09/05/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | MAY 9, 2026

25

Slam dunk nostalgia M ORE than two decades after a night that became part of local music folklore, Slam is revisiting o Band to revisit defining moment with upcoming unplugged concert Ű BY ASHIQIN AHMAD The original Grand Slam Unplugged concert in 1996 remains memorable not just for its stripped down format, but for the unexpected, including a power disruption that, rather than derailing the show, became part of its legend.

replay. It’s a celebration of the music and the people who have supported us through it all,” said guitarist Shah. That sense of continuity is reflected in the band’s longevity. Having spent over 30 years in the industry, Slam’s endurance is something its members do not take lightly. Frontman Zamani attributes it to a shared passion and mutual respect that has held the group together through changing trends and challenges. “It’s a long time for any band to stay together. At the core of it is love for music and respect for one another. I always prioritise my band members and I truly appreciate them,” he said. While nostalgia plays a role, the production itself comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for an unplugged format, which demands precision and restraint. Unlike full-scale amplified shows, unplugged performances rely heavily on acoustic arrangements, where every note is exposed. Adapting familiar songs into this format requires careful reworking, especially when it comes to guitar textures and overall sound balance. “There’s a lot happening behind the scenes. It’s not just about playing the songs, but translating them into a different sonic experience,” Shah noted. The setlist is expected to feature around 25 songs, drawing from Slam’s catalogue of hits that have remained part of Malaysia’s pop culture fabric. These are tracks that have followed fans through different phases of life, making the concert as much about shared memory as it is about performance. Adding another layer to the evening are three special guest musicians: Aznan Alias, JoBranko and Kid Search, all respected figures in the local music scene, each with their own signature style. Their inclusion signals a broader

one of its most defining live moments and this time with a fresh perspective. Set to take place on June 20 at Mega Star Arena Kuala Lumpur, The Grand Slam Unplugged 2 is not positioned as a simple revival, but as a continuation of a legacy that has endured across generations of listeners. With a venue capacity of 3,500, the band is already seeing strong demand, with around 60% of tickets sold during its soft launch in February.

This upcoming sequel draws from that spirit, revisiting the emotional weight of the past while shaping a new live experience. Reliving golden days For Slam, the concert is less about recreating history and more about reinterpreting it. “It’s about the feeling, the memories and the songs that have stayed with listeners from the cassette era to streaming today. This isn’t a

Over three decades on, Slam proves that longevity is built on passion, trust and a shared love for the music.

celebration Malaysian musicianship, bringing together artistes from different backgrounds in a single space. For Aznan, the invitation carries a sense of significance, given Slam’s place within the pop Melayu landscape. JoBranko, meanwhile, views the collaboration as a reflection of long standing ties within the industry, while Kid emphasises the unifying nature of music across genres. Together, their presence is expected to enrich the unplugged format, adding depth and variation to the overall sound. Music for all generations Despite the scale of the production, the band’s hopes for the night remain straightforward – a full house and a shared sense of connection. There is also an awareness that the audience will span generations. Longtime fans who experienced Slam’s rise firsthand will be joined by newer listeners who discovered the band through digital platforms. This mix creates a different kind of energy, one that bridges past and present. Ultimately, The Grand Slam Unplugged 2 sits at the intersection of nostalgia and renewal. It revisits a pivotal chapter in Slam’s journey, but does so with the understanding that the band and its audience have evolved. of

The concert setlist is expected to feature around 25 songs.

More than anything, it reflects a continued commitment to the music and to the people who have kept it alive. As Shah put it, the night is meant to bring everyone back to a shared space of memory and emotion, one where, even briefly, nothing feels distant. If the response so far is any indication, that connection is still very much intact.

Zamani sings daily to maintain vocal strength Zamani says he tries to give his best at every performance.

EVE N at 55, Zamani Ibrahim’s vocal quality continues to captivate fans, many of whom say his voice remains just as powerful as it was decades ago. The Slam vocalist’s consistently strong performances have sparked admiration among fans who are impressed by his ability to maintain his vocal quality despite being in the music industry for over 30 years and dealing with health challenges. Zamani told Bernama he does not follow any tip or routine to maintain his voice, but he makes it a point to “sing every day” to ensure his voice remains strong and well-conditioned. “Even if I don’t have a show, I’ll still sing at home. When you sing daily, your vocal cords become accustomed to it. If I stop singing for three days, it becomes difficult for me to sing again,” he added. Zamani said as long as he is blessed with a good voice, his focus is to continue giving his best on stage

and entertaining his fans. “I always try to give my best at every performance. But if my voice is strained or gone, there’s nothing much I can do,” he said. Speaking about his health, the Kurnia singer admitted the scoliosis he previously suffered from has affected his breathing to some extent, particularly when standing or singing for long periods. “Right now, I’m healthy, thank God. I’m doing fine, it’s just that my habit of sitting in a hunched position makes me appear that way (not well),” he said. Meanwhile, the Kluang-born singer from Johor is currently preparing for the upcoming The Grand Slam Unplugged 2 concert, which will take place at Mega Star Arena on June 20. He added he wants to ensure his stamina is at its best before returning to the stage.

(From left) Aznan, Kid and JoBranko are acclaimed guitar powerhouses set to bring their signature sound to The Grand Slam Unplugged 2 .