Latest news with #DrAlban
Free Malaysia Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Sasi The Don: from Segambut to international fame
Sasidharan Chandran, or Sasi The Don, is a talented and renowned reggae artist. (Muhammad Akif Irfan @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : When Sasidharan Chandran was 12 years old, he purchased an album titled 'Hello Afrika' by Dr Alban, known for his Eurodance and reggae style of music. That simple act had a big impact on his life as it set him on the path to discovering reggae. Today, he's known as Sasi The Don – a trailblazer in the country's music scene, particularly in the reggae genre. In fact, he's known as Malaysia's Reggae Ambassador. Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Sasi shared that when advised to pick a stage name back in 2000 to launch his career, he picked 'don' as it referred to someone with influence. It was a fitting choice, considering what he accomplished later in life. But even before turning professional, he had already introduced reggae in the Segambut neighbourhood where he grew up. 'When people needed to go to the main bus stop, they had to pass my house. I'd be playing music loudly at odd hours. A lot of people have told me, 'Bro, the songs you listened to made me go look for them',' Sasi, 46, recalled. Purchasing Dr Alban's album at age 12, Sasi went on to collaborate and become friends with him. (Sasi The Don pic) So infatuated was he with reggae and Dr Alban, he was bent on forging a friendship with his idol. 'I wrote 50 to 60 emails to different addresses. Some emails bounced back, but I kept writing.' One day, he decided to write differently. 'I just wanted him to know that I exist and I'm in Malaysia making music because I grew up listening to him,' he said. He also encouraged Dr Alban to google the words 'Sasi The Don Dr Alban' as he had consistently credited the artiste's influence in every interview. His strategy worked – Dr Alban replied. The two even collaborated on a song Sasi composed titled 'Music In Me' – a remarkable feat for the once-curious teen who had bought Dr Alban's album. The duo also became good friends. Sasi also understood the importance of seizing a moment – like when he met local artiste Amy Search at a show they were performing at. 'I went up to him and asked, 'Would you do a song with me?'.' And Amy agreed, working with him on 'Suatu Impian', a song Sasi composed. Sasi has also collaborated with other renowned local and international names: Zainal Abidin, Anita Sarawak, Amy Mastura, Too Phat, Jacklyn Victor, Ning Baizura, Namewee, Maxi Priest, Anuradha Sriram and Apache Indian. Sasi with his daughter, Shanaiya Lakshmi. (Sasi The Don pic) 'When I discovered reggae, I was just a fanboy – buying cassettes, CDs, posters for my wall. I never imagined that one day I'd actually meet these artistes and work with some of them on my songs,' said Sasi, a father of one who runs an advertising and marketing agency. Over the years, Sasi has been nominated for awards at 'Anugerah Era', 'Anugerah MACP (Music Authors' Copyright Protection)', 'Anugerah Industri Muzik', 'Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian', the 'Caribbean Afro Music Awards' and 'Nigeria Excellence Awards' – and winning quite a few too. Sasi shared that he aims to create a distinct sound. 'I incorporate Malay, Chinese and Indian instruments. I'm always bound by Malaysian culture and abide by local laws. I don't have girls with skimpy clothes.' He is set to release a new album, 'My Perfect Yard', in the fourth quarter of this year, featuring songs in English, Malay and Tamil. Looking back, Sasi shared that reggae music opened his eyes to the world at large. It inspired him to follow in Dr Alban's footsteps and represent Malaysia in the reggae scene. Sasi is set to release his new album, 'My Perfect Yard', in the fourth quarter of this year. (Muhammad Akif Irfan @ FMT Lifestyle) 'My hope for the reggae scene, especially in Malaysia, is for it to evolve even more. I think a lot of artistes are making popular music like ballads and R&B. Maybe they're more interested in these genres as they grew up listening to them and enjoy them. 'But there is an underground reggae scene in Malaysia. There are a lot of musicians with their own reggae bands who play at underground gigs. It's a very small community, but the fans are there,' he said. 'When you go for a reggae gig, you go just as you are. Even in slippers or sandals, nobody's going to say anything, as long as you're present. Your soul, your presence, is what's important.' Learn more about Sasi The Don on his website, YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram.
