07/08/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | AUG 7, 2025

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Cakra Khan wows fans, announces break o Performs 26 heartfelt songs

T HE powerful and emotionally charged vocals of Indonesian star Cakra Khan captivated nearly 3,000 fans at his solo Divine Concert – Cakra Khan at the Plenary Hall, KLCC last Saturday. Known for his uniquely raspy voice, Cakra – whose real name is Cakra Konta Paryaman, 33 – performed 26 heartfelt songs during the nearly three-hour concert organised by Shiraz Projects. The concert opened at 8.45pm with a medley of three popular songs: Setelah Kau Tiada , followed by Persinggahan and Mencari Cinta Sejati , before he greeted fans and admitted to being a little nervous about giving his best performance. “Assalamualaikum WBT. How is everyone doing? Praise be to Allah SWT for giving me the opportunity to be here tonight with all of you, who are absolutely amazing. I had nasi lemak earlier, so I can speak a bit of KL Malay now (laughs). Being on this stage is nerve-wracking – I am afraid I might forget the lyrics – but I am lucky to have all of you here tonight. Thank you, everyone,” he quipped. Backed by more than 10 musicians, including violin, cello, saxophone, keyboard, bass, guitar, trumpet and drums, the performance continued with a string of hits from his second album such as Kau Memilih Dia , Salah Tapi Baik , Nanti , Tak Sejalan , Take The Pain and Cahaya . Cakra did not just perform solo – he also featured five guest singers: Trio XL, Titi DJ, Faisal Lubis, Marsha Milan and Ade Govinda. “I had the honour of being a judge for the One in a Million talent show. I felt lucky to witness so many amazing talents there. I invited Trio XL to join me in performing Rindu Tak Bersuara – they

Every performance I give today is dedicated to him and everyone who has supported me since the beginning,” said Cakra, who also sang Mencintaimu , originally performed by Kris Dayanti. The atmosphere turned lively when Cakra stepped off the stage and interacted with fans, walking around the hall while singing Treasure , Never Felt So Good and September . The crowd erupted in cheers when the Pangandaran, West Java-born singer performed Bunyi Gitar , a classic by the legendary Tan Sri P. Ramlee. “I love P. Ramlee’s songs and truly idolise him. Hopefully in the future, I will be able to sing more of his classics,” he said. However, the mood turned solemn when Cakra announced he would be taking a break after this concert to focus on creating new material, following three consecutive years of performing in Malaysia. “Thank you for the incredible support you have given me every time I perform here. Honestly, I have decided to take a break (from concerts) after this. It has been three straight years of concerts in Malaysia,” he said, visibly tearing up. Cakra previously performed at the A Decade Cakra Khan Live In Kuala Lumpur concert in 2023 and returned with a similarly titled concert last year. As a closing number and farewell to his fans, Cakra performed Harus Terpisah – the hit that propelled him to fame in Malaysia – followed by I Will Always Love You , originally by Whitney Houston, delivered with stunning vocals. – Bernama

Cakra is known for his uniquely raspy voice.

have a solid classical foundation. I have studied classical music for a long time myself, but honestly, I have not reached that level yet,” said Cakra, who is a fan of Luciano Pavarotti’s work. One of the most touching moments came when Cakra dedicated the concert to his late father Hermana, his source of strength and inspiration since he entered the music industry in 2012. Hermana passed away due to a stroke in 2020. “In my village, during wedding celebrations, even outsiders can attend. My dad would take me on his motorcycle to any wedding that had musical performances, just so I could sing. “Sadly, my late father did not get the chance to attend my first concert here.

Cakra says he will be taking a break from concerts to focus on creating new material. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @CHAKRA.KHAN

Misha Omar thanks media for years of support

MISHA OMAR’S journey in the local music scene over the last two decades has not been an easy one, but behind her success, the melodious-voiced singer continues to appreciate the people who have supported her, including journalists who faithfully documented every moment of her career since she first ventured into the entertainment industry. Misha, 43, whose real name is Samihah @ Aisah Omar, 43, said her close relationship with media practitioners has helped her build self-confidence through the many challenges and transitions in her career, including the times when she had to deal with vocal problems and personal dilemmas. “As my late father used to say, we do not meet (someone) by chance. I am very grateful for this connection because it is something I deeply value in life. “In addition to having close friends who truly know me, I am also very transparent with my journalist friends. My relationship with journalists is very special. I gain their trust, they gain my trust. I think artistes from my era feel the same. This is a bond I really treasure in my life,” she said after the launch of her latest single Break recently. Misha, who rose to fame through the Bintang RTM 2001 programme, said her new song, composed by renowned Indonesian composer Melly Goeslaw, is not just a musical piece but a poetic expression that narrates a love story in a unique way. “I feel Melly really understands the character of my voice and she knows I am a storyteller through music. The poem she created may seem ordinary at first glance, but when explored further, it becomes a story that is easy to convey,” she said, describing the collaboration as a dream come true.

(From left) Melly and Misha at the launch of the latter’s latest single Break recently. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

moments of her life and career. “I never take my work lightly. Every time I go on stage, I try to give my best. I believe that is what keeps friends and fans believing in me,” she said. Melly, who made a surprise appearance at the launch function of Misha’s new single, praised the latter’s ability to convey stories through music in a deeply moving way. She said Misha’s uniqueness lies in her ability to bring a song’s narrative to life, making every line feel real, especially when used as a soundtrack in a film. “I became a fan of Misha after hearing (the song) Pulangkan in the movie Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam . I love horror films and every time her voice came on in that movie, it really touched my heart,” she added. – Bernama

Misha, meanwhile, is set to perform her solo concert “DiA Misha Omar” at Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur on Nov 29. The tickets for the gold, silver and platinum seat categories sold out within just 15 minutes. “This is a very good sign. I was actually quite worried because there are so many concerts being held towards the end of the year, but the response has been very positive. I truly appreciate those who genuinely want to be with me that night,” she said. She said she will begin intensive physical preparations 60 days before the concert, along with vocal training under Datuk Syafinaz Selamat. The concert will highlight her 23-year journey in the local music industry, featuring a musical arrangement and storytelling approach that takes the audience through the most significant

Misha is set to perform her solo concert on Nov 29.