Latest news with #Tapa
The Star
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Stage 0.1' photography book takes rock fans both front stage and backstage
'I dedicate this book especially to the musicians who are the backbone of the industry - those working behind the scenes. This book is for them,' said Tapa. Photo: Bernama In a significant step towards expanding the documentation of Malaysia's visual art, the National Art Gallery has, for the first time, published a rock concert photography book: Stage 0.1 by Mustaffa Ahmad Hidzir, a renowned veteran photographer and album cover designer. Spanning 240 pages, the book by Mustaffa - better known as Tapa Otai - offers a rich visual journey through Malaysia's rock music scene. Featuring around 300 photographs, it blends electrifying live moments with intimate behind-the-scenes glimpses and portraits of often-overlooked musicians whose quiet presence forms the backbone of every performance. Tapa's new photography book is also the long-awaited follow-up to his award-winning 12x12 Album Cover Design (2017), which showcased the best of his Malaysian album cover artworks dating as far back as the late 1970s. Tapa Otai, 70, shared that the idea for the Stage 0.1 book came after a chat with film director Dr U-Wei Saari. 'U-Wei asked me what I'd done with all the concert photos I'd taken over the years. I told him I just kept them. Later, we met again, and he suggested I publish a book,' said Tapa in an interview with Bernama at the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Published through the National Art Gallery's collaborative publishing platform, Tapa's 240-page book brings together around 300 images from local rock concerts, including rarely photographed portraits of the behind-the-scenes musicians who seldom find themselves in the camera's spotlight. Photo: Bernama The veteran photographer, who still actively attends live concerts, explained that Stage 0.1 is meant to shine a spotlight on musicians who often go unnoticed, while also featuring a few well-known names to enhance its appeal. 'I dedicate this book especially to the musicians who are the backbone of the industry - those working behind the scenes. This book is for them,' he said. 'I don't focus too much on singers, but I've also included photos of big names like Datuk M. Nasir, Datuk Ramli Sarip, Wings, and Search to add to its appeal.' National Art Gallery Publications Branch curator Mohd Fairus Ismail said the release of Stage 0.1 marks part of the gallery's fresh approach to documenting Malaysia's music and cultural scene. With his all-access concert pass, Tapa Otai captures the raw heat and energy of Malaysia's rock scene. Photo: Bernama 'This initiative began while we were planning an exhibition on social, cultural, and musical issues from 1979 to 1989. During our research, we discovered Tapa Otai's photographs, which had captured many key moments in the local rock scene,' said Fairus. When Tapa expressed interest in publishing a book based on his collection, the gallery supported the project through its collaborative publishing platform, which also handles printing and limited distribution at the gallery. Fairus added that Stage 0.1 isn't just a collection of concert photos, but an important visual archive that highlights the often-overlooked musicians and crew - the real heartbeat behind every show. Previously kept private, many of these images are now shared with the public for the first time. The book is currently available at the National Art Gallery bookshop and on Shopee for RM180.
Edinburgh Live
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
'I started an Edinburgh group to make friends and am gobsmacked at the result'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An English woman has opened up on her experience of organising a new event after moving to Edinburgh and feeling "isolated". Rosie Maddocks moved to the capital from Manchester two years ago with her partner and says it was a hard experience trying to make new friends. The 29-year-old became her own clientele and started brainstorming ways to build connections with people. She created Social Appetite - an event that will bring Edinburgh people together through their love of food. After selling out the first event back in February, Rosie is happy with how the venture is coming together - and has even made friendship connections of her own. Speaking to Edinburgh Live, she said: "I was really nervous about how the first event was going to go but since it all has started, people have met up outside the events already which is really great. "It's been really nice seeing a community come together. I have made connections of my own too. "There was a couple that came to one of the events and we have been for drinks with them, we went on a walk with them yesterday too. It's been really interesting to see it all unfold and I am really happy with it." Rosie organises regular evenings throughout the capital at different restaurants each month. The ticketed event includes a three course meal picked by the chef and interactive games. The fifth event is set to take place on Tuesday, April 29, at Spanish Tapas Restaurant - Tapa. Rosie added: "There's been a mix of genders and ages too which is surprising. Considering the first event was in February, I am just hoping to grow it. It is really hard work but it's what I signed up to do." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox In a previous interview with Rosie, she said after moving to the capital she found it hard to make friends. "I moved up here on a whim and moving to a new city made it a really hard experience for me to make friends. I found it hard to put myself out there in different groups and things", she added. "I began to realise I was quite good at making people feel comfortable and putting them at ease. I have never felt fulfilled in jobs I have done - I used to work for Deliveroo and I have always been super passionate about trying new food. "I also really enjoy meeting new people and learning their story, which I think is quite unusual. I couldn't find anywhere that would bring my passions for food and meeting new people together so I was my own clientele really. "I decided to create the community myself because I completely empathise with people moving to a new city and feeling like you're isolated. "Edinburgh is quite international, there is people from all over, so I really appreciate how hard it can be to make new friends and meet new people." You can get tickets for the event here.
