By Mohd Afiq Zulkifli
PETALING JAYA, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Twenty veteran musicians aged 75 and above who remain active in the music industry will be honoured at the MfM Benefit Showcase 2026 ‘Rocking For A Cause’ on Oct 10.
Malaysian Musicians Association (MfM) Honorary Secretary Latifah Abdullah said each recipient would receive a plaque in recognition of their contributions to the development of the local music industry.
She said among those to be honoured is Richard Joseph, 83, who remains active in performing, including as a busker.
“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 here today.
Latifah said the programme would also feature a tribute segment for Heavy Machine member Rusli Musif, or Olie, who suffered a stroke, through a performance by the group featuring his son, who plays the saxophone.
The tribute segment for the group Freedom will feature Royston Sta Maria, songwriter of Mulanya Di Sini, who will return from Perth, Australia, to reunite with his former bandmates and deliver the song.
According to Latifah, the fourth edition of the event is not merely aimed at raising funds to assist musicians who are ill, but also at enabling MfM to carry out welfare programmes and provide employment opportunities for local musicians.
She said MfM is targeting a minimum collection of RM100,000 to fund medical assistance, workshops for the younger generation, small-scale music festivals and performance platforms throughout the year.
“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.
“We need funds to create more platforms and performance opportunities as a lifeline for them,” she said, adding that about 800 members, comprising mainly veteran musicians, night performers and buskers, are currently under the association.
Latifah said singer Datuk Francissca Peter and Royston had agreed to perform voluntarily as part of the charity initiative, while honorariums would be provided to participating musicians who do not have permanent employment.
The performance is scheduled to take place at the Subang National Golf Club (KGNS) from 4 pm and will also feature Electric Orgasm, Goblokes, Heavy Machine, Datuk Leonard Tan, Lighthouse with Vijay David, Os Pombos, The Polymaths and The Studio 10 Experience.
The organisers are targeting an attendance of about 400 people, with individual tickets priced at RM105 and a table for 10 priced at RM1,050.
The public can purchase tickets through Ticket2U or contact Latifah at 019-282 2290 for further information.
-- BERNAMA