MALAYSIA'S easternmost state, Sabah, is not just known for its natural beauty and cultural diversity, it is also the home of successful singers, especially female artistes who possess both talent and beauty.
Sabah's 'sumandak' (women) of song are set to have their very own concert soon, and it is aptly titled, "A Night with Sumandak Stars — Ceritera Hatiku".
HOUSEHOLD NAMES
Organised by Orange International, the two-hour concert will take place at 8pm on Nov 30 in Zepp KL.
A first concert that pays tribute to Sabah's female artistes, "A Night with Sumandak" features rising singer-actress Bella Astillah, her younger sister Didi and their singer-songwriter cousin Wani Kayrie, as well as household names discovered in reality talent shows, namely Marsha Milan Londoh and Adira Suhaimi, who graduated from Akademi Fantasia, and Nikki Palikat, who shined in 'Malaysian Idol'.
POPULAR
Orange International chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Fadzli Idrus said he was confident that "A Night with Sumandak" will be well attended, as the six singers were popular with music lovers across the country.
"If all goes well, we will make it an annual affair," he said at the concert's launch in Tamu Hotel, Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur.
"Bella, Didi, Wani, Nikki, Marsha and Adira are some of the best and most popular female singers in Sabah, a state that is known for producing great talent in music and the performing arts.
"Bella is TikTok Celebrity of the Year 2024, while Marsha, Nikki and Adira have been top winners in Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian and Anugerah Juara Lagu.
"Wani and Didi are aspiring singer-songwriters with fans across the country."
THREE LANGUAGES
Fadzli first approached Bella and Didi to discuss organising the concert for Sabah's "pop queens and princesses", and they promptly recommended the others to join them in the concert.
Bella said they would be singing in three languages — Malay, English and Kadazan-Dusun.
"Each of us will perform three to four songs, including duets and medleys.
"And best of all, we will sing each other's songs in duet form."
HONOURED
Didi said more guest artistes would likely be revealed closer to the big day.
Bella said she and Didi were honoured to be part of the concert, as it celebrates Sabah's versatile talent.
"We hope that the concert will be an annual affair that features solo artistes, as well as group performers.
"It is an avenue for Klang Valley music lovers to get acquainted with the talent of East Malaysia.
SHINE
Didi said Sabahan singers, be they women or men, always shine in reality talent shows such as 'Akademi Fantasia', 'Malaysian Idol', 'One in a Million' and 'Mentor', as well as traditional talent searches such as Bintang RTM.
"Some of the established ones have participated in 'Gegar Vaganza' on Astro and made it to the finals."
Bella said many Sabahan singers had become household names.
She added that one of the earliest to have garnered a massive fan following was veteran singer-actress Uji Rashid, whose legendary Hari Raya Aidilfitri song 'Seloka Hari Raya' is played on television every year.
"Sabahan artistes not only excel in singing but also acting, with Marsha being a fine example."
"Likewise Lia Natalia, Bella Dally, Adeline Tsen, Daphne Iking, Nonny Nadirah and Balkisyh Semundur Khan."
DREAM
Adira said she was excited to star in the concert and described it as her dream come true.
"I have attended concerts in Zepp KL and I love that state-of-the-art concert hall with a near-perfect sound system."
Adira had a bad flu recently, but getting ready for this concert has given her spirits a lift and helped her recover fast.
BONUS
Didi said the concert would be a great "bonus" for fans as they would also be following her in the reality talent contest 'Famili Duo' currently airing on TV3.
In Season Four of 'Famili Duo', she is teaming up with singer Thamiera Chan, who is singer Stacy Anam's niece and a member of girl group The Gadys.