Tan Sri Datuk Seri (Dr) Ahmad Nawab Khan, Seniman Negara
Celebrating six decades of contribution and achievements in the music industry
On 13 August 2017, the legendary Ahmad Nawab offered an intimate glimpse into his extraordinary musical journey during a dialogue session with Gareth Richards at the Penang House of Music. Over a career spanning six decades, Ahmad has composed more than 2,000 songs, with nearly 70 singers from across the region bringing his compositions to life. Many of these have become timeless standards. Besides ‘Bintang Malam’ (subsequently recorded by Zaharah Agus and Uji Rashid), other songs include ‘Kau Kunci Cintaku Dalam Hatimu’, ‘Setulus Hati Mu’, ‘Sabar Menanti’, ‘Tiada Maaf Bagi Mu’, ‘Antara Matamu dan Mataku’ and ‘Wajah Kesayanganmu’.
I first learned about Ahmad Nawab while working on the book, 'Just for the Love of It – Popular Music in Penang, 1930s–1960s', alongside Paul Augustin and James Lochhead. Together, we pieced together fascinating insights into his life and legacy, dedicating three pages to this captivating figure. Meeting Ahmad Nawab in person in 2017 was an unforgettable moment, as captured in the photo above, where my delight is unmistakable.
Ahmad’s journey to becoming a legendary figure in the Malaysian music industry was not without its hurdles. His dream of pursuing music was initially opposed by his father, who feared the financial hardships of a career in music. Despite failing his Standard Five exams, Ahmad persisted, seeking to enrol in a vocational school. However, fate intervened and the last spot was taken before he could register. This setback only fuelled his ambition, though, and after struggling to convince his father, it was his mother who eventually persuaded him. His father agreed on the condition that Ahmad would be the best, pushing him to study music theory, something neither of them had formal training in. Driven by a desire to prove his worth and make his family proud, Ahmad turned adversity into motivation, forging a path that would lead him to become one of Malaysia's greatest musical talents.
In the book "Just for the Love of It" on page 124, Ahmad’s story concludes with an impressive testament to his illustrious career: "Ahmad has achieved so much in his musical career and won awards for best musical scores for films and received numerous awards including Anugerah Industri Muzik, Anugerah Seniman Negara and Anugerah Seni Parfi from Indonesia for his contribution to the entertainment industry. Ahmad has also been conferred the title Datuk by being awarded the Pingat Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri from the Governor of Penang in 1996 and the Pingat Panglima Jasa Negara from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2004."
In addition, in 2023, he was awarded the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) honour, which carries the title Tan Sri, in conjunction with the Official Birthday of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
For two captivating hours, this renowned composer and gifted saxophonist held the audience spellbound during an intimate dialogue session interwoven with memorable performances. Ahmad Nawab showcased his artistry by playing some of his favourite songs, accompanied by two talented keyboard players – Ismail (his son) and Azmi. The afternoon was made even more special when he dedicated a brand-new composition to his granddaughter Suraya, performing it live for the very first time.
A young, budding singer, Aby Norlila, with her powerful and emotive vocals, delivered a soulful rendition of Kau Kunci Cintaku Dalam Hatimu, one of Ahmad Nawab's most beloved compositions. Originally written for Ramlah Ram, this iconic song clinched the prestigious Anugerah Juara Lagu in 1988.
During the session, Gareth Richards quoted a poignant story written by Zieman and published in The Star on 9 May 2017. In it, Ahmad Nawab reflected candidly on his experiences, revealing the bittersweet reality of his legacy despite his monumental successes. Having worked with Orkestra RTM for 17 years, he foresaw parallels between his fate and that of the late P. Ramlee.
“RTM never bothered to play P. Ramlee’s songs until many years after his death. Likewise, I had slogged for RTM but no programmes were attributed to me. I am not creating any controversy but that is the truth. I am feeling the rejection. No singers or composers come to me for advice. There is plenty to learn and I am willing to teach. The reality is old composers like me are forgotten and alienated. Now I know how P. Ramlee felt towards the end of his career,” Ahmad shared with a mix of resignation and heartfelt honesty.
...“As a Seniman Negara, I should contribute to the industry but nobody wants to do anything with the treasure trove of experience that I have,” remarked Ahmad Nawab, who was awarded the title in 2006, making him the seventh recipient of the prestigious honour.
Ahmad's brilliant performance at the Penang House of Music was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of his artistry. Even at 84, the music within his soul resonated as strongly as ever, mesmerising all who were fortunate enough to witness it. The Penang House of Music takes immense pride in preserving the island's rich musical legacy for future generations and Ahmad can always call it home – a place that honours and cherishes his invaluable contributions.
Music is not just a sound; it is the heartbeat of the soul. Ahmad understands this truth deeply, and Penang honours and celebrates his musical brilliance. He has become an irreplaceable part of the island’s musical history, a living treasure whose timeless melodies continue to inspire and captivate all who hear them. His legacy is not just in the songs he created but in the hearts he touched with every note.
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Written and photographed by Adrian Cheah
© All rights reserved
13 August 2017 (Updated 10 December 2024)
P.S. On 24 November 2024, Malaysia bid farewell to a true legend of the arts, Tan Sri Datuk Seri (Dr) Ahmad Nawab, who passed away at his home in Taman Melewar at the age of 92. His contributions will forever echo in the world of Malaysian music.