This concert showcases the talents of Malaysian musicians with disabilities

Nathaniel (seated, second from right) aims to create a more inclusive and supportive music community. Photos: Musicians for Musicians Malaysia

Once a week for the past month, more than 20 children – along with their parents and caregivers – have been gathering at Music Mart in Petaling Jaya, Selangor to rehearse for their upcoming concert, Unveiling Uniqueness 2: A Musical Celebration of Diversity.

On Monday evenings, the space fills with laughter, music, and bursts of confidence. Just this week, the kids were joyously belting out Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody!

These are no ordinary kids. Each lives with a disorder or challenge they've grown up with - and yet, they continue to shine in their own remarkable way.

"It's one thing knowing that these kids are talented; it's quite another to witness their prowess for yourself," says the concert’s organising chairman, Edwin Nathaniel.

Musicians of different abilities rehearse for the upcoming concert.

After a heartwarming debut in 2024, Musicians for Musicians Malaysia (MFM) is bringing back its inspiring showcase of artistry and inclusion – Unveiling Uniqueness 2.

Set to take place on Nov 15, from 7pm to 9.30pm at The British International School of Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Utama in PJ, the concert promises a night of powerful performances that celebrate the extraordinary talents of persons with disabilities (OKU).

This year's edition features a lineup of OKU musicians alongside guest appearances by beloved evergreen Malaysian entertainers Datuk Francissca Peter and Frankie Tan. The collaboration, says Nathaniel, is more than a musical experience – it's a statement about belonging and recognition.

"When well-known artists share the stage with differently-abled musicians, it sends a strong message – that talent is universal," says Nathaniel, drummer and owner of PJ-based music school Music Mart, and vice president of MFM.

"We want to show that inclusion isn’t charity; it’s celebration. What’s more, MFM is always trying to look into the well being if musicians and we would also like to provide a platform and showcase the special needs as they are talented. Last year, many were so overwhelmed by what they saw, they could not believe the talent," added Nathaniel, 67.

Musician Ow uses her talent to inspire and empower others through music. Photo: The Star/Shaari Chemat

The event shines a spotlight on remarkable performers whose stories of perseverance and creativity are as inspiring as their music.

Among them is Clarence Kang, an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer who has represented Malaysia abroad and won numerous awards. A musical savant diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Kang began teaching himself piano at age 10 and now performs his own compositions, including the intricate Concert Fantaisie.

Joining him is Sarah Ow, a singer-songwriter with autism. Known for her soulful performances, Ow plays both guitar and keyboard, performing with Forever Band and collaborating with the all-autistic group Zimi’J.

Formed in 2018 by guitarist Joshua Danial Johnson, Zimi’J features Wan Zareef on bass, Ilyas Wong on drums, Salvador Augustine on vocals, and Maxx Lim on keyboards. Johnson and Augustine made headlines when they won first prize for Malaysia at a regional music competition, the Austistic Talent Gala in Hong Kong, in 2017.

Raees, a self-taught pianist with autism, will perform at the concert. Photo: Instagram/Irin-PutriThe lineup also includes Lee King Tech, 26, a singer with high-functioning autism who plays piano by ear; Emily Chai Pei Thong, 16, a multilingual vocalist with autism; Raees Aryan, 15, a self-taught pianist whose mother's advocacy videos have reached millions online; and pianist Natalia Lee Jia En, 11.

Also performing is Ong Boo Siong, a motivational speaker and guitarist born with a partially formed right hand. His musical storytelling earned him the Ten Outstanding Young Malaysian Award in 2013.

New acts

There will also be two new acts this year that are sure to capture hearts.

Magika is a group of special needs students who are talented and passionate about the world of music. Despite facing hearing challenges, they express the beauty of songs through sign language, facial expressions and graceful hand movements. Each of their performances carries a message of hope, courage, and love – proving that music is not only meant to be heard, but also to be felt with the heart.

Formed in February 2024, Magika consists of six students with special educational needs guided by two instructors. The group's main goal is to help its members build confidence in their own abilities while raising public awareness about the hearing-impaired community.

Since its formation, Magika has performed at numerous government and private events, including Astro's Big Stage and Gegar Vaganza alongside well-known local artists. Their proudest moment came when they won first place at the OKU Got Talent competition last year.

Also making her debut this year is Siti Nur Aisyah Shahimee, 26, who was born with Down syndrome.

Siti Nur Aisyah is a spirited young woman who loves music, sports, arts, travelling and making friends. She is also a model, beauty pageant contestant, Special Olympics athlete, and advocate for inclusivity!

Siti Nur Aisyah hopes to inspire a more inclusive society. Photo: FilepicHer achievements include being a finalist at OKU Got Talent (2023), receiving the Miss Amazing Malaysia Excellence Award (2024), and winning bronze in bowling at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games in New Delhi, India (2024).

She is also an advocate for the "Break the Stigma on Disability" initiative under education programme The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom.

Siti Nur Aisyah says: "I'm excited, thrilled, happy and cannot wait to perform on a big stage. I’m also looking forward to making new friends!”

Beyond the stage

Nathaniel says that challenges in organising such a show started even while getting them to practise together, selecting the right choice of songs and getting sponsors.

But this has not stopped MFM before. "We will not stop showcasing their talents and as MFM's vice president, my heart is there to create opportunities and seek out corporations, hotels and hospitals, and others who would like to engage them for shows."

He adds: "Every performer in this concert represents courage and possibility. They remind us that limitations exist only when society sets them."

Tickets for the concert are priced at RM80, with all proceeds channelled toward MFM's ongoing efforts to provide platforms, equipment and mentorship for musicians with disabilities across Malaysia.

"When you buy a ticket, you’re not just watching a concert – you’re helping build a more inclusive music community," Nathaniel says.

For more details or to purchase tickets, visit the Unveiling Uniqueness or www.ticket2u.com.my.