Friday, March 06, 2009

Al Fatihah: Zubir Ali

I knew Zubir Ali when I was a student in ITM (now UiTM) in the mid-70s (from 1975 to 1978). He was in charge of our cultural society and I was an active member.

Then, he did not display his talent as a singer or songwriter, although I knew that he had deep interest in music as we had discussions about the arts (including on music).

Over the years, I bumped into him during Hari Raya open houses and arts/cultural performances. Once, at 1-Utama.

How sad to have received this tragic news of his death.

Saudara Zubir died of heart conditions at the Damansara Specialist Hospital today.

Here's the NST report.

Zubir was a founding member of folk outfit, Harmoni that popularised the humanitarian tune, Balada Seorang Kecil penned in the 1990s. The members went separate ways in 1985.

Two years ago, Zubir established Trio Harmoni and continued his vision to preserve the popularity of Malay folk songs.

He was buried in Petaling Jaya, Selangor after Asar prayers.

Al-Fatihah.....

4 comments:

Gelombang Rakyat said...

Al-Fatihah...

PESKA - Persatuan Seni Dan Kebudayaan ITM

HPD - Himpunan Penulis Dan Dramtis ITM

Anonymous said...

Al Fatihah....

Kali terakhir bertemu dengan Pak Zubir ialah sekitar 4 bulan yang lalu... Saya turut bersedih... Perjuangan beliau dihargai... Namun ramai yang tidak mengetahui dan menghargai perjuangan beliau... Semuga Ruhnya ditempatkan disisi HambanNYA yang SOLEH... AMIN...

BaitiBadarudin said...

AlFatihah. Semoga Allah mencucuri Rahmat ke atas roh Allahyarham.

omasuha said...

On Zubir Ali - al Fatihah, semoga dicucuri rahmat keatas rohnya.

Like Nuraina Samad, I came to know Zubir during my student days at ITM (1974-1978). I remember him dearly as he was our advisor during a musical show for Pesta Konvo ITM 1977 that we organized. We had a mini orchestra in which I played bass guitar. Others in the band included Hamdan Omar (keyboards), Kamarulzaman (guitar), Sham (drums), Maso'od (saxophone, trombone), Sopie Ghani (saxophone, flute, percussions), Sofian Abdullah (trumpet), Fauziah @ Poyah (French horns). Musical director /guest guitarist was Hamed Samad (Nuraina's elder brother). Singers were all ITM undergrads like Cik Putih, Syed Omar, Nasir Amar @ Bob, Imran Majid, Norsiah, Nurshiha, etc. Guest artiste was Biduanita Saloma who sang Yesterday, Dahil Saiyo and Getaran Jiwa - all to our accompaniment. Nuraina Samad also played a part in leading a jazzdance group (which included Wan Jamilah @ Joy)- dancing to the tune of "TSOP" . Our stage management included Mahmud Yusoff, Harris Abdullah, Nazri Yusoff, Zaini Long, the late Jalil Ngah (younger brother of Manan Ngah) etc. We owed it all to Zubir who believed that the group of young students could succeed in undertaking such a project. I wish to get in touch with all those involved in the show (including those which I have missed out). Please e-mail me at "omarsuhaimi@gmail.com" or call 0199830621. Thanks.