HAVING started their singing careers about the same time as teens, Siti Nordiana and Tomok have always been friends.
While Tomok, whose full name is Shah Indrawan Ismail, 40, began as part of the New Boyz band, Siti Nordiana Alias, fondly known as Nana, also 40, has always taken the solo path.
After more than 25 years in the industry, the pair is excited about coming together in a concert tomorrow.
Tomok said the idea of sharing the stage came up when New Boyz invited Nana to perform at its concert early last year.
"Nana and I began singing professionally in 1999. We were both just 15 then," he said.
Naturally, the friendship has lasted till today.
Tomok added: "After sharing the stage last year, we had an idea for this concert, especially for our loyal fans.
"The good vibes I got from the concertgoers while performing a duet with Nana at the New Boyz concert at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's Plenary Hall were one of the reasons for the concert.
"It's about time we do this. Having been in the industry for some time now, we have more than enough songs to perform.
"There will definitely be a lot of nostalgia and memories evoked from the setlist, which will include numbers from the 1990s as well as our latest songs," Tomok said enthusiastically.
The concert is organised by Popsicle Records, his own company, and will take place at Zepp Kuala Lumpur.
In fact, he said, the venue operator was approached to lock the date soon after last year's New Boyz concert.
Now, he and Nana are just waiting to hit the stage.
Titled 'Konsert Memori Mungkin Berulang', Tomok said it was inspired by their two singles that were hits at one point — 'Memori Berkasih' (a duet by Nana and the late Acik released in 2003) and 'Sejarah Mungkin Berulang' (released by New Boyz in 1999).
Tomok said the concert will also honour the memory of their peer, the late Acik of Spin fame.
Acik, whose full name is Abdillah Murad Md. Shari, died in 2010 in a car crash.
In addition to the segments where Tomok and Nana will perform solo, there will be one segment where they will sing the numbers Nana recorded with Acik.
"I'm beyond thrilled to perform with her songs that will include 'Memori Berkasih', 'Resipi Berkasih', and 'Gurauan Berkasih'," said Tomok, whose band has held four concerts.
Nana is equally thrilled about the concert.
She said when Tomok approached her with the plan, it didn't take long for her to give the green light.
On her preparation for the concert, Nana has been careful about her health, especially her voice.
"My vocal capabilities declined when I took part in (the reality programme) 'All Stars Gegar Vaganza' (in 2023), due to a previous infection from Covid-19.
"It got worse when I pushed myself to secure a place in the finals," said Nana, who is grateful she has recovered.
"But I still have to abstain from certain food and beverages. For the past one year, I haven't had a single sip of coffee to ensure the problem doesn't recur."
Nana has also been undergoing vocal training with Datuk Syafinaz Selamat.
She admits that singing is her bread and butter, so taking care of her vocal is a priority.