Siti Nurhaliza Cries, Does Not Know When She Can Do a Traditional Concert of This Scale Again
KUALA LUMPUR: The Nation’s Songstress, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, could not hold back her tears when reflecting that the Gema Bumantara Concert may be an opportunity that might be difficult to repeat in the future.
According to Siti, or Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, 47, the large‑scale concert that elevates traditional rhythms deserves to bring together figures who have contributed greatly to championing heritage music, including the Queen of Ethnic Creative, Noraniza Idris.
“I did tell Kak Zie (manager), this concert must have Kak Ani (Noraniza Idris). We have to invite Kak Ani.
“I am happy, but I apologise for getting emotional because I do not know when we will be able to hold a traditional concert of this scale again.
“I want those who are great, especially the fighters of traditional rhythms, to come together to make it a success. Sorry, that is why I am emotional,” she said.
She said this when met at the press conference and launch of the Gema Bumantara Concert at Hotel Royale Chulan here.
Meanwhile, Noraniza Idris admitted to feeling nervous to accept Siti’s invitation to return to perform the song Hati Kama as a duet after more than two decades.
According to the singer, who is affectionately called Kak Ani, the last time they performed that song together was approximately 25 years ago.
“Oh God, actually Kak Ani is terrified. Terrified to sing with Siti Nurhaliza.
“It has been 25 years since we last sang Hati Kama as a duet, let alone in a big concert with an orchestra accompaniment. Kak Ani is very afraid.
“Kak Ani feels very small beside Siti Nurhaliza,” she said.
Earlier, Siti announced that Noraniza Idris will be among the guest artists for the Gema Bumantara Concert scheduled to take place on 17 October at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Besides Noraniza, the debut traditional concert also features Haziq Rosebi as well as two popular Indonesian singers, Lesti Kejora and King Nassar.
– Utusan Malaysia