Datuk Sharifah Aini, who is set to retire from showbusiness in a year's time, will sing her hit songs in her upcoming concert, writes Dennis Chua.  Datuk Sharifah Aini, who is marking her 40th year in showbusiness, will perform before 700 people in a 2½ hour event in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.  She will render 25 to 30 of her hit songs, including medleys.

An Evening with Datuk Sharifah Aini will be held at Dewan Perdana Felda in Jalan Semarak at 8 pm.  The singer is currently working on her 99th and 100th albums, which have 40 songs altogether.  "I'm very excited about the concert, and as always, it gives me great pleasure to entertain my fans," she said.  "It's a run-up to a major concert I'll have at the end of next year, and it's all part of my on-going farewell concert series."

In early November, she will entertain her Singaporean fans at the Lion City's Kallang Indoor Stadium.  And during the coming Ramadan, she will be entertaining at children's homes around the Klang Valley.  While Sharifah is set to retire from showbusiness in a year's time, she does not intend to quit singing for good.

"They say once a singer, always a singer.  I love singing because it's what I do best.  My 'retirement' means Kak Pah's going to keep a low profile as her juniors take centre stage," she said.  One of them (whom she admires most) is Adibah Noor, whom she describes as Malaysia's Queen Latifah.  "Adibah is an amazing singer, actress and TV personality.  I always enjoy watching her.  She's so full of love," she said, adding that she was also a big fan of actor Rosyam Nor and musical sifu M. Nasir.

"What I admire most in an entertainer, besides God-given talent, is his or her compassion, family values, sincerity and sense of Bangsa Malaysia," she said.  During this interview the evergreen songstress also took time off to remember the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, describing him as her all-time favourite entertainer, and a unifier of humanity.  "He was one of my heroes, and I'm really going to miss him.  I'm so happy he set foot in Kuala Lumpur 13 years ago to give his Malaysian fans a great time," she said.

Meanwhile, Sharifah will wear three simple yet elegant dresses in her concert, all designed by leading fashion designer Calvin Thoo.  "Calvin's designs are 'romantic' and suit the mood of the show.  It's a trip down memory lane when I'll also introduce my less-known numbers," she said.  There will be three back-up singers and three musicians led by keyboardist Syed Sobri at the showcase.

When asked if she had plans to be a mentor to new artistes, Sharifah said she would rather limit her involvement with them to musical showcases.  "While I've got great respect for many newcomers, I'd prefer to do my own projects.  Sharifah said retirement would enable her to 'take things easier' and catch up with simple pleasures.

"I love watching the sitcom Friends.  Lisa Kudrow's Phoebe is my favourite character because we are so alike.  I also see a lot of Marcia Cross' Bree in Desperate Housewives in me," she said.  The songstress has just become a fan of American R&B queen Macy Gray.  Sharifah shared the stage with Gray at the World Extreme Equestrian Sports Gala Night in the Kuala Terengganu Sports Complex last year.

Tickets for the concert are priced at RM2,000, RM2,500, RM3,000 and RM5,000 (tables) and RM200, RM250, RM300 and RM500 (individuals).  Call 016-225-2970 or 019-348-8054.