Celebrating the new year in style @ Ning's 2011 Showcase

On 31 Dec 2010, i had the great privilege of attending Ning’s 2011 Showcase at the Celebrities Hall of Music, Solaris Mont Kiara to usher in the new year as well as introduce to her fans some of the new tracks from her upcoming release, here 11th full album entitled DEWA.

Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘light’, the metaphor is apt describing the current stage in her life and career, of being independent and finding her rebirth in the ever changing and dynamic landscape of the music industry.


The performance lasted almost two hours, with a repertoire spanning her entire musical legacy, from Curiga to Awan Yang Terpilu and then onwards and upwards with selections from the upcoming album. Ning’s voice has never been more powerful and clear. Plus her soulful reinterpretation and rendition, impeccable and energetic showmanship coupled with new arrangements under the guide of here musical director Alwyn Santiago gave new life to all of her classic hits.

The entire performance is indeed a trip down memory lane and truly a spectacular and momentous night for the diehard fans. Interspersed between the set list, she opened up to the audience shared some of her life story with interesting trivia's and anecdotes. It speaks volumes of the evolution in Ning’s artistry and how far she has gone, while acknowledging her ups and downs in here ever winding carrier. finally to come to point where she feels content and blessed to where she is now. For me, the highlight of the night is her rendition of the classic hit Pasti, where she confessed that at the time of recording the song way back in 1994 she couldn't have believed that she would ever find her perfect love until now. Dedicated to her dearest hubby, she sang with an earnest conviction that brought tears to the whole audience. One of the many magical moments on stage that night .

Her joy and newfound outlook in life is very much reflected in the new songs, ever expanding her craft and experimenting with new sounds and attitudes. The new tracks, from the edgy dance tracks Mama Papa and Raksasa to the sublime downtempo numbers Alhamdulillah and Sampai Bila sounds fresh and current and unlike anything you heard of in the local airwaves. Audi Mok, the producer of the new album isn't kidding when he said that you will hear Ning like you've never heard her before.

Moving on into the year, Ning plans to do a nationwide road show to promote the new album, culminating to a special concert at Istana Budaya on 1-2 July, her first solo concert in 13 years. The new year will also see the release of her new movie ‘Cun’ as well as ‘3 Suara’ the special collaborative album with Jac and Shila.

With the rebirth of Ning in DEWA, I am wishing her all the best in her career for 2011. Stay tuned for my review of the upcoming album as and when it released.

Showcase songlist

Curiga
Dekat Padamu
Dugaanku
Penjara Kasih
In Another Life
Pasti
Auld Lang Syne
Wishin’ On a Star
You and I
Antara Mungkin dan Curiga
Teguh
Sayang Di Sayang
Ke Sayup Bintang
Selagi Ada… (Cinta)
Kembali
Pada Aksinya
Awan Yang Terpilu
Mama Papa
Alhamdulillah
Sampai Bila
Raksasa