KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning and prolific lyricist Datuk Habsah Hassan says the new generation of singers should use the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad to inspire them to build their singing careers.
"I don't mean to glorify the late singer, but he is among the rare few that new singers could use as a yardstick in cementing their place in the local entertainment scene.
"Sudirman may not have had the best vocals, to compare with singers like Datuk Jamal Abdillah for example, but what was so special about him was his ability to deliver a heartfelt performance each time he sang.
"He could create a cheerful vibe when singing happy and fun songs, and make his listeners' eyes glisten with tears when singing sad tunes.
"It was his sheer determination, creativity, artistic touch, and hard work which had set him apart from his contemporaries then," Habsah told reporters at a press conference to announce an upcoming event called 'Sinonim Sudirman' in Subang Jaya recently.
Set to take place at Summit USJ Mall from Aug 30 to Sept 1, in conjunction with Merdeka Day celebrations, the event, which will also feature a singing competition, is co-organised by Kopstar and Summit USJ, and supported by Sudirman Asset Management.
Habsah, 74, who will be among the judges for the competition, aside from vocal coach Siti Hajar Ismail, added: "When I say, 'be like Sudirman', I don't mean for young singers to come and sing songs with a voice like him or dress similarly, but perform with full of conviction that will leave an impression on the audience."
"Don't simply be like a parrot, which repeats what it hears. Giving an impactful performance requires a heartfelt and honest delivery," said the lyricist who had penned numerous lyrics for countless Malaysian singers to date.