By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Three decades in the nasyid scene is no short journey, but age is no reason for legendary nasyid group Hijjaz to slow down.
Instead, the group is set to put its physical and vocal endurance to the test with a performance of more than 30 songs at the Hijjaz 3 Dekad: Rindu Sumayyah concert at Istana Budaya here on Oct 16 and 17.
Hijjaz lead vocalist Munif Ahmad admitted that preparations for the concert had been challenging, particularly as he would lead much of the performance.
“This is the first time Hijjaz will perform as many as 32 songs in a single show, excluding the duet numbers with guest artistes. To be honest, we are a little worried because we have never performed this many songs in one show.
“At our age, we need to exercise more, maintain a healthy daily routine and, beyond that, place our trust in Allah to bless us with good health,” he said at a press conference on the concert at Istana Budaya here.
Apart from the sheer number of songs, the concert will also take Hijjaz down memory lane, with several songs that have not been performed on stage for more than 20 years making a comeback with a fresh interpretation.
Munif said the group had begun rehearsing among themselves earlier this month, while rehearsals with musicians and the National Symphony Orchestra (OSK), comprising more than 40 musicians, are expected to begin on Oct 8.
“This is the first time Hijjaz will be accompanied by an orchestra of more than 40 musicians. We are extremely excited, and at the same time, we cannot imagine what it will feel like to be on stage with them.
“What is certain is that we will give our very best,” he said.
Organised by Inteam Records with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and Istana Budaya, the concert will be divided into four segments, featuring new musical arrangements expected to give a different dimension to the group’s popular works.
Songs to be performed include Sumayyah, Fatamorgana and Rasulullah, alongside a special segment featuring Kau Sahabat Kau Teman in remembrance of former member the late Saleh Ramli and other industry friends who have passed away.
More significantly, the concert will bring Hijjaz members together with groups they mentored, including Inteam, UNIC, Mestica and Aeman, for special duet performances.
Hijjaz member Isman Nadim Isam said their age and the high vocal ranges of some of the songs required greater discipline in maintaining their stamina and vocal quality throughout the two-night concert.
“Our priority is stamina and breath control. Therefore, physical training such as morning runs has become a must for us at this time.
“At the same time, the performance will be guided by a stage director and a specially prepared script to ensure the duration of each segment and communication with the audience remain well controlled,” he said.
To enhance the audience experience, the organisers will also set up Souq Rindu Sumayyah at the Istana Budaya lobby, featuring the Hijjaz Gallery, which will showcase the group’s memorabilia, clothing and historical materials, as well as a special Nasheed Gen Z stage.
To mark their 30th anniversary in the music industry, Hijjaz also announced the release of a new six-track album under the Inteam Digital label, ending a 17-year wait for a full studio album.
Isman said the album showcases a variety of genres, including inang, joget, pop and Arabic influences, with the lead single Akhir Bersamamu given a modern musical arrangement to appeal to listeners from various backgrounds.
-- BERNAMA