06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ailing XPDC vocalist Ali offers heartfelt advice amidst band dispute
KUALA LUMPUR: XPDC singer Ali has offered some poignant advice to the two splinter groups of his band, led by Izo and Zua, respectively.
The brief but heartfelt message has deeply moved their loyal fans.
Ali, who has been receiving treatment at Shah Alam Hospital for shortness of breath over the past week, was visited by his friend Isma Halil Hamzah, founder of the online radio station yesterday.
During the visit, Isma Halil spontaneously asked Ali for his thoughts on the strained relationship between the two factions.
The dispute stems from the use of the band's name, XPDC, which is owned by the recording company Life Records.
Speaking with a choked voice due to his difficulty speaking, Ali said: "God willing, whatever happens is a test from God, just pray. Hopefully, each one has their own identity and brings their own character. God willing, God will grant it. God will give us good things. God willing. That's all."
Isma Halil's post on social media sharing Ali's words has already garnered nearly 100,000 views and over 100 shares from fans.
Ali first joined XPDC in 1997, replacing the late Mael. His first album with the band was Samurai in 1998. The band later split into two groups.
Ali initially performed with the Izo-led faction, which also included Izo on guitar, Eddie (bass), and Lola (drums).
However, due to his health issues, Ali's role has since been taken over by Mamu Fazli.
Meanwhile, the other group, XPDC Kita Peng Yu (KPY), is made up of Zua (bass), Jef (guitar), and Amy (drums).
The late Mael's position in this group is now filled by Ary, the former singer of Fahrenheit.
The rift between the two groups has become more public recently.
At a press conference for the recent XPDC Metalkestra concert, Izo announced that his group was the legitimate XPDC, having signed a contract with the original logo.
This ongoing feud has spilled over onto social media, where fans of both XPDC factions are actively engaging in arguments.
