KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran musician Akbar Nawab Khan, the younger brother of legendary figure Tan Sri Ahmad Nawab, died yesterday evening. He was 86.
He died in his car while on his way to get food near his home in Taman Sri Gombak.
The news of Akbar's passing was confirmed by RTM music director Datuk Mokhzani Ismail, who received the sad news from Akbar's family.
"Yes, he was driving to get food. Within a distance of 500 meters, he suddenly lost consciousness and passed away in the car. May his soul rest in peace," Mokhzani told BH Online.
The cause of Akbar's death, who was also a former member of the RTM Orchestra, has not yet been determined.
It is understood that his body will be laid to rest at the Bukit Permata Islamic Cemetery in Taman Sri Gombak at 9am today.
Meanwhile, Akbar's grandnephew, known as Hafis, said the family was shocked by his sudden passing.
Throughout his career, Akbar served as the head of the RTM Northern Region Combo in the 1970s before resigning to become a resident composer with recording companies EMI and Nawab Productions.
In 1992, he rejoined the RTM Orchestra, collaborating with Mokhzani and drummer Gary Gideon under music director Datuk Ahmad Dassilah.
Among Akbar's timeless songs cherished by fans are "Selamat Hari Raya", sung by the late Datuk Sharifah Aini, and the patriotic anthem "Wawasan 2020", performed by Roy.