Gone but not forgotten

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7 minute read

Dahlan Zainuddin: Gone but not forgotten

Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin (right) in a scene from the 1979 movie ‘Kisah Seorang Biduan’. -NSTP/File pc

By TONY MARIADASS - May 30, 2019 @ 8:08am

KUALA LUMPUR: The golden voice of ever-green Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin of the 70s era may have been silenced with his passing on Tuesday, but his legacy, true to his famous song and film, Kisah Seorang Biduan, will forever live on and be etched in the memories of all.

Dahlan, 78, died on Tuesday at 9.48pm at Selayang Hospital after falling into a coma since Saturday, following a second stroke in four years.

He had touched many from different walks of life and I was blessed that I had known him for almost 42 years.

The down-to-earth artiste is not only friendly with his fans, but also went out of his way to keep musicians together as a family.

Dahlan, after 40 years of being in the music industry, was still promoting musicians.

I was 19 when I first met Dahlan in 1977 as my football captain of the New Straits Times team.

Football was in Dahlan’s blood and he was responsible for putting the NSTP football team in the limelight as the captain and coach of the team when he was working as a marketing executive with the newspaper.

How I remember my first trip to Bangkok, thanks to Dahlan, who organised a Juara Kugiran for NSTP staff and raised money to take the NSTP football team for friendly matches in Bangkok by train.

Our first trip to Kelantan was by the Sri Jaya bus with his band for concerts in Pasir Mas and Pasir Puteh after friendly matches with local teams.

Dahlan, who played as a forward or midfielder, first played for the Selangor Indian Association in the Selangor league before turning out for teams like Starlight Club, Chui Lok, Belia Sinaran and Mara.

Even when he was older, he continued to play in the veteran team of Ulu Kelang Recreation Club.

He only stopped playing in 2013 when he was not well and even kept away from singing for two years.

However, it was not long before he returned to singing in 2015 with a performance in the KTM railway event coach to Hat Yai.

“Singing is in my blood. I cannot stay away from it.

“Although I may have slowed down and do not perform as many shows, I am happy that my services are still sought and invited to perform at functions,” Dahlan said.

Dahlan continued to perform at functions, and was helping a veteran group of buskers, Melody Buskers. He sang with them once or twice a week at the Nasi Lemak Tanglin at the Tanglin Community Food court near Lake Gardens.

“My presence with them is to endorse the band and that to tell music lovers that we have good buskers who are experienced,” Dahlan said.

Asked if he was degrading himself by playing at a food court, Dahlan said: “I did not become a star overnight. I had to go through the mill and start from the bottom.

“I will never forget my roots and will always support any kind of music and played anywhere.

“Music is supposed to be played anywhere and without the support of the masses, we will not be popular.

“Besides, playing at a food court allows me to meet fans and it was also an opportunity to meet old friends in a relaxed surrounding.”

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Sultan Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah speaking to the widow of Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin, Datin Effa Rizan (right), after funeral prayers at Masjid Saidina Abu Bakar As-Siddiq in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. -NSTP/MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN

Dahlan also had used sports to bring musicians together. On numerous occasions he organised football friendlies with artistes from neighbouring countries and also worked with music associations, such as Papita, Seniman and Karyawan, for many events.

He had indeed come a long way since starting to sing as a lounge and pub singer in the early 1970s.

Dahlan made his mark after competing in the Bintang RTM and won the Best Performer Award in 1975.

That year, he released his debut EP (extended play) album titled Kisah Seorang Biduan, which proved to be a hit and he went on to record two EPs, nine LPs (long play) and five CDs (compact discs).

He created history by becoming the first local singer to hold a concert at Stadium Negara in 1978 and also performed at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Dahlan also performed at the Malaysia Hall in London in 1976.

The Ipoh-born Dahlan spent his early days in Singapore where he had his primary education at the Telok Kurau English School before returning to Kuala Lumpur as a teenager.

He was also an actor and starred in the movie Kisah Seorang Biduan (1979), which was also the title of his debut album. He also acted in television dramas.

The NSTP football team was saddened when news of his first stroke broke and went on to organise a tribute dinner for him in January 2017.

Datin Effa Rizan, Dahlan’s wife of 40 years, was touched by the event held in her husband’s honour.

“We knew about the dinner, but we were surprised to see Dahlan’s old band here, too. I had known these men when they were just teenagers. How they have changed,” she had said.

“Seeing all of his old friends lifted his spirits and cheered him up.”

He almost brought tears to everyone’s eyes when he crooned Save the Last Dance for Me, which he sang in his well-known soft voice.

Dahlan leaves behind Effa and their children, Natasha Idha, 40, Mohd Danial, 35 and Athinia Ines, 24.

Another son, Akasya Iman died at the age of 12 because of leukaemia.

Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin passes away

Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin, 78, passed away at 9.48pm at the Selayang Hospital after suffering a stroke on Saturday.

Deepest condolences to Datin Effa Rizan, his wife and children.

I have known Abang Dahlan since 1977 when I joined New Straits Times and played football for the company team. He was the captain of the team.

We have remained friends since then and know Effa since then too.

It is indeed sad to lose him and have fond memories with him.

Have written on him on several occasions which I have attached below and even organised a tribute night for him three years ago after he had suffered his first stroke.

Rest in peace dear Dahlan and you will always be remembered as a friend, excellent football player, singer, actor and one who has a heart of gold.

Tan Sri Ibrahim Kamil (former NST football team manager) presenting a souvenior to Dahlan at the tribute dinner

Tribute dinner organised by NSTP staff three years ago

Tributes paid to Datuk Dahlan:

ENTERTAINMENT ICON: Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin

Written in July 2016

By Tony Mariadass

 Dahlan’s heart of gold and voice

EVERGREEN singer Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin after 40 years of being in the industry is still contributing to promote other musicians.

The 76-year-old Dahlan has always been known to be down-to-earth artiste who is not only friendly with his fans, but has always went out of his way to keep the musicians as a family.

Dahlan a good footballer, has used the sport to bring the musicians together on numerous occasions by organising football friendlies with artistes from neighbouring countries and has worked very closely with musicians associations like Papita, Seniman and Karyawan for many events.

Dahlan who continues to perform at functions, is currently helping a veteran group of buskers, Melody Buskers – where he sings with them once or twice a week at the Nasi Lemak Tanglin at the Tanglin Community Food court near Lake Gardens.

“These buskers are an experienced lot, but have resorted to busking because they are no longer in demand. The guitarist, Hamron Kasim (Ayom) was my band member when I used the Kilat band 30 years ago,” said Dahlan who looks much younger than his age.

The other member of the Melody Buskers are Jalil Zain (bassist), Basharuddin (vocalist), Amri Ismail (guitar), Amir Ikhwan (cajon) and the rose among the thorns, vocalist Reny Kamalisa.

“My presence with them is to endorse the band and that to tell music lovers that we have good buskers who are experienced.

“But above all, I miss playing with a full band because most of the time when I perform these days I am asked to use ‘minus one’ to cut cost in hiring a band. Thus, singing with Melody Buskers allows me to continue to enjoy the joy of playing with a band.”

When asked if he was degrading himself by playing at a food court, Dahlan simply said:” I did not become a star overnight. I had to go through the mill and start from the bottom. I will never forget my roots and will always support any kind of music and played anywhere. Music is supposed to be played anywhere and without the support of the masses, we will not be popular.

“Besides, playing at a food court allows me to meet and mingle with my fans freely and also an opportunity to meet old friends in a relaxed and informal surrounding.”

Dahlan said many veteran musicians drop by to jam with the band and the venue also serves as a meeting point for his friends.

Dahlan paid tribute to Nasi Lemak Tanglin owner Zainal Abidin Hassan who is also the manager of Melody Buskers who accommodated the band to play at his stall and has created an atmosphere for the food court as patrons are entertained as they enjoy their food.

The band plays from 8am to 12 noon daily unless on nights when they perform at functions, when they take the next morning off.

Dahlan still commands a strong following where he has is ardent fans without fail having their Nasi Lemak and listening to him croon his evergreen songs.

He has indeed come a long way since starting to sing as a lounge and pub singer in the early 70s.

Dahlan, who is married to fellow singer Effa Rizan – his wife for 40 years – made his mark after competing in the Bintang RTM and won the Best Performer Award in 1975.

Effa sometimes joins Dahlan at the Tanglin Food court and while she sings occasionally, but in rare occasions one can catch Dahlan doing a duet with his wife.

“I rarely do duets with Effa because our voice tones do not match.Even when we do shows, we sing individually. But on rare occasions by demand of the audience, we may sing one song,” said Dahlan who has four children – Natasha, Danial, Akasya Iman (passed away at the age of 12 because of leukemia) and Anthenic Ines.

In 1975 Dahlan also released his debut EP (extended play) album titled ‘Kisah Seorang BIduan’ which was an instant hit and went on to record two EPs, nine LPs (long Play), five CDs.

Dahlan also created history by becoming the first local singer who had the opportunity to hold a concert at the Stadium Negara in 1978 and also performed at the National Stadium in Singapore.

Dahlan also had performed at the Malaysian Hall in London in 1976.

Dahlan, Ipoh born spent his early days in Singapore where he had his primary education at the Telok Kurau English School, before returning to Kuala Lumpur as a teenager.

The multi-talented Dahlan also was an actor acting in the movie as his debut album ‘Biduan’ and acted in television dramas too.

