics of my favourite Hari Raya song from Saloma. Significant lines I remember include:

Queen's Cinema (Shaw Brothers Property)

Di sana kelihatan
Bermacam kueh, ketupat dan rendang
Minta-ku kueh sepotong 
Saya mahu makan kernah perut kosong...

Queen's Cinema was a magical place where I absorbed English, Chinese, Malay and a few Hindi movies.  It was Singapore in the mid 1950's and as I paid fifty cents to watch a film I was transported through celluloid to other parts of a simple and peaceful world. 

My main occupation then was watching musicals, the ones from Hollywood, and the Chinese and Malay ones from Shaw Brothers. Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse were the mainstay. Grace Chang, Li Li Hwa, P. Ramlee, Saloma and Maria Menado, completed my simple music education.

Selamat Aidil Fitri
Kepada saudara sertak saudari...
Dam dam dum mercun berbunyi 
Merayakan hari yang mulia ini...

Write to us about Malay songs you love and Hari Raya visits you made.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to all my Muslim friends and readers in Singapore and around the globe. We miss the "mercun berbunyi."

*Seven Magnificent Composers published by editorial team PERKAMUS (2002).
This posting is original and copyrighted.

Images: Google.
You Tube Video.

********************************

SLIP NOTE: 19TH JULY, 2015. MADE IN SINGAPORE.
SINGAPORE WIND SYMPHONY PLAYS LOCAL POPS.

As part of Singapore's golden jubilee, the Singapore Wind Symphony pays tribute to Singapore pop music with our greatest hits performed by some of today's most exciting local artists! Featuring The Gentle Bones, Wicked Aura, Shun Ng, Sezairi Sezali, Amni Musfirah and Shabir. 

Made in Singapore takes you down memory lane while offering you a glimpse into today's vibrant music scene. Highlights include a special arrangement of Wicked Aura's Fight and Shun Ng's tribute to the hit song Shanty by The Quests and the Silver Strings, Shirley Nair's original, You're The Boy.

Co-presented with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore Wind Symphony's Singapore! A Musical Celebration series celebrates our unique music heritage through national songs, musical theatre and jazz, as well as through collaborations with some of our nation's music icons including Dick Lee,  Jeremy Monteiro and Yusnor Ef's Aku Dia dan Lagu.

Beyond the concerts, these arrangements, specially created by local composers and arrangers for the orchestra, are made available to school, community and professional symphonic bands, so that future generations and audiences have the opportunity to perform and learn about Singapore's unique brand of music.

Rickie Chng, Andy Young (Silver Strings) Yusnor Ef (Composer), Ho Chee Mun (Chair Wind Symphony), Audie Ng, John Cher (Silver Strings),  Henry Chua (Quests).

With Wind Symphony Musical Director Adrian Tan.

Images: Esplanade/Singapore Wind Symphony and Personal Collection.
This post has been rejuvenated on 1st June, 2019.

'You're The Boy' n 'Shanty' Played By Wind Symphony

It has been my dream to have our Singapore popular music from the 1960's officially recognised and played by an orchestra. I had even put the songs up on *a top ten list on this blog in October 2014. It took the people in charge some time but it has happened! 

So here's good friend John to relate about an evening when he and Silver Strings members were invited to the concert where local 60's melodies were played and sung by our boys and girls from 2015. We made music history...

19th July, 2015

Esplanade Concert Hall
Sunday, 5 pm.
Singapore *Wind Symphony
'Made in Singapore'.

"When the concert Made In Singapore was held, my wife and I were intending to take a trip to Melaka.  However after a bit of deliberation, I decided against it. The reason is obvious.  The traffic situation would be nothing short of chaotic on a Hari Raya long holiday weekend.    So we decided to opt out of Melaka.  I was proudly assuring my wife what to do for the holidays,  that we could go to watch a band performance.

That still left Sunday with nothing planned.  Then I received a message from my buddy Andy Young.  The message included Mindy Lin's (Manager, Singapore Wind Symphony) letter and with Andy remarking that we should all attend the event.  It was almost God sent.  The long weekend was nicely taken care off. 

