KUALA LUMPUR: The remains of renowned composer Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Nawab, 92, were laid to rest at the Raudhatul Sakinah Muslim Cemetery here today at 11.10 am, following prayers held earlier at the Surau At-Tarbiah Al Islamiah, Taman Melewar in Gombak.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, more than 200 people, including family members, relatives, friends, and fellow artistes, paid their last respects to the legend. Ahmad Nawab passed away due to old age at his residence in Taman Melewar yesterday afternoon.
Ahmad Nawab, who began his music career at the age of 16, was awarded the prestigious seventh Seniman Negara by the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Heritage in 2006, a testament to his significant contributions to the field of music. His son, Nasir Khan, 62, shared that his father died peacefully surrounded by family, having previously experienced a fever and difficulty breathing.
Nasir described his father as a calm and kind person, despite his serious demeanor. “He hardly got angry and was a calm person, be
sides being very talented in the field of music,” said Nasir, who is also a part-time composer. He acknowledged his father’s demanding nature in music and expressed aspirations to honor his legacy through a collaboration involving a music notebook of around 2,000 songs and discussions about setting up a museum in Kedah.
Singer Ramlah Ram expressed her sorrow over the passing of Ahmad Nawab, recognizing his role in her early career and successes. “Everyone knows that from the beginning of my involvement in the entertainment industry, it was with Ahmad Nawab,” she said, lamenting not being able to visit him during his illness.
Indonesian singer Hetty Koes Endang highlighted the emotional depth of Ahmad Nawab’s compositions, noting their unique ability to resonate deeply with singers and audiences alike. “Every song composed by Ahmad Nawab that I sang would surely touch my heart,” she shared.
Datuk M Nasir, a well-known singer-composer, regarded Ahmad Nawab as a mentor who significantly shaped the local music
scene, producing many notable artists over the decades. “The ’70s was indeed his era…he was truly ‘the king’ during that time,” he remarked.