When I was assigned to cover a concert for special needs performers, I was wondering if its going to be one of those events where I would end up feeling sorry for the participants knowing how empathetic I can be. I never thought that Unveiling Uniqueness was going to be an event that has set the bar so high for concerts throughout the country – whether it is by special needs talents, or those who are neurotypical.
PETALING JAYA – I have always baulked at using the term Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as I feel it is more empowering to call them Persons with Unique Abilities, just as the participants at the Unveiling Uniqueness (UU) concert held here on 13 July had proven.
From the first act when the guests were mesmerised by a group of young men playing some exciting instruments that are not run of the mill and combined with generic musical instruments, we knew it was going to be an event to be remembered for many years to come. There was Samuel Ng on the traditional Chinese instrument Guzheng, Maxx Lim playing the Sarawak Sape, Ilyas Wong on the Chinese Drum, Wan Zareef thumping the Djembe, Shafic switching between the Australian Aboriginal instrument the Didgeridoo and the Malay Gendang, Jerry on the Indian Tabla, She Jun Yuen on the Keyboard while his brother Jun Wei was enjoying himself stroking the Violin.
Yes, the opening act spoke volumes about inclusion and bringing forth individuals with a passion for music with the ability to showcase their talents. According to Musicians For Musicians (MFM) vice president Edwin Nathaniel, 65, the concert represented more than just a performance opportunity.
“It’s a chance to challenge misconceptions and demonstrate the limitless potential of individuals with special needs,” he added. MFM, together with Nak Seni, Music Mart and BAC Education were the organisers of the concert, while Seadale Malaysia was the main sponsor.
Unveiling Uniqueness – All About Inclusion
“In total we received over 100 audition entries. From there, 36 musicians were selected to perform at the two-hour concert. Those who didn’t make it for the concert were given a chance to perform at the UU bazaar, which was held throughout the day.
“Our goal was inclusive participation, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to showcase their talents at the event,” added Nathaniel, co-founder of Aseana Percussion Unit (Apu), and known for his dedication to teaching music to children with disabilities.
Performances were not only by those with neurodiverse issues, but those with physical challenges. These are what made the whole evening stupendous.
“I was immediately blown over!” exclaimed one of the guests, former TV show host Anita Pandian, when asked about her comments on the concert.
“If no one told me that its a concert by those with different abilities, I would not have known at all because the talents showcased tonight were immense. These musicians with special needs truly presented their best with skills and passion, proving that talent knows no bounds,” said Anita.
She lauded the organisers for presenting such a wonderful concert, saying that such an event should be on a bigger stage, somewhere like Istana Budaya.
Echoing her thoughts was Nena Omar, a parent of one of the performers, Arezz “Rust”, who is with the band Raaze.
Nena had earlier posted in her Facebook: “I can’t describe nor quantify the amazing energy one feels to be in a room with greatness.
“One just has to be there to experience it.”
After the concert, Nena posted that each and everyone at the Omnia Auditorium, Menara BAC left the place very “well-fed”.
That is the kind of affirmation one needs to move ahead in life, whether it is from a parent or an outsider.
That was also the boost needed for another performer Aidel Rahman Morshidi (ARM), to go up on stage with his back up singing friends, Sarah, Nur, Lucas and Emily to present a fun rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” that had everyone swaying to the beat.
ARM is no other than the son of NMH‘s Editor-In-Chief, Hasnah Abdul Rahman, who was ever so grateful to the committee for placing their trust in Aidel.
“You see, four or five years ago, Aidel was performing in quite a number of shows – public concerts (there was one with a 1,000-member audience), school activities and in mall performances. He may have some problems with his voice control, but he has that cute, lilting way of presenting his notes that were endearing, especially to my ears,” Hasnah said with a grin.
Regression
“Unfortunately, after his dad passed away due to Covid complications, he almost became a recluse due to regression, and it was so difficult to get him back on track,” she sadly added.
Hasnah was therefore ecstatic when Aidel, who has Aspergers, was accepted during the auditions, but there was a lot of problems during rehearsals with getting him to focus and just belt out the tunes.
“But the committee members, especially Edwin, Cindy and Sonia, even the backing musicians, never gave up on him. They even suggested that he may want to change his song to one which he would be more comfortable with.
“With that kind of support and encouragement, it was no surprise to me that he not only sang his best, but introduced himself and his team mates at the beginning with so much confidence and even wanted to sing another song, but of course, there was no time for that,” Hasnah laughingly added.
Yes, if only there was more time. I think the audience would not have minded if they had to stay through till the morning because of the great performances which I must share here, even in brief.
Autistic Savant
Everyone was honoured and thrilled to be showered with the great piano thumping skills of autistic savant Clarence Kang who has performed in various international shows like AXN and for performers like Yuna.
Having seen Clarence that night, I was not surprised that he had won those accolades.
My favourite of course was that baritone voice of Lee King Tech who, despite his young age, just presented Engelbert Humperdinck’s El Mondo which such ease you would have thought he would have been trained by the great balladeer himself.
Of course, we would not be doing justice if this article does not mention the talented Joshua Johnson who obviously stood out with his singing prowess and he even sang an original song with his team mates from Jimi ‘Z. The song, Hello Malaysia, written by him, would be perfect for this Merdeka Day celebrations.
There were 21 performances by 36 performers, they were all great and I feel sad that I can’t mention them all in this article. But if there is a part 2 of Unveiling Uniqueness, I will gladly attend and cover it again. It was a night well spent when organisers unveil uniqueness unsurpassed. – NMH
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