From Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” to powerful local anthems, Unveiling Uniqueness 2 celebrated the beauty of diversity and the real meaning of inclusion.
I walked into the four-hour concert called “Unveiling Uniqueness 2” feeling excited, because this wasn’t just any musical evening. Hosted by Musicians for Musicians (MFM) together with Music Mart, and supported by Yayasan Sime Darby and The British International School Kuala Lumpur (BISKL), this stage was for people with special needs — young and adult performers who have autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, vision or hearing impairments, and more.
As the lights dimmed, the whole auditorium burst into the opening number: the singers, young and older, came together and launched into “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Right there I felt it: music as a bridge, not a barrier.
Unveiling Uniqueness – A Unique Story
I watched artiste after artiste bring their own story. One singer from Sarawak, Emily Chai, flew in especially to deliver with strength — I heard her sing “Gemilang”. Then there was a little powerhouse group, Magika — children aged 7-12 who are hearing and speech-impaired — performing with sign language rhythm to a K-pop track and a local favourite song. It was moving beyond words.
On stage too were established stars: Francissca Peter and Frankie Tan. Francissca sang “Sekadar di Pinggiran” and “Step by Step” and danced with the special-needs artistes. She said she feels the special ones “are better than me” in many ways, and hoped more people support their talent. Frankie Tan — who has polio and is known for his country songs — performed “Forever Young” and got the crowd cheering.
One moment stuck with me: the bass and drums faded, the lights softened, and the words of Aidel Rahman Morshidi rang out after the opening piece. He presented flowers to Francissca. He danced with such joy. He reminded the audience that capability is not defined by disability.
Then there was petite Siti Nur Aisyah Shahimee who danced all alone on the big stage, yet nothing seems to faze her, as though she was born to be on stage.
The Volunteering Committee
Behind the scenes, people like Edwin Nathaniel (Chair of the organising committee) and Hasnah Abdul Rahman (committee member) emphasised that music is a universal language, and that this event is more than entertainment — it’s about giving voice, shining light, and celebrating diversity.
The other committee members, Dr Tan Swee Chuan, Rosalind Khoo, Tan Li-Ling, Cindy Deborah Vyner and Sonia Kirby worked tirelessly, voluntarily, behind the scene. I saw them running after the performers who, for some of them, when they are off stage, can be different than their on-stage personae. This brings a whole new level to the word voluntarism. They were artistically introduced to the audience during the song Volare where some of the musicians were on wheelchairs wearing Mexican hats and the music got everyone moving to the beat.
Perfect
There was a little bazaar too — special-needs entrepreneurs were selling food, handicrafts and handmade items before the concert kicked off. It felt right: a celebration of creativity, empowerment and togetherness. 
By the end of the night, as everyone joined on stage to sing “Tomorrow” and “RISE!”, I realised this wasn’t just music. It was unity, hope, and heart. The special-needs performers weren’t just guests on stage — they were the stars. I left remembering that diversity is not a limitation; it’s our strength. – NMH
Anita Pandian is a versatile media writer and PR professional, with expertise in media management. She excels at creating compelling content, managing media relations, and developing strategic public relations campaigns. Her ability to engage audiences and strengthen brand narratives allows the companies she represents to effectively communicate their messages and enhance their public profiles. A seasoned broadcaster and TV host, Anita combines her on-screen presence with her PR acumen to offer a unique perspective, blending storytelling with corporate communications to drive visibility and impact for her clients.
Facebook Comments
Facebook Comments