I read the sad news today my favourite song composer Zubir Ali passed away due to heart complication. Just last week my close expatriate buddy who I have been working with for the past 10 years was also admitted to Ampang Putri ICU also due to heart problems. But my colleuge is recuperating not Zubir.
About Zubir Ali, I love all his songs especially "Penantian". It is a very beautiful song and in those days 1980's his poetic songs start to change the local music trend from the Alleycat/Black Dog Bone "one way ticket" tune to melodic, poetic music with deep meaning lyrics. More of these poetic songs from Kopratasa, Sohaime Meor Hassan, Ebiet G Ade start to dominate the music industries and they were well received. Zubir Ali group Harmoni was one of my favourite especially with Azie and Ogy. I can still remember the lyrics and suddenly I am humming it slowly..
Penantian
Berapa lama... mesti kunanti
Sinar cahaya... matamu
Gemerlap bagai bintang
Menghiasi malam
Malam yang menutup diriku
Berapa lama perlu kutunggu
Lontaran suara dari bibirmu
Memecah hening taman
Taman syurgawi
Pada sebuah hati yang sepi
Penantian suatu siksa
Yang tidak tertanggung
Oleh tubuhku yang kering dan layu
Kepastian suatu penawar
Dalam suka dan duka
Yang meniti hidupku....
Those days the students (we were in Form 5 just finishing our High School Examinations SPM) were anxiously waiting for the exam's results as all of us had our dreams to study overseas. The Penantian lyric above somehow relate well to the agony that we were going thru with the waiting game. Thus most of us know the song very well till this day.
To Allahyarham Zubir family, I extend my deepest condolence and May Allah Almighty give them patience during this trying period.
Semoga Allah Mencucuri Rahmat Ke atas rohnya Allahyarham Zubir Ali.
