"There was music in the cafes at night, and revolution in the air,"
Not since there was music oozing from the studios in Jalan Ampas, Singapore by the likes of P. Ramlee, Saloma, and countless others had music held such sway over everything we lived and breathed, from fashion and dress sense to personal sensibility and attitude.
In the 1980's that "revolution," was a quiet effort at subverting the prevailing ethos of the time- 'sameness' in the name of 'national unity.'
Musical identity in Malaysia- Kuala Lumpur in particular- had arrived at that moment of cultural duality: an inspired tension played out in the form of the wholesome Sudirman, wrapped dramatically in a Malaysian flag, against the bold stance of the long-haired, skinny-jeaned quintet (later to expand) of Search with its part reptilian part feline lead singer, Amy.
"Kuala Lumpur," Datuk Amy (Suhaimi Abdul Rahman) recalls of that formative 'scene," "used to belong to the Blues and Reggae. Growing up in Johor Bharu, I would read the Sunday newspapers, which featured articles on Rahim Hamzah and DR Sam (Rasputin), concerts at Lake Titiwangsa, and bands touring from Singapore. That was the kind of feel in Kuala Lumpur then."
"I had always liked to sing," Amy remembers, "but I never took it all that seriously. I would sing with friends and they would respond, 'eh, suara kau sedap lah 'beb (you've got a sweet voice, babe) but that was about it. I had no real 'ambition' for it. I had not even ever taken part in a talent time competition."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION
British skincare brand Facetheory has landed in Sephora Malaysia.
A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS
Bistro Léa is Kuala Lumpur's latest destination for wholesome, classic French fare
The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
Porsche Malaysia unveils the Taycan S-Turbo Celestial Jade, a one-off model part of the legendary Sonderwunsch programme
The Story Of Luxury
KOK LAI CHING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC AT EDRINGTON, PURVEYOR OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S FINEST SPIRITS, AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING TO THE PREMIUM OFFERINGS SHE OVERSEES.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.
A LEGACY IN TIME
This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.