Sasi The Don: from Segambut to international fame
PETALING JAYA : When Sasidharan Chandran was 12 years old, he purchased an album titled 'Hello Afrika' by Dr Alban, known for his Eurodance and reggae style of music.
That simple act had a big impact on his life as it set him on the path to discovering reggae.
Today, he's known as Sasi The Don – a trailblazer in the country's music scene, particularly in the reggae genre. In fact, he's known as Malaysia's Reggae Ambassador.
Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Sasi shared that when advised to pick a stage name back in 2000 to launch his career, he picked 'don' as it referred to someone with influence. It was a fitting choice, considering what he accomplished later in life.
But even before turning professional, he had already introduced reggae in the Segambut neighbourhood where he grew up.
'When people needed to go to the main bus stop, they had to pass my house. I'd be playing music loudly at odd hours. A lot of people have told me, 'Bro, the songs you listened to made me go look for them',' Sasi, 46, recalled.
Purchasing Dr Alban's album at age 12, Sasi went on to collaborate and become friends with him. (Sasi The Don pic)
So infatuated was he with reggae and Dr Alban, he was bent on forging a friendship with his idol. 'I wrote 50 to 60 emails to different addresses. Some emails bounced back, but I kept writing.'
One day, he decided to write differently. 'I just wanted him to know that I exist and I'm in Malaysia making music because I grew up listening to him,' he said.
He also encouraged Dr Alban to google the words 'Sasi The Don Dr Alban' as he had consistently credited the artiste's influence in every interview.
His strategy worked – Dr Alban replied. The two even collaborated on a song Sasi composed titled 'Music In Me' – a remarkable feat for the once-curious teen who had bought Dr Alban's album. The duo also became good friends.
Sasi also understood the importance of seizing a moment – like when he met local artiste Amy Search at a show they were performing at. 'I went up to him and asked, 'Would you do a song with me?'.'
And Amy agreed, working with him on 'Suatu Impian', a song Sasi composed.
Sasi has also collaborated with other renowned local and international names: Zainal Abidin, Anita Sarawak, Amy Mastura, Too Phat, Jacklyn Victor, Ning Baizura, Namewee, Maxi Priest, Anuradha Sriram and Apache Indian.
Sasi with his daughter, Shanaiya Lakshmi. (Sasi The Don pic)
'When I discovered reggae, I was just a fanboy – buying cassettes, CDs, posters for my wall. I never imagined that one day I'd actually meet these artistes and work with some of them on my songs,' said Sasi, a father of one who runs an advertising and marketing agency.
Over the years, Sasi has been nominated for awards at 'Anugerah Era', 'Anugerah MACP (Music Authors' Copyright Protection)', 'Anugerah Industri Muzik', 'Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian', the 'Caribbean Afro Music Awards' and 'Nigeria Excellence Awards' – and winning quite a few too.
Sasi shared that he aims to create a distinct sound. 'I incorporate Malay, Chinese and Indian instruments. I'm always bound by Malaysian culture and abide by local laws. I don't have girls with skimpy clothes.'
He is set to release a new album, 'My Perfect Yard', in the fourth quarter of this year, featuring songs in English, Malay and Tamil.
Looking back, Sasi shared that reggae music opened his eyes to the world at large. It inspired him to follow in Dr Alban's footsteps and represent Malaysia in the reggae scene.
Sasi is set to release his new album, 'My Perfect Yard', in the fourth quarter of this year. (Muhammad Akif Irfan @ FMT Lifestyle)
'My hope for the reggae scene, especially in Malaysia, is for it to evolve even more. I think a lot of artistes are making popular music like ballads and R&B. Maybe they're more interested in these genres as they grew up listening to them and enjoy them.
'But there is an underground reggae scene in Malaysia. There are a lot of musicians with their own reggae bands who play at underground gigs. It's a very small community, but the fans are there,' he said.
'When you go for a reggae gig, you go just as you are. Even in slippers or sandals, nobody's going to say anything, as long as you're present. Your soul, your presence, is what's important.'
Learn more about Sasi The Don on his website, YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram.
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