Football was in Dahlan’s blood and was responsible of putting the New Straits Times football team in the limelight as captain and coach of the team in the late 70s and early 80s, when he was working as a marketing executive with the newspaper.

The scribe had the honour of playing under Dahlan when the team competed in the Petaling Jaya District Business House League, Inter-Press Games in Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand.

Dahlan’s who plays as a forward or midfield, first played for Selangor Indian Association (SIA) in the Selangor league before turning out for teams like Starlight Club, Chui Lok, Belia Sinaran and Mara and even when he was older, he continued to play in the veteran’s team of Ulu Kelang Recreation Club (UKRC).

He only stopped playing three years ago when he was not well and even laid off from singing for two years.

But he returned to singing last year with a performance in the KTM railway event coach to Hadyai where he performed together with Melody Buskers throughout the journey from Kuala Lumpur to Hadyai.

“Singing is in my blood. I cannot stay away from it. Although I may have slowed down a little and do not perform as many shows, I am happy that my services are still sought and invited to perform for functions.

“Right now, I enjoy very much singing with Melody Buskers where there is no formalities and I can just have a good time.”

Dahlan may have aged but he still stays relevant and continues to thrill his fans with his golden voice.

https://level-field.blogspot.com/2016/07/heart-and-voice-of-gold.html

https://level-field.blogspot.com/2017/01/tribute-to-dahlan.html

https://level-field.blogspot.com/2016/12/veteran-artistes-first-public.html

MEMORIES FROM NSTP DAYS WITH THE FOOTBALL TEAM

TRIBUTE TO DAHLAN

https://youtu.be/QAPIEK0kjsE

Tribute to Dahlan: Veteren crooner touched to see old NSTP friends, football teammates [VIDEO] BY BY FAREZZA HANUM RASHID - 22 JANUARY 2017 @ 1:17 PM Facebook Twitter Share KUALA LUMPUR: VETERAN crooner Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin could not help but sing for his old friends at his tribute dinner on Friday despite being advised by doctors to stay offstage for at least one year. Touching everyone’s heart with his smooth voice, Dahlan performed three songs with his old Melody Buskers bandmates, who continue to entertain guests at the popular Nasi Lemak Tanglin stall here. Dahlan, 76, had a stroke in July. Moved by his condition, veteran journalist Tony Mariadass organised a tribute dinner for him. “I had planned to organise a tribute football match for Dahlan previously, but after the stroke, I thought a dinner would be more appropriate,” Mariadass, 59, told the New Sunday Times at the Olympic Sports Hotel here. Dahlan worked in the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) marketing and advertising department, where he captained and coached the football team from the 1970s to the 1980s. “I was 19 when I joined NSTP in 1977, so I can say that I grew up with him when I played right-winger for the team,” Mariadass said. The NSTP team was not just a group of footballers playing for fun. They played internationally in Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore, among others. Dahlan was the midfielder, who had first played for the Selangor Indian Association in the Selangor League before playing for teams like Starlight Club, Chui Lok, Belia Sinaran and Mara. As he grew older, he continued to play in the veterans’ team of Ulu Klang Recreation Club. “We had very little funding, so the whole team collected money for our first trip to Bangkok by train. Sometimes Dahlan’s band would travel with us, too. “Although this dinner was my idea, everybody put in the effort to make it happen because we shared so many memories together and most of us have not seen each other for more than 30 years,” Mariadass said.  Besides the surprise appearance by Melody Buskers, the comrades also presented a contribution of RM5,400 to Dahlan. “It is not a donation, but a small contribution to help him cope with some expenses. That amount is very small compared to what he did for us. “I had most of the old team’s contact numbers as we are active in the veterans league, so getting in touch with everyone was not hard.” Mariadass took only a month to organise the event. R. Mohanan, 58, felt obliged to share his Dahlan story, who is also fondly called Dell by his circle of friends, for it was because of the latter that he became the man he was today. “My mother used to babysit Dell’s daughter at her home in Lucky Garden. She told him that I was jobless but was a good football player, so he asked me to try out for the team. “He saw my potential and I got a spot on the team as a midfielder and  the next day, I got a job as a manual worker for NSTP,” Mohanan said. This was in 1978 and he was only 19. He recalled the rigorous training under Dahlan’s captaincy, sprinting up and down the hills at Lake Garden and the staircase at Panggung Anniversary. He travelled overseas for the first time in his life with the team in 1979. They went to Hong Kong. “My mother sent me off at the airport and there is a picture of her with Dahlan there together. “My family owes so much to Dahlan. I have four children who are engineers and doctors, and they all know what Dahlan had done for us.” When he told Dahlan and his wife, Datin Effa Rizan, of his mother’s passing in 1996, they were shocked and saddened for not knowing earlier. “If he had not asked me to try out for the company’s football team, I would probably be nowhere now.” Mohanan retired in 2014 as a senior sales executive. He retired from football in 2007 after fracturing his ankle while playing in the veterans’ league and had lost contact with most of his old teammates. “Tony managed to find us and when he initiated this dinner, I immediately confirmed my attendance.” Effa, Dahlan’s wife of 40 years, was touched by the event held in her husband’s honour. “We knew about the dinner, but we were surprised to see Dahlan’s old band here, too. I have known these men when they were just teenagers. How they have changed,” she said. Effa said although Dahlan was unwell, she managed to get him out of the house for the tribute dinner. “I am glad we are here tonight because my husband tends to get lonely staying at home all the time. “Seeing all of his old friends has lifted his spirits and cheered him up.” Effa said their family would not be putting their hopes too high and that they would be grateful if Dahlan could recover even 60 per cent of his health. In his emotional speech, Dahlan expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mariadass for putting together the dinner and his old friends for coming to see him, especially his old NSTP football team. “I was very hard on all of you and trained you to the point of injury, but here you are just to see me,” he said. Although known as a crooner, Dahlan owed the best part of his life to football. “Football gave me so much life experience and introduced me to all sorts of people because I played for the Indian, Chinese and Malay clubs. “The NSTP team was the only Malaysian newspaper team back then to play in international inter-media tournaments.” Although the sight in his left eye was deteriorating, Dahlan said he was getting the best medical treatment and that he could already walk around. He almost brought tears to everyone’s eyes when he performed Save the Last Dance for Me, which he sang in his soft voice. Dahlan, famous for his song Kisah Seorang Biduan (A Singer’s Story), began his singing career after winning the Bintang RTM competition in 1975. He was also the first local artiste to hold a concert at the National Stadium in 1978. 85 reads Veteran artiste Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin performing at a tribute dinner held at his honour in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Pix by Khairull Azry Bidin/ NSTP Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin (fourth from left) and his wife Datin Effa Rizan with former NSTP staff. With them is Tony Mariadass (behind Dahlan). Pix by Khairull Azry Bidin/ NSTP 

Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/01/206258/tribute-dahlan-veteren-crooner-touched-see-old-nstp-friends-football-teammates

VETERAN ARTISTE’S FIRST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE AFTER STROKE

 DECEMBER 12, 2016 MALAYMAIL

By Tony Mariadass

tonym@mmail.com.my

PETALING JAYA — Veteran singer Datuk Dahlan Zainuddin, who is recovering from a stroke he sustained in July, sprang a surprise when he took to the mike at the Ulu Kelang Recreation Club (UKRC) on Dec 3.

The 76-year-old and his wife, fellow singer Datin Effa Rizan, attended a fellowship night organised by the club to pay tribute to Dahlan for his contribution. It was also a time of get-together for participants of the just-concluded 14th UKRC International Nines football tournament.

Prior to his stroke, Dahlan played regularly for the club’s veteran team.

Touched by the warmth of the members and guests, the couple performed joget numbers, Joget Kaki Lima andJangan Sampai Kehancuran. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.

Dahlan, inspired by their gesture, went on to belt a famous hit from his 1975 debut album, Kisah Seorang Biduan.

At the end of the song, Dahlan said: “The camaraderie here moves me. I don’t know many of you, including some from overseas. But this is the fellowship found in this club.

“I have not tried singing since the stroke, but tonight, all of you moved me to sing. And I think I did reasonably well, thanks to my wife, too.

“Tonight’s impromptu performance has given me the confidence to come back to the stage again and hopefully, I will get better and be able to give a better performance.”

In his heyday, Dahlan was either a formidable forward or a creative midfielder. He first represented Selangor Indian Association in the Selangor League before turning out for Starlight Club, Chui Lok, Belia Sinaran, Mara and UKRC veteran’s team.

UKRC president Andrew Gopal said he was surprised that Dahlan accepted their invitation as he hardly went out or attended functions after his stroke.

“We were pleasantly surprised when Dahlan’s wife called to say they were coming,” said Andrew.

“We were even more surprised when he said he wanted to sing when we called him to the stage to receive a memento from
the club.”

The guests passed the hat around and collected almost RM2,000 to assist Dahlan for his medical expenses.

This moved Dahlan to tears as he thanked everyone for their care and generosity.

“I am touched and I thank each and everyone of you,” he said.

“When I decided to come for the fellowship tonight, I just wanted to meet up with my old friends and support the football tournament. It is still being organised despite the field having been taken away from the club.

“I hope their long-drawn battle to get back the field will be successful soon.”

The 14th UKRC International Nines football tournament was held at Stadium Setiawangsa. Kwarta FC from Medan, Indonesia won the tournament for the third consecutive time time beating HTC from Cambodia 4-1 in the final.