#SHOWBIZ: Composer Ross Ariffin dies at 63
He was 63.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil shared news of his passing in a Facebook post earlier today.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of our national artiste, Ross Ariffin, this afternoon.
"The news was conveyed by Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras, where the late Ross had been living since November last year.
"Uncle Ross was a composer who made significant contributions to the local music industry," he wrote.
More details about Ross's passing are still being gathered.
Fahmi said he had met Ross several times during his lifetime.
"He faced many life challenges, yet remained resilient in his artistic journey.
"May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous… Al-Fatihah," he added.
On 8 June last year, Berita Harian reported a meeting between Fahmi and Ross, who was then living in a People's Housing Project (PPR) flat in Kampung Muhibbah, provided by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), after his story of living on the streets went viral.
At the time, Ross, who had been in the PPR unit for three months, said he was enjoying the new community environment.
During the visit, Fahmi also handed Ross a keyboard to help him continue composing music.
Ross, who once played violin in an orchestra in London, composed songs for several of Malaysia's top artistes, including Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Aishah, Liza Aziz, Jaclyn Victor and Fauziah Latiff.
Among his popular compositions are Dia by Fauziah, Kemaafan Dendam Yang Terindah by Aishah, and Kau dan Aku by Ning Baizura, which won the Anugerah Juara Lagu (Champion Song Awards) in the Pop Rock category in 1995.
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New Straits Times
6 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Fahmi: Ross Ariffin was a musical genius with a magical gift
KAJANG: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has described renowned composer, the late Ross Ariffin, as a genius and unique artiste in his musical creations. Fahmi said Ross had an extraordinary gift, being able to produce melodies spontaneously without referring to musical notes. "His method of composing was truly remarkable and special. "He did not write down notes, but instead played melodies that came to him spontaneously. "That ability, to me, was nothing short of magical," he said after paying his last respects to Ross at the Forensic Unit of Hospital Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin here today. Recalling his memories with the late composer, Fahmi said he had once taken Ross to visit the Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) studio about two years ago to give him the opportunity to return to composing. "During that visit, I was with the then RTM director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman and RTM music director Datuk Mokhzani Ismail. I asked him to try playing the piano. "He immediately began playing fragments of melodies, and even told us that the song he wanted to compose was already in his mind," he said. Fahmi said the ministry would attempt to recover the melodies created by Ross to complete the composition as a tribute to his artistic legacy. He also praised Ross's determination, saying that he continued to play music with passion despite his declining health following several strokes. "Last year, we managed to provide him with a piano. I saw how music became like breath and therapy for him. "Each time he sat at the piano, he became calmer and more energised," he said. Fahmi said he regrets that he was unable to involve Ross in several government artistic projects that had been planned, including the composition of a song in conjunction with National Day celebrations. "My wish to have him contribute to that project could not be fulfilled due to his deteriorating health," he said. Ross was laid to rest at the Sungai Kantan Muslim Cemetery in Kajang this afternoon. News of Ross' passing was shared by Fahmi last night. He was 63.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Fahmi seeks to complete late Ross Ariffin's final song for National Day
KAJANG: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil expressed sadness that his wish for a song by late composer Roslan Ariffin Jamil for National Day was unfulfilled but pledged to complete the piece. Fahmi recalled discussing the project with Ross Ariffin last year during a visit to RTM's studio, where the composer showed enthusiasm despite health struggles. Fahmi said, 'At that time he had several verses played. We will try to find the song and complete it. I remember his words—it's in my head, a song I hoped would honour National Day.' He shared this after paying respects at Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin Hospital, where Ariffin's body was kept. Impressed by Ariffin's creativity, Fahmi noted the ministry provided a piano to aid his work. 'He didn't write notes but kept playing. For me, it's a miracle. His songs must remain a memory,' he added. Roslan Ariffin, 63, passed away yesterday and was buried at Sungai Kantan Islamic Cemetery. He composed hits for artists like Datuk Aishah, Fauziah Latiff, and Jaclyn Victor. - Bernama
The Sun
19 hours ago
- The Sun
Fahmi mourns passing of composer Ross Ariffin in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil expressed deep sadness over the death of renowned composer and musician Roslan Ariffin Jamil, popularly known as Ross Ariffin. The 63-year-old passed away at 5.30 pm yesterday at Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras, where he had been residing since November last year. Fahmi shared his condolences in a heartfelt Facebook post, describing Ross as a resilient figure who made significant contributions to Malaysia's music industry. 'Uncle Ross was a composer who contributed greatly to the local music scene,' he wrote. The minister also recalled meeting the late artist multiple times, noting his strength in overcoming life's challenges. Ross Ariffin composed songs for several top Malaysian artists, including Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor, and Fauziah Latiff. His struggles had earlier drawn Fahmi's attention, leading the minister to assist him in securing housing under the People's Housing Project (PPR). The burial is expected to take place this morning. – Bernama
