THE music of renowned composer and late local music legend Datuk S. Atan still lives on.
The final work of the famed composer, who passed away last month, will now be seen in journeyman singer SOMA in her new album 'Perjalanan'.
The pre-launch of the album was seen at the Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and it is expected to go under the Sony Music Malaysia banner.
In a special interview seen at the launch, Datin Norizan Yeob, wife of S. Atan, whose real name was Hashim Said, said she was so happy that her husband's work can still be heard even after his passing.
"I wish all the very best for SOMA. To listen to my husband's work once again is indeed a blessing for me and my family. SOMA is an amazing singer and I hope this album will launch he to a major platform," said Norizan.
"My husband also had high hopes for this album. They were working on this for a long time and it is indeed a happy news for me, personally, to see SOMA's album become a reality."
SOMA, her real name Rosmah S. Sengari, has been a singer for almost three decades and has been performing in the local circuit since 1996. She is also part of legendary Malaysian singer Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim's musical troupe and also performed with the diva during many local events.
SOMA has also taken part in many local musical events including those in RTM and also the famed Akademi Fantasia Year 3 and 4.
"I'm very, very humbled that I will be singing for the music of S. Atan. I met during a RTM event many years ago and have known him for many years. When I wrote the song for 'Perjalanan' I approached and he said this was a great material for a song.
"That was one of my happiest moment. I wish he was here with me today and it is indeed one my greatest achievement and honour that I will be singing S. Atan's final work," said Soma at the launching of the album.
"I also like to give my special, special thanks to Karyawan and also Datuk Khadijah, for all their help in realising my dream of producing an album."
At the event which was also graced by Khadijah, who performed with SOMA at the stage, said she hoped that fans will give SOMA their full support and at the same time get another chance to hear S. Atan's work.
"This is a special day, indeed. I have known SOMA for a long time and it is great to know she has a album in her name now. And it is a wondeful way also to know S. Atan's music still lives on."
And to ensure the success of the album, Belle Fatah, S. Atan's brother, and himself a well known musician in the local scene, is the man who has been roped in to help in the arrangement of the album.
"The music is great, for sure. And the person singing the songs is a talented and experienced singer. It is a great combination. I'm sure this album can be a success and a good platform for SOMA to further her career."
SOMA showcased five of her songs in the album at the launch - 'Perjalanan', 'Memori Bulan Disember', 'Bebaskan Aku', 'Curahan' and 'Dugaan'.
Among the songs, 'Perjalanan' and 'Bebaskan Aku' had infectious melodies that has the invitees at the event humming together when it was performed at the launch.
"This album is also my life story, my experiences and what I have gone through is local music industry. It is a heartfelt work and I hope my music fans will accept it well."
For the record, S. Atan was renowned for his catchy "Melayu Deli" songs, which were recorded by popular singers such as the late Datuk Sharifah Aini, the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad, Noor Kumalasari, Herman Tino and Zaleha Hamid.
Among evergreen popular Raya songs he penned are, Menjelang Hari Raya, sung by Datuk DJ Dave; Dari Jauh Ku Pohon Maaf (Sudirman); Cahaya Aidilfitri (Black Dog Bone); Salam Aidilfitri (Datuk Jamal Abdillah); Hari Mulia (Datuk Sheila Majid); and Indah Beraya Di Desa (Azlina Aziz).
Many of his songs are still heard by many fans till today and more so during the Hari Raya festive season.
THE DETAILS
Singer: SOMA
Album: Perjalanan
Composer: The late S. Atan, Belle Fatah
Producer: Belle Fatah
Executive Producer: Rosmah
Songs -
1. Perjalanan (lyrics - Soma)
2. Memori Bulan Disember (lyrics - Siso Kopratasa)
3.Bebaskan Aku (lyrics - Siso Kopratasa)
4. Curahan (Lyrics - Din J, Soma)
2. Dugaan (Lyrics - Din J, Soma)
