Siti Nurhaliza in tears: I don't know when we can stage a traditional concert this big again

KUALA LUMPUR – National Songbird Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza was unable to hold back her emotions as she reflected that Konsert Gema Bumantara may be an opportunity that is hard to repeat in future.

Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, 47, said the large-scale concert celebrating traditional rhythms should bring together the figures who have contributed much to championing heritage music, including the "Queen of Creative Ethnic" music, Noraniza Idris.

"I told Kak Zie (her manager) that this concert must have Kak Ani (Noraniza Idris). We have to invite Kak Ani.

"I am happy, but I'm sorry that I'm getting emotional because I don't know when we can hold a traditional concert this big again.

"I want the great ones, especially the champions of traditional rhythms, to make it a success together. I'm sorry, that's why I'm emotional," she said. (Quotes translated from Malay.)

She was speaking when met at the press conference and launch of Konsert Gema Bumantara at Hotel Royale Chulan here.

Noraniza admits nerves

Noraniza Idris, meanwhile, admitted she was nervous about accepting Siti's invitation to once again perform the song Hati Kama as a duet after more than two decades.

The singer, fondly known as Kak Ani, said the last time they performed the song together was about 25 years ago.

"Ya Allah, honestly Kak Ani is spooked. Spooked to sing with Siti Nurhaliza.

"It has been 25 years since we sang Hati Kama as a duet, let alone in a big concert with an orchestra. Kak Ani is very frightened.

"Kak Ani feels very small beside Siti Nurhaliza," she said.

Guest line-up

Earlier, Siti announced that Noraniza Idris would be among the guest artistes for Konsert Gema Bumantara, scheduled for Oct 17 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Besides Noraniza, the debut traditional concert will also feature Haziq Rosebi as well as two popular Indonesian singers, Lesti Kejora and King Nassar.