#SHOWBIZ: Cakra Khan's 'farewell' night stirs hearts

New Straits Times

3 days ago

THE Plenary Hall at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has hosted many great performances, but it recently became the setting for something far more personal.
Indonesia's celebrated vocalist Cakra Khan took to the stage for what he called his final solo concert in Malaysia — before he takes an indefinite break, delivering a memorable night.
Titled the 'Cakra Khan Divine Concert', it was more than just a performance with a series of songs.The concert was a narrative of loss, acceptance, hope and love — wrapped in music, lit with theatrical magic and charged with genuine emotion.
Devoted fans, some travelling from the country's far corners, gathered for the special send-off.
Around 8:30pm, the hall went dark, the murmurs faded and the first haunting chords of 'Setelah Kau Tiada' filled the air.
When the stage was lit up, out came Cakra, dressed in an understated ensemble, eyes closed as if in prayer.
From the very first note, his textured, raspy voice took over the room.
The atmosphere was almost cinematic — the hall's perfect acoustics amplifying every nuance, lights subtly shifting in colour and intensity to mirror the song's emotional arc.
In those first minutes, Cakra set the tone for the night: unfiltered sincerity.
Emotion-filled journey
Without giving the audience a chance to catch their breath, he transitioned into 'Persinggahanmu' , presented in a new arrangement that added dramatic crescendos and tender pauses.
The crowd responded with cheers mid-performance.
Then came 'Mencari Cinta Sejati', a song that seemed to pause time.
Its lyrics of longing and endless pursuit resonated, drawing nods and even tears from among the audience.
When 'Kau Memilih Dia' began, the hall's energy shifted again, the kind of collective melancholy where everyone seemed to have their own memory attached to the lyrics.
Cakra's delivery was almost conversational, as if he were speaking directly to each listener about betrayal, choice and acceptance.
This emotional tide continued with 'Salah Tapi Baik', an anthem for flawed love that refuses to be forgotten.
The crowd sang along to the chorus, their voices merging with his in a bittersweet harmony.
Stage-igniting collaborations
The evening's collaborations was heavenly as Trio XL joined him for 'Rindu Tak Bersuara'.
Their harmonies weaving around his lead vocals created a textured tapestry of sound that felt both intimate and expansive.
Legendary Titi DJ and the musician Faizal Lubis brought a burst of international flair with 'Layar' and 'Sang Dewi', both songs executed with precision and passion, earning thunderous applause.
Malaysian favourite Marsha Milan united the entire hall with 'Seluruh Cinta', prompting a massive sing-along that became one of the night's most uplifting moments.
Her solo rendition of 'Hening Rindu' was equally powerful, earning her a standing ovation.
Ade Govinda accompanied Cakra when he delivered a spirited segment with 'Masing-Masing', 'Hal Hebat', and 'Kamu Adalah', songs that radiated optimism and warmth while showcasing an easy chemistry between them.
Memorable
As the concert moved towards its final act, Cakra chose to strip back the arrangements, letting the words and emotions take centre stage.
'Kekasih Bayangan' and 'Harus Terpisah' carried the weight of farewell. The hall fell into near-complete silence, save for the sound of quiet sniffles.
Then, he addressed the audience: "I don't know when I'll be back to do a concert like this. But tonight, I want to give my everything to all of you."
It was an unscripted moment, heavy with sincerity and mutual gratitude between artiste and audience.
Just when it seemed the night had reached its close, Cakra returned for an encore.
He began with Kris Dayanti's 'Mencintaimu', sung with tenderness that made it feel like both a goodbye and a promise.
Then came a medley of 'Treasure', 'Never Felt So Good' and 'September' that lifted the crowd to their feet.
For the final number, he chose Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You', a song so iconic that few have dared to attempt it.
Cakra's rendition was infused it with his own phrasing, vocal grit and emotional shading, transforming it into a personal statement.
By the end, it was clear that the evening had been more than just a concert.
As the lights came up and people slowly filed out of the hall, there was no rush — only a lingering sense of gratitude for having been part of a once-in-a-lifetime night
Arguably, it will be remembered as one of the year's most memorable concerts.