Keeping to the beat: Ahmad Mustaza performing with his band members during the concert in Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: After more than two decades running a business in Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Mustaza Mustafa Kamal returned to his hometown here, where he now finds joy in teaching guitar and even learning to sing.
The 67-year-old former musician teaches at a music school, guiding the young while also challenging himself with vocal lessons.
“Music has always been a part of me. Teaching allows me to pass on what I know while staying connected to something I truly love,” he said.
Ahmad Mustaza, who went through heart surgery in 2015, said singing has improved his health by helping him exercise better breathing control.
His efforts culminated in a public performance recently, where he strummed and sang with his much younger bandmates at MK Music Hub’s annual concert, which featured 190 performers.
As the oldest performer, Ahmad Mustaza’s performance drew applause from the audience.
Also present was Indonesian consul-general in Johor Baru, Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, who took to the stage with his office band.
Despite decades of musical experience, Ahmad Mustaza admitted to feeling a little nervous before the show.
“But after the first note, fear turns to happiness,” he quipped.
Outside of music, Ahmad Mustaza said he has also found calm in diving, which he now considers his second favourite activity.
“It is about doing what you love, keeping yourself active and making every moment count,” he said.
MK Music Hub founder Raja Mohamed Faliq Raja Adam said the concert not only celebrated Indonesia’s rich pop music heritage but also showed how music can break barriers, encourage inclusivity and build meaningful connections.