Not everyone was able to attend but Andy, Ricky Chng (current lead guitarist of the Silver Strings), Audie Ng (leader/bassist) and myself, (drummer) all met at 4.30 pm at the entrance to the Esplanade Concert Hall. We chatted with Henry Chua and Lim Wee Guan of The Quests and other familiar faces.  Frankly I did not know what to expect from the show.

I was impressed by the sheer number of musicians appearing for the concert and they were already in their respective positions on stage. And I always thought musicians for such performances were old and bearded.  How come this group was all so young, including the conductor, Mr Adrian Tan.

Quite understandably, being a Silver Strings member, I was waiting for the Symphony's interpretation of You're The Boy, a song originally recorded by Shirley Nair (deceased) and the group.    Recently it won an award for being the most watched advertisement on  You Tube with about 740,000 viewings!   

When the Orchestra eventually played it, I turned to look at Audie.  I could see him smiling from ear to ear.  Audie had just celebrated his birthday and I told him at the reception after the show that he couldn't have received a better present! The piece played by S.W.S. is very clean and has a very pristine feel to it, the way a love song should be felt by a young girl in love, having just found "the one"!  

(Music Director: Adrian Tan; Composers: Shirley Nair, Henry Chua, Yusnor Ef)

After  enjoying  You're The Boy, I was naturally looking forward to Shanty (Henry Chua/Quests).  When the piece was played and completed I really believe it's awesome, a word that is a little misused these days.  I thought it was very cleverly crafted.  The only recognizable part was the initial verse.  The rest somehow reminded me of some John Williams movie themes. Salute Mr Shun Ng and Mr Jinjun Lee.   I am of the view that all the materials that were used for the Greatest Hits of Tea Dance segment should be recorded and distributed.  That is of course not to say that the other materials should not be recorded as well.  

(Participating: Amni, Gentle Bones, Sezairi, Shabir, Shun Ng, Wicked Aura.)

I am impressed beyond words that a man can compose 250 songs.  It is difficult even to compose two songs but 250!!  Salute to Mr Yusnor Ef (Cultural Medallionist).  And what a fitting tribute to the man to have Amni sing his most prominent compositions. Amni's crystal clear voice and wide vocal range can do justice to any good song and she deserves to be on the world stage.   

As a drummer,  I was naturally attracted to Wicked Aura.  However, in fairness, it is not only the performance of Aura, it is the total package,  the arrangement and the way it is integrated into the vibrant sounds of S.W.S that make the performance sound unique and exciting. 

The timing of the entire team and the S.W.S. is musical precision engineering.   All the other artists and musicians are truly a credit to the whole show as well. What an outstanding cast!  Well done!  Gentle Bones, Sezairi and Shabir, a truly magnificent show guys!

(Arrangers: Benjamin Yeo, Eric Watson, Danial Ariffin, Daren Sng, Gregory Gu Wei, Jinjun Lee, Mohd Rasull, Syawal Kassim, Tan Yang Zhang, Terrence Wong.) 

Congratulations to all who were involved in this event led by Mr Adrian Tan, musical director of the symphony and manager Mindy Lin.  A lot of work and planning went into the production. However its success can easily be measured and appraised by the number of happy and contented faces I saw as the audience was reluctantly leaving the concert hall. 

Bands such as The Thunderbirds and vocal group The Crescendos whose works were also featured and others like The Silver Strings and Quests have been around for the last 50 years or so.  After witnessing all the talents who appeared in Made in Singapore I am confident that the Singapore music scene is here to stay!"

Did you attend the concert? Tell us your views.

Apologies to the other talented composers and artistes if their works and names have not been specifically mentioned or included in this write-up. 


My thanks to John Cher (left) who wrote this article faster than greased lightning.

* http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2014/10/local-pop-songs-for-singapores-50th.html

Footnote:

*A wind symphony provides all voices from a traditional orchestra using only wind and percussion instruments. That is, there are no string sections: violins, violas, and cellos. This is done by adding many more brass and woodwind players and percussionists playing both pitched and rhythm instruments. A wind symphony may employ the occasional harp or string bass and soloists on any instrument.

[Symphony Friends: Rickie Chng, Andy Young (Silver Strings), Yusnor Ef (Composer), Ho Chee Mun (SWS Chairman), Audie Ng, John Cher (Silver Strings), Henry Chua (Quests).]

