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New Straits Times

#SHOWBIZ: Merdeka month musical date with Malaysia's 'Gilmore Girls'

MALAYSIAN music's foremost mother-daughter team, Salamiah Hassan and Raja Atilia Raja Haron, are sometimes nicknamed the country's 'Gilmore Girls' after the popular 1990s romantic comedy's protagonists. While Salamiah and Atilia are not as free-spirited as Lorelei and Rory Gilmore, who were played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, respectively, they do identify with their fictitious American counterparts to a large extent. That is because like the Gilmores, Salamiah and Atilia are independent, strong and passionate about their work, and best of all they are each other's best friends. MANAGER At a recent press conference to announce their Aug 16 concert, Konsert Gelombang Bahagiaku, Atilia revealed that she and her mother were given that affectionate nickname by an old friend, the late Fizar Harun, who once served as their manager. "The 'Gilmore Girls' are young at heart and never give up when the going gets tough. Mum and I are likewise, even though we ain't as hot as Lorelei and Rory," said Atilia. Salamiah added: "Actually, we are hotter! And we'll prove it on Aug 16. It'll be an evening to remember, a celebration of great music, family, friendship and life." COMBINATION Atilia said Konsert Gelombang Bahagiaku combines the names of two of their songs, Salamiah's 'Gelombang' and her own 'Bahagiaku'. "The combination of both songs' names brings about 'My Waves Of Joy', and there's nothing more joyous than celebrating family love and our shared passion for good music," said Atilia. "And while mum and I have shared the stage many times in the past, this concert is officially our very first, and I've got a hand in producing it, too." NON-STOP Konsert Gelombang Bahagiaku, held at the Plenary Theatre of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur, is produced by Mujik Wand Production, and lasts for two hours and a half. Promising non-stop entertainment, it will see Salamiah and Atilia perform 10 songs each, and five duets — a personal record for them. Salamiah and Atilia will be backed by some of the country's most talented musicians, led by music director Fly Halizor of 'Projek Pistol' band fame, and their guest artistes for the evening will be former 'One Nation Emcees' lead singer Mimi Norhisham (also known as Mimifly) and Loque of 'Monoloque' and 'Butterfingers'. Describing the concert as a symphony of love and her tribute to her "parent, mentor and idol", Atilia said Konsert Gelombang Bahagiaku promises lots of magical and cherished memories. DREAM Atilia said: "This is a dream come true for me. Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to become a successful singer like mum. "Getting the chance to share the big stage with her, in our first official concert together, has always been on my bucket list." Salamiah said: "I am very excited, even though our singing styles differ, I am more R&B and Atilia is more jazz, I believe it will be a truly special combination for music lovers. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity and it marks my 55th year in music." DUET The mother-daughter team will mark their first duet titled 'Age Is Just A Number', and it is a positive message about life, maturity and being oneself. "The song reflects both of us, two independent women who began as club singers and who do what we love with heart and soul," said Atilia. Salamiah said: "I'm always blessed to share my love for music with Atilia. We may be different in many ways, but our love of music unites us." SOULFUL Fly said: "It will be an emotionally charged evening for all. Expect great music that touches the heart and soul and which celebrates family values this Merdeka Month." Fly added that he was always honoured to work with Salamiah as her souful and heartfelt vocals always moved him to tears. "She is awesome, full of heart and a loving 'mama' to all," he said, adding that Atilia was always sporting, friendly and full of ideas. GUESTS Atilia said Konsert Gelombang Bahagiaku, which hopes to attract 500 guests, would not be a one-off event, as there would be "many more Salamiah and Atilia team-ups in the years to come". "As long as we are fit, strong and standing, we will always entertain our fans," said Atilia. "Music keeps us going, and makes us young at heart!" said Salamiah. RTM Salamiah, 74, first found fame in talent search 'Bakat TV' in 1971, organised by Radio Televisyen Malaysia, and she was in the very first season. She famously sang 'If You Go Away', made popular by Dame Shirley Bassey, and many of her fans liken her to the legendary British singer. With five studio albums to her credit, Salamiah's best known songs are 'Surat Terakhir', 'Terimalah', 'Hanya Sekali', and 'Tetap Menanti'. MOVIES Atilia, 51, began her career performing jingles with her mother from the late 1970s. She has two studio albums and has starred in movies and television dramas, such as 'Kil' (2013) and 'Liar' (2023). Atilia appeared in Istana Budaya's 'P. Ramlee The Musical' as the King Of Entertainment's first wife Junaidah Daeng Harris in 2009, and 'Lat Kampung Boy Sebuah Muzikal' as cartoonist Datuk Lat's wife Datin Faezah Zanzali in 2011. Besides singing and acting, Atilia also runs a yoga studio, which she established in 2015.