Former teen idol Ruhil Amani Hussein is one of the star attractions of Rockestra Nostalgia tomorrow
SHE appeared regularly in showbiz magazines during the second half of the 1980s and first half of the 1990s, and was likened to American sweetheart Deborah Gibson who was popular during the same period.
Ruhil Amani Hussein, 46, was a major teen idol at the age of 13, and had a monster hit with Kawan, a catchy song about a teenager's rejection of a problematic schoolmate's advances.
After getting married to musician Jamie Wilson in 2003, she went off the radar, but made occasional appearances in special events.
Come tomorrow, she will be serenading fans with Kawan and other songs from her five studio albums in the Rockestra Nostalgia concert organised by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and held at Panggung Anniversari in Taman Botani Perdana.
EVERGREEN TRIBUTE
The open air theatre's first showcase since the Movement Control Order (MCO) ended, it pays tribute to evergreen pop-rock icons. Besides Ruhil, it will also feature Rahim Maarof, Ito of Blues Gang, Asheed of Def Gab C, Rahmad of Mega and Man Bai of Gersang.
The six veteran singers will be accompanied by DBKL's 45-member orchestra led by music director Isabella Pek.
Actor Lando Zawawi and singer-actress Nadia Hasnan will be co-hosting the two-hour show that begins at 9pm.
OFF THE RADAR
"I may have been off the radar for the last 17 years, but I have been following closely the developments in Malaysian entertainment," said Ruhil at the launch of the concert at the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Bureau in Jalan Tangsi recently.
"I have appeared at corporate events, and my last musical performance was in 2019 with Ramlah Ram and Ifa Raziah."
The mother of 17-year-old Ruhil Ariana Jamil and 10-year-old Raayan Alexander Jamil has just completed recording a new song called Capuccino, which was written by her family friend, Norm Aidid, and composed by her husband.
"In addition to this, I have an album with 12 singles. I actually did it in 2005, but the launch had to be delayed due to unforseen circumstances. I hope to release it next year."
GEGAR VAGANZA
Ruhil admitted that many of her close friends had encouraged her to participate in the reality talent show Gegar Vaganza, which reintroduced many great singers of yesteryear to the current generation of music lovers.
"I have been following every season of Gegar Vaganza and most of the time, my favourite contestants have won. I would love to join a future season, God willing, but I don't think I am ready for the next one," said Ruhil, whose first album Di Kamar Sepi was released in 1988.
ELIZABETH TAN FAN
Ruhil is a big fan of popular female singers who emerged in the last decade, especially Elizabeth Tan, Aina Abdul and Ernie Zakri.
"They are trailblazers in their own right, who create their own music and have beautiful singing voices. It would be great to record songs with them."
Ruhil is looking forward to performing in Rockestra Nostalgia as Panggung Anniversari has given her "lots of fond memories".
"It was the best place to go for a rocking good time in the '80s, and I met many of my rock idols there. It is great to revisit the new, refurbished Panggung Anniversari and rock the house again."
GOOD TO BE BACK
Rahim, 66, said that it was good to be back in a major concert.
"I have been performing at the Royale Chulan Hotel in Jalan Conlay from time to time, and have been joined by Zamani and Man Bai, too," he said.
"Apart from that I have been keeping in touch with old friends on social media, and one person whose career I have been following closely is my protege in Mentor 5, Aiman Hakim Ridza."
Even though Aiman chose acting over singing, Rahim is happy for him as he has excelled in what he likes to do.
"He worked very hard to carve a name for himself in showbiz, and I admire him for being his own man."
BOX SET FROM JIM
Ito said that his band Blues Gang would be launching its own box set in December, and this would be followed by an oline showcase to be held in Gombak.
"The box set was the idea of our late guitarist Jim Mandasamy and commemorates our 48 years as a band. It will have lots of photos of us, which have rarely been seen, and an accompanying book that chronicles our musical journey and gives readers insightful information about each of us," he said, adding that he was delighted to return to Panggung Anniversari after two decades.
A TIMELY REUNION
Rahmad said that Rockestra Nostalgia would be his first show with Ruhil, and he was happy to reunite with five old friends in the music industry.
"I will have a show with Ekamatra soon. During the MCO I recorded two singles at home. If all goes well, I will launch them next year," he said, adding that the concert at Panggung Anniversari was a "great team-up of major names in rock".
TREAT FOR KL FOLK
DBKL Cultural director Mohamed Fauzi Ahmad said that the free concert was a special treat for city folk who enjoyed homegrown rock music.
"It is also our way of saying thank you to all KL folk, who have played their part in helping to curb the spread of Covid-19, and celebrate the music of legends from various decades," he said.
"Rockestra Nostalgia is also to mark Panggung Anniversari's 54th anniversary," he said.
DBKL will limit audiences at the outdoor concert venue to 250 people, in line with the standard operating procedures. Panggung Anniversari can accommodate a maximum of 1,500 people.
Those who are keen to attend the concert can call 018-245 4612 or visit http://rockestra.wasap.my.