Afgan shines at major solo concert in Penang

GEORGE TOWN - "Tonight belongs to us” - this might best describe the emotions felt by the over 6,000 people who attended popular Indonesian singer Afgan’s concert at Setia Spice Arena here last Saturday night.

The ‘Afgan Live in Penang’ concert created unforgettable memories that his loyal fans in Malaysia will cherish forever.

Promising an epic and memorable performance, Afgan Syahreza, 35, lit up the stage with his heartfelt ballads and lively tunes that touched the hearts and stirred the emotions of the audience.

Marking his first visit to Penang with the largest solo concert of his 17-year career in the music industry, Afgan, known for his polite demeanour, further won over his fans by speaking in the northern Malaysian dialect.

"Hangpa semua apa habaq? (How are you all doing?) Did I get that right? I just learned some Penang slang backstage. Is it okay? I love you all," Afghan quipped after performing ‘Pesan Cinta’ and ‘Wajahmu Mengalihkan Duniaku’, igniting the arena with screams and cheers, especially from female fans mesmerised by his soothing vocals and good looks.

Recognising that his presence in the music scene would be meaningless without his fans, the winner of the Best Male Artist trophy at the 2009 Anugerah Planet Muzik awards took his audience on a nostalgic journey through his early days in the industry with songs like ‘Entah’, ‘Cinta Dua Hati’, ‘Shallow Water’ and ‘Dia, Dia, Dia’.

"I'm so happy, thank you guys for being here with me. I’ve never done a concert here before, and this is my biggest concert ever. This is my first time in Penang," he said.

Afghan, who is also a songwriter, later surprised fans by stepping off the stage to get closer to those seated in the front row. As Afgan performed ‘Bawalah Cintaku’, some of his fans grabbed the opportunity to flock around him, eager to snap photos and record videos up close.

He also delivered iconic covers of two songs by his idols - Datuk Sheila Majid’s ‘Ku Mohon’ and Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin’s ‘Bukan Cinta Biasa’ - and showcased his vocal prowess with the upbeat ‘Panah Asmara’, encouraging fans to dance along.

Malaysian singer Hazama also performed at the concert, delivering the hit songs ‘Relakan Jiwa’ and ‘Penglipur Lara’. - BERNAMA