THE Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a dazzling series of concerts that includes performances by renowned local and international artistes.
This Wednesday at 8.30pm, two award-winning singers Tomok and Black will perform for their fans at DFP.
Themed Tomok vs Black – In the Spotlight, this one-night-only concert is part of MPO’s initiative in supporting local music talents and giving them a platform. This is also in line with its efforts to offer a variety of music genres that appeal to a younger audience.
“Every Malaysian singer wants the honour of performing in DFP, and I am no different,” says 31-year-old Black, who has been the music industry for the past 10 years.
“I am having a hard time believing that my dream is coming true.”
What makes the dream even sweeter for Black is that he will be sharing the stage with Tomok, a singer he admires and respects very much.
The 34-year-old Tomok, who has been in the music industry for the last 20 years, promises to give their fans a memorable concert.
He says: “We are not [just] going to sing our hearts out. We will tell our journey in the music industry through our songs.”
Black adds jokingly: “I hope our concert will ‘traumatise’ our audience so much, that they will remember our concert for the next 10 years.”
Tomok, whose real name is Shah Indrawan Ismail, started his career with his band New Boyz in 1999, before embarking on a successful solo career after winning the reality talent show One in a Million in 2009.
This was followed by the release of his self-titled debut album in 2010, which produced hits such as Rindu Terhenti, Berlari and Bagaikan Bidadari. He also released his second album called Aku Datang in 2015.
Hanifah Md Hanafiah, better known as Black, emerged as the winner of another reality talent show, Mentor, in 2009. His first single, Aku Rindu Sayang Kamu won the best vocal award at the 2010 Anugerah Juara Lagu.
His other accolades include most popular newcomer at Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) in 2009, and most popular duo (with Malique) at the same event in 2013.
In the 90-minute concert at DFP, the singers will accompanied by a band of musicians. They will be presenting at least 10 songs each.
The tracks for Tomok include Khilaf, Qyiam, Berlari and Bekas Kekasih, while Black will be singing Drama King, Mana Mungkin, Teman Pengganti and Pot Pet among others.
They will also perform a few duets, including one which they recently recorded together called Rempuh.
The singers admit that at first, they did not see eye to eye on the concept of the concert.
“We have different opinions how the concert should shape out,” Black says.
But in time, both parties managed to settle their differences and work together.
Black jokes: “If Upin and Ipin can work together, I am sure Tomok and Black can work together, too.”
Both singers have also been going to the gym and running regularly, so they will have the stamina to put on an energetic show for their fans.
“My parents will be turning up for the concert and I am very excited about it,” says Black.
When asked what he admires about Tomok, Black reveals: “He is very disciplined and always on time for rehearsals. He is a family man, and I love the fact that he never neglects his family.”
Tomok himself also has the highest respect for Black.
“Some singers come and go,” he says. “But [Black] has lasted for 10 years in the music industry, because he has a strong passion for his music.
“I am sure we are going to see him for another 30 years.”
For more, visit the MPO website.
