A night to honour musicians who are still playing on

At 83, Richard Joseph is still making music, including through busking – a reminder that for some veteran musicians, performing remains part of everyday life well into their later years.

He will be among 20 musicians aged 75 and above honoured at the Malaysian Musicians Association’s (MfM) benefit showcase next month, recognising performers who have spent decades contributing to the local music scene and remain active today.

MfM honorary secretary Latifah Abdullah said the recognition was intended to acknowledge musicians whose work has often continued outside the spotlight.

“We want to recognise them because no one has ever given them such recognition, despite their long involvement in the music industry and the fact that they continue to work to this day,” she told Bernama.

The evening will also include a tribute to Heavy Machine member Rusli Musif, better known as Olie, who suffered a stroke. His former group will perform with his son, a saxophonist, joining them onstage.

Another reunion will bring Royston Sta Maria back from Perth to perform with former members of Freedom. Royston, who wrote the group’s enduring hit “Mulanya Di Sini”, is returning specially for the occasion.

Singer Francissca Peter is also among those taking part in the showcase, in addition to bands such as Os Pompos and Lighthouse.

For Latifah, however, the event is about more than looking back at familiar names and songs: it is also intended to support musicians who continue to face uncertain employment and limited opportunities to perform.

“Many people think Covid-19 is over, but the reality is that many musicians are still looking for places to perform as many venues have closed,” she said.

MfM currently has about 800 members, many of them veteran musicians, night performers and buskers. The association hopes to raise at least RM100,000 to help fund medical assistance as well as workshops, small-scale festivals and performance opportunities throughout the year.

“We need funds to create more platforms and performance opportunities as a lifeline for them,” Latifah said, noting that some of the performers are volunteering their time, while honorariums will be provided to participating musicians without permanent employment.

Also scheduled to perform are Electric Orgasm, Goblokes, Leonard Tan, The Polymaths and The Studio 10 Experience.

‘Rocking For A Cause’

When: Oct 10 (Saturday) from 4pm

Where: Subang National Golf Club

Tickets: RM105 per pax or RM1,050 for table of 10

Get your tickets here. For enquiries, contact Latifah at 019-282 2290.

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