Datuk Sharifah Aini treated fans to a four-hour long performance at her recent concert, interspersed with snippets about her 40-year musical career

Malaysia's evergreen 'First Lady of Song' always gives a personal touch when she takes to the mike.  Datuk Sharifah Aini made no exception to the rule when she entertained more than 700 diners at An Evening With Datuk Sharifah Aini, her lengthy trip down memory lane at Dewan Perdana Felda, Kuala Lumpur recently.

Backed by a trio of musicians led by 1980s pop star Syed Sobrie on the keyboard, Sharifah shared 30-odd songs with her fans of all ages, plus lots of interesting snippets about her colourful, 40-year musical career.  Sharifah, who is set to retire after completing her 100th album in two years' time, was incredibly energetic and delivered all her songs with her trademark soaring and soulful vocals, and finesse.

In fact, the veteran singer virtually 'challenged' her fans to stay as long as possible in the hall by frequently saying "There's more to come".  She clocked in four hours of solid showmanship, and most of her guests stayed until the end at 1.30am.

The 55-year-old Johorean superstar gave fans her all-time hits such as Bunga Tanjung, Hatiku Dicuri Lagi, Kau Tinggi Di Awan Biru, Burung Pungguk, Kau Pergi Tanpa Pesan, Hati Seorang Kawan Baru, Putus Kasih, Seri Dewi Malam, Terbang Helang, Tiga Malam, Dari Masa Hingga Masa, Kuda Ku Lari and Tiada Maaf Bagi Mu.

She performed her late idol Datin Rafeah Buang's Daun-Daun Berguguran and her one-time duet partner Broery Marantika's Sabar Menanti, plus three English songs – Westlife's If Tomorrow Never Comes, Lobo's Forever And Ever and Sir Charles Chaplin's S11mile.  She also introduced fans to Inilah Laguku, her Bahasa Malaysia version of Chaplin's This Is My Song.  She was the first Malay artiste to record an English album.  "I've eight English albums to my credit," she said, adding that while she never went to an English medium school, she took night classes to master the language.

Dressed in two elegant and colourful outfits designed by Calvin Thoo, Sharifah also spoke of her admiration for Dolly Parton, and how she became associated with the American country queen.  "Earlier on in my career, two fans told me I looked so much like Dolly, and I was a little surprised.  When I asked why, they said I had a larger-than-life stage presence and was a natural-born entertainer, who sang Malaysia's answer to country music – that is asli music," she said.

Sharifah said in jest that she was a 'coconut tree' when she first became a singer, but today resembles a 'date palm' because of her build.  On her retirement, Sharifah said it did not mean she would quit singing for good.  "They say once a singer, always a singer.  I love singing because it's what I do best.  "By 'retirement', it means Kak Pah's going to keep a low profile as her juniors take centre stage," she said.  Sharifah described the showcase as a run-up to a major concert at the end of next year.  She plans to hold about 20 concerts from now until her retirement.  In early November, she will entertain her Singaporean fans at Lion City�s Kallang Indoor Stadium.  During Ramadan, she will be entertaining at children's homes around the Klang Valley.

Syed Sobrie won roaring applause when he sang Seiring Sejalan with Sharifah.  She recorded the hit 1970s duet with the late Broery for the film Hapuslah Airmatamu.  Syed Muradzi Shamsul (or Dee of 1990s sitcom Jangan Ketawa fame) kept the audience in stitches with his impersonations of Sharifah throughout the concert.  A self-confessed 'major fan', he told Sharifah she "always made his day".

Sharifah's concert was organised by Nacee Events And Advertising with the support of Lime Events Management.

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