Images: Souvenir Programme, You Tube, Google, A Personal Collection.

Kassim Masdor: Singapore's Top Malay Composer Sudah Meninggal

"Biarlah Aku Pergi"

Passed Away on: Monday Night 20th January, 2014.

Mr Kassim Masdor, born in 1938 and composer of more than 400 songs in Malay, had passed on. He had written melodies and lyrics for many artistes like Ahmad Daud, Kartina Dahari, Saloma, Ahmad Jais, Sharifah Aini and a host of others.

Some of the pop songs include: Nusa Jaya, Bersabarlah Sayang, Biarlah Aku Pergi, Cintaku Satu, Gelisah, Manis tujuh Belas, Selamat Hari Raya.  There's also a combined effort, Kisah Aku Dan Lagu, Kisah Tua dan Tijah and Kembara Rasa, done with good friend Yusnor Ef's lyrics.

He was composer and producer for EMI Records from 1968, after his stint with Shaw Brothers Studios at Jalan Ampas. Masdor left EMI in 1977 and opened his own recording company called, Senada Records.

He had been honoured with many awards both from Singapore and Malaysia. He was last seen on stage when he played at a tribute concert at the Esplanade in September, 2013. Mr. Kassim was 76.

It was the first time I had watched him perform. He was a natural on the piano with his signature hat and simple style. But he was charismatic in so many ways, polite but deep in concentration with the music accompaniment he was playing and listening intently to the band and singers with him on stage.

Rest In Peace Pak Kassim. You have contributed much to Singapore's Malay Heritage and its future.

This article is copyrighted.

Information from friends around and books: 
1) Muzik Melayu Sejak 1940an (Yusnor Ef) 2011, and 
2) Seven Magnificent Composers, a PERKAMUS Publication.

Images: Google.

Tribute To Tina: Singing Her 60s Songs

Although the lady herself did not appear on stage till the end of the performance, the tribute concert on a warm August night had stalwarts on the Esplanade Concert Hall sing the songs made famous by Singapore 60s keroncong diva.


Esplanade Concert Hall with Video Interplay

Organised by the Esplanade and Associate Producer Norhayati Yusoff, in conjunction with this year's Pesta Raya - the Malay Festival of Arts, Sayang di Sayang proved to be one of the most enjoyable musical evenings I have experienced with a programme well detailed and a concert sensitively organised for singing sensation Kartina Dahari.


Orkestra Melayu Singapura with Amri Amin conducting.

I took the opportunity of taking my 7 year old piano-student grandson because I thought it best if I exposed him, while still at his age, to the rich multi-cultural heritage that we have in Singapore.  He was fascinated by the Wayang Kulit and other shows at the Esplanade's periphery but more so by the Singapore Malay Orchestra at the concert. 

It was a little dark from the circle seats but little Joshie, my little GS, managed to count the number of musicians with their instruments in the various sections of the 42-strong group.  The orchestra was lead by Amri Amin, music director since 2009.  His flair in music arrangement, together with the experienced singers on board, helped retain the original flavour of most of Kartina's songs.

TV 60s personality - Mr M. Ismail - remember him?

For me it was like watching a 60s Pesta Ria TV show all over again, with veterans Julie Sudiro, M. Ismail and composer  Kassim Masdor at the piano. (With his dark felt hat and sunglasses he resembled John Lee Hooker without a guitar.) English pop hits punctuated the concert of mostly Malay tunes once sung by Kartina.  With the other *younger and talented singers they provided an unforgettable evening of love and entertainment. 

The stars of the show with Kartina Dahari third from left.

It was interesting to see good friend #Yusnor Ef and DJ Brian Richmond discussing Kartina on the back-drop video screen in between songs but the grand finale was the best (image) when the theme song, Sayang di-Sayang played to an appreciative and hand-clapping audience where Kartina tearfully thanked musicians, singers and audience for their support in making the tribute show a success.

It was a fascinating music and cultural experience which took me back to Kampong Wak Tanjong and Kampong Melaka days in the 1960s.  Thank you Esplanade.

*The Late Kartina Dahari 

[12 November 1941 – 30 April 2014].

# The Late Yusnor Ef.

The above posting is a personal one.

*I am not familiar with the younger singers. Do excuse me.

Photos: Courtesy of The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.

