#SHOWBIZ: Ungu's unfading magic with Malaysian fans

New Straits Times

4 days ago

THE Plenary Hall at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre witnessed another testament to the enduring affection between legendary Indonesian band Ungu and its devoted fans in Malaysia.
Through the 29th Anniversary Symphony Of Ungu Live In Kuala Lumpur concert, the band reaffirmed its enduring appeal as a true entertainer.Its presence here is hardly a novelty; Ungu performs in Malaysia almost annually, yet each show rekindles an unfading magic that keeps fans from feeling like they've seen a tired, rehashed performance.
Since making its mark in 2003, Ungu has shared a remarkably strong and special bond with its Malaysian listeners.
This connection was palpable at the latest concert even before the first note.
A staggering 2,500 tickets sold out, demonstrating fans' eagerness to once again immerse themselves in nostalgia with their idols.
This genuinely surprised lead singer Pasha, whose real name is Sigit Purnomo Syamsuddin Said.
Addressing the rapturous crowd, the 45-year-old singer expressed his gratitude: "Thank you to the organisers for inviting us to Kuala Lumpur again, and our friends in Kuala Lumpur are still loyal enough to come and watch our concert. We didn't expect all 2,500 tickets to be sold out."
After a three-number opening act by Gretchene Quirina, Ungu took to the stage with its members looking dapper in matching all-white suits.
The band was backed by 14 local orchestral musicians, led by music director and fellow Indonesian JP Denny.
The opening songs, 'Melayang' and 'Berikan Aku Cinta', were delivered with majestic symphonic arrangement and signalled the start of an unforgettable night.
Nostalgia enveloped the hall, transporting audience members back to the glory days of the early 2000s.
For die-hard Ungu fans, the night truly belonged to them as they watched Pasha sing their beloved tunes, joining in at the top of their lungs.
While some might suggest that Pasha's vocals weren't quite as potent as during his career's peak, this was by no means a significant drawback..
In fact, Pasha's true brilliance shines in proving that a genuine entertainer is defined by masterful stage command and the ability to captivate an audience, not just vocal prowess.
With his understated charm and spontaneous humour, he effortlessly broke down the barriers between artiste and fans.
His background as a politician aided his interaction with the audience, effectively masking any minor imperfections that might have existed.
Between songs, he repeatedly ventured off the stage, approaching fans to sing along and even posing for selfies with them.
Seventeen songs were performed, each one evoking a wave of nostalgia among concertgoers.
A heartfelt rendition of 'Cinta Dalam Hati' resonated throughout the hall, proving that Ungu's music truly transcends generations.
The band continued to enliven the atmosphere with hits 'Aku Tahu', 'Saat Bahagia', 'Aku Bukan Pilihanmu', 'Ku Ingin Selamanya' and 'Sayang'.
Another guest singer that evening was Ayda Jebat, who joined Pasha for duets on 'Tercipta Untukku' and 'Bismilah Cinta'.
The atmosphere grew a little more sombre when Pasha dedicated two songs — 'Bila Tiba' and 'Andai Ku Tahu' — to the band's former keyboardist Gatot Kies or Mas Gatz, who died in early June.
To end the concert, Ungu, also comprising Enda (guitar), Oncy (guitar), Makki (bass) and Rowman drums), left fans on a high note with the energetic 'Seperti Mati Lampu'.
The concert, a collaboration between AVG Entertainment and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, truly embodied what it means to be an entertainer: sincerity, interaction and the ability to create lasting memories.