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Eurodance legend returns to Malaysia after 30 years
RENOWNED for his infectious Eurodance and reggae hits, the legendary Nigerian-Swedish singer Dr Alban recently returned to Malaysia after three decades. The 67-year-old artiste headlined the much-anticipated Dr Alban Live in Malaysia concert at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. This performance marked his first show in the country since his 1994 showcase. Dr Alban, whose full name is Alban Uzoma Nwapa, has been active in the music industry since the 1980s. He initially became a deejay at a Stockholm club to finance his dentistry course at Lund University. In 1990, he met acclaimed producer Denniz Pop from the SweMix label. Teaming up with Pop and rapper Leila K, he released his debut single, 'Hello Afrika', marking the beginning of his illustrious music career. It was at this time that he adopted the stage name Dr Alban, a nod to his background in dentistry. His debut album featured breakout hits such as 'Hello Afrika' and 'No Coke', both of which became million-selling singles. The album achieved significant commercial success, earning gold certification in several countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Dr Alban's success reached new heights with the release of his second album, 'One Love', in 1992. This album featured major European hits like 'It's My Life' and 'Sing Hallelujah'. The single, 'It's My Life', became a chart-topping sensation, reaching No. 1 in countries such as Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Germany, and securing the No. 2 spot in Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. A WARM WELCOME BACK When he met reporters during his recent visit, the singer described Malaysia as a "great country", just as he remembered it from his first showcase in 1994. "Malaysia is very nice, warm, the people are nice, and the service is great. It's great to be here again because the hospitality is also good. "So, I'm grateful to be able to make money, travel, have fun, and meet so many people like you after 30 years. So, I'm happy and grateful to be able to do this, thank you, because all of this is so great." At the concert, held at Zepp Kuala Lumpur last month, Dr Alban delivered a vibrant selection of his hit numbers. Organised by Mojo Projects in collaboration with Tuff & Loud, the event offered fans an engaging performance concept with various entertaining elements. The songs performed had dominated international music charts in the 1990s. The event also featured retro DJ performances, a 1990s-themed activity zone, unique visuals, and various creative elements that effectively evoked the atmosphere of that era. REVIVING RETRO MUSIC Meanwhile, Mojo Projects CEO Ratna K. Nadarajan also spoke at the press conference, stating that the Rewind & Play Experience with Dr Alban was the company's first English concert. According to Ratna, choosing Dr Alban to perform in Malaysia aimed to revive the retro music that the star once popularised. "We feel this segment has not been fully explored and there are many retro artistes who will definitely be successful in Malaysia.
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Scotsman
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
The Time Frequency Hydro Stage Times: Glasgow gig set times, support, tickets, age restrictions
The Time Frequency have a date with Glasgow. | Contributed One of Scotland's most beloved rave bands are throwing a huge party in Glasgow. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Founded by producer Jon Campbell in the early 1990s, Scottish electronic dance group The Time Frequency have gone through a number of different personnel lineups in their history. Their popularity peaked in 1994 with top 10 hit Real Love - one of many bangers they'll be playing at the Hydro this weekend. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And they'll be joined by artists responsible for some of the biggest hits of the 1990s, from Basshunter's All I Ever Wanted and Dr Alban's It's My Life to Alice Deejay's Better Off Alone. Here's everything you need to know about the gig. Just make sure you stay hydrated. When are The Time Frequency playing Glasgow? The Time Frequency plays Glasgow's OVO Hydro on Saturday, June 21. Will there be a support act at the Time Frequency's Glasgow Hydro gig? If you want value for money then this is the gig for you - there are numberous headliners. The Time Frequency will be joined by a host of big name DJs and electronic acts - including Amen!, Ultabeat, Living Joy ft Luzahnn, Technotronic MC Eric, Real McCoy, DJ Sammy, Dr Alban and Basshunter. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the stage times for The Time Frequency at the Glasgow Hydro? Doors open at 6pm, with the acts starting 25 minutes later (so don't be late!) as follows: 6pm : Ultrabeat : Ultrabeat 6.25pm : AMEN! : AMEN! 6.40pm : Living Joy : Living Joy 7pm : Dr Alban : Dr Alban 7.20pm : DJ Sammy : DJ Sammy 8.10pm : Technotronic : Technotronic 8.45pm Alice DJ Alice DJ 9.10pm : Basshunter : Basshunter 9.55pm: The Time Frequency Are tickets still available? If you've decided at the last minute that you'd like to go to the gig there are still tickets available from Ticketmaster here starting at £57.90.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dr Alban to unleash '90s vibes at Zepp KL
KUALA LUMPUR: Eurodance legend Dr Alban is thrilled to be returning to Malaysia for the second time. At a press conference held here earlier today, the 67-year-old Nigerian-Swedish singer, rapper, and producer admitted he felt wonderful to be back in the warm and hospitable country. "Thank you for inviting me to perform here. I'm happy to be here," said the singer, who is set to perform his first-ever full-fledged concert here tomorrow. The singer, whose hit song 'It's My Life' is still widely played globally for its upbeat tune, is scheduled to perform at the Dr Alban Live In Malaysia concert at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. "At tomorrow's show, I'm going to play all the hit songs, a one-hour non-stop performance, and I hope you'll bring your best dancing shoes with you. "It's going to be a great concert. I have a fantastic crew with me, including the DJs and backing vocalists. See you tomorrow," he said. This iconic moment in local music history will mark his concert here, presented by Mojo Projects and Tuff & Loud. "This isn't just a show, but a journey back to a vibrant era of music, dance, and pure energy. "With DJs, dancers, and a few surprises, we're creating an experience that will capture the magic of the 1990s," said Mojo Projects CEO Ratna K. Nadarajan.
