DJ Gabriel Chong dead at 48, leaves lasting legacy in the Malaysian dance scene

DJ Gabriel Chong, who died on July 7, is regarded as one of the pioneers of the clubbing scene in Malaysia. Photo: Handout

Legendary deejay/producer Gabriel Chong (aka Gabriel Mustaqim), who died of health complications yesterday (July 7) aged 48, was one of the dance music pioneers influential in establishing Kuala Lumpur as an international clubbing destination in the 1990s.

The Singapore-born deejay, who lived primarily in Kuala Lumpur since the late 1980s, began his career at an early age, exhibiting outstanding turntable skills and a deep love for hip hop and R&B music.