KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Veteran chairman, Datuk DJ Dave, has described the passing of Tan Sri Ahmad Khan Nawab Khan, otherwise known as Ahmad Nawab as a great loss of an irreplaceable gem of the music industry who had the uncanny ability to write songs that complement the capability and character of the singer.
The renowned composer passed away due to old age at about 3.15pm on Sunday (Nov 24) afternoon at his residence in Taman Melewar, Gombak, near here. He was 93.
"I learned a lot from him. When I was in the studio with him, there were times when I was scolded, but I was patient because I wanted to learn. He shared many valuable pieces of advice," he told reporters at the late musician's residence on Sunday night.
DJ Dave said he last met Ahmad Nawab at Istana Negara in 2023 when the late musician was conferred the Tan Sri title by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
"...we talked about my music career and so on. I also invited him to my house, and he agreed to come by the following week. However, he then told me he was unwell and still could not make it the next week as he was still not well," he said.
Meanwhile, renowned actress Datuk Rosnani Jamil said that she and the Penang Artists Association were planning to establish a gallery or art museum to honour the Penang-born composer.
"So, we were happy talking about it, but I didn't get the chance to share it when my son informed me that he had passed away," she added.
In an MStar report, Rosnani said Ahmad Nawab enjoyed all the dishes, especially rendang and always requested the Malaysian favourite when he visited her at her home.
"He used to always request my chicken rendang whenever I used to cook for him, he enjoyed my cooking very much," she added.
"I regret not being able to visit him when he was alive, I had always postponed the visit whenever my son had planned to visit him, but now he is gone forever," she said sobbingly.
The Malaysian Artists Association (Seniman) described the late Ahmad Nawab as a legendary figure with extensive experience in local and international music scenes.
In a statement, Seniman secretary-general Hafiz Nafiah expressed deep sadness over his passing, adding that it will be felt by the country's music and film industry players.
"...Seniman expresses our condolences to the family of the late Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Nawab, and we pray that he is placed in paradise," he said.
The news of Ahmad Nawab's passing was confirmed by his granddaughter, Teh Suraya Nasir Khan.
Ahmad Nawab’s remains will be laid to rest at 10am at the Raudhatul Sakinah Muslim Cemetery (Kuala Lumpur-Karak) on Monday (Nov 25).
Throughout his career, Ahmad Nawab produced more than 200 albums performed by local and Indonesian artists including Hetty Koes Endang and Broery Marantika.
He also composed Malaysia Truly Asia, Tourism Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Campaign theme song in 1999, performed by Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim.
Ahmad Nawab, who served with Orkestra RTM for 17 years, won various awards, including the Merak Kayangan Award for Best Song for his first composition, Bintang Malam, in 1980. - Bernama
