| By Rosli Abidin
Yahya
Hj Ali (L) receives a framed poem composed by Pg Hj Md Don
Hj Ali Hj Paun, a 76-year-old
veteran singer back in the 50s and 60s comes from a family with
a long line of singers. He and his brothers; Hj Osman and Hj Abu
Bakar, used to sing a few ‘rock & roll’ tunes back then.
Certain old folks would have considered this as
“unacceptable”.
However, all of Hj Ali’s hard
work and endless practise paid off in the end. He went on to
grab hold of first place in the first Bintang Radio competition
in 1960, which was organised by Radio Brunei. Two years down the
road, he emerged as champion once again.
Even though Hj Ali no longer
competes in singing competitions he is still able to render a
song or two. An ex-Brunei Shell Petroleum staff, he has enjoyed
over 20 years of his retirement.
Last Sunday, at a function to
celebrate his birthday, he left guests and family members in awe
when he rendered a few songs. The magical performance took place
at the Seria Recrational Club (SRC), which was attended by his
12 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His
‘singing’ brothers, other family members and friends were
also there.
A specially invited guest, Pg
Hj Md Don bin Pg Hj Besar, the adviser of the Affiliation of
Drama, Entertainment and Creative Artists (GAPHAR), was also
present at the birthday celebration.
Pg Hj Md Don presented Hj Ali
with a framed photograph of when Hj Ali won the Bintang Radio
competition in 1960. He also composed a poem for Hj Ali.
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