Muhammad Ali Black Superman: Singapore 1973

Boxing: Happy World 1950's

I used to watch boxing and wrestling matches as a young boy at the Happy World stadium in the 1950's and 1960's with my father. It would be an affair to remember when we would go in the evening to Geylang Road opposite Lorong One where the Stadium used to be.

Both the sports overlapped to television when live matches in Singapore gently faded off into the Geylang sunset for many reasons. Then it was boxing and wrestling USA but this time around we watched on the goggle box from 1963 when it first came to our island.

Muhammad Ali: 

Height: 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m)
Heavy Weight: 225 lbs. (102 kg)
Reach: 84 inches (213 cm)
Fist: 12.5 inches (286 cm)

'He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.'

Billy Crystal: 15 Rounds With Mohd. Ali. Video by: Ali Abdulrazaq Nassir

RIP: 1942 - 2016.

Muhammad the black superman
Who says to the other guy, catch me if you can*

The boxer (former Cassius Clay), created much attention when he shone under the hot and bright lights of the boxing ring. He became a world champ and there is so much to read about him in the media that it's best readers check them out for further information. 

I remember Ali as the Louisville Lip, the boxer who could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, and who fought in the Philippines with banners announcing, The Thrilla In Manila. Of course his resounding repeats of, I'm the Greatest, will live in my memory. 

He knows how to talk and he knows how to fight
And all the contenders were beat out of sight*

Despite all his ferocity, timely jibes and jeers at his opponents, I had always noticed the glint in his eyes. He must be having fun with the people around him, I thought.  But like his contemporary Bruce Lee, Ali was a perfectionist within. And with all confidence and seriousness. He mentioned that he hated every minute of training but, 'I don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.'

Singapore 1973

He came to Singapore during his peak in 1973, arriving at Paya Lebar Airport on October 22nd to give two five-round exhibition bouts with sparring partners Tony Doyle and Orianso Johnson.  I would have paid the $5 to watch him in person; it was a great pity because I was away in New Zealand that year. 

During his time in Singapore, he stayed with his wife and mother at the Mandarin Hotel in Orchard Road.  His visit created quite a stir as he was introduced to local boxers before his sparring sessions in the evening.  

He fills the arena wherever he goes
And everyone gets what they paid for*

More than 2,000 people witnessed the occasion paying from $5 to $100 to watch Ali spar with his partners. The venue was the former National Stadium at Kallang. The new stadium had just been opened in July 1973.

Ali held up his hands in victory before a happy and excited crowd after the exhibition matches. 'Friendship is not something you learn in school. If you haven't learnt the meaning of friendship you haven't learnt anything.'

Song: 1975

One more thought remains in my mind. At his peak, there was a song written about him. Johnny Wakelin wrote and sang, Black Superman (Muhammad Ali) in honour of the boxer, hoping to get a better foothold in the pop music world. 

Pity, Ali didn't like Wakelin's composition but the lyrics and uplifting, jingle-like rhythm attracted listeners and in January 1975, it scored #7 in the UK Singles Chart, @1 in Australia and Singapore, and spent six months on the US Billboard Hot 100 (Wikipedia). 

Kuala Lumpur: 1975

The Muhammad Ali and Joe Bugner fight in K.L. led Yusnor Ef (composer of 250 Malay pops) to write the Malay lyrics of Kung Fu Fighting renamed, Pendekar Mustar. It was sung by Ruslan Yus and became a pop hit in Malaysia and Singapore. 

Yusnor managed to meet Muhammad Ali with Ruslan at the Merdeka Stadium in person. The late Dato' Haron Idris, Mentri Besar of Selangor introduced them. Yusnor gave the CD to the champion boxer who thanked him. Try as he might, Yusnor could not get a photograph of their meeting nor find the person who took their picture together.

If you have stories to tell about this great boxer, please write in.

Black Superman - Muhammad Ali - Johnny Wakelin. Video from Goeky.

Images/Info: Straits Times Press pictures from Singapore Heritage Board.
*Lyrics: Black Superman, Muhammad Ali by Jimmy Wakelin.

An original article.

Ali and Bob Dylan: Madison Square Garden 1975. Ali gave him a big box... no, a  huge boxing glove during Night of Hurricane Benefit.