LONGING for ‘love ballads’ during the Chap Goh Meh celebration?
Here’s a chance for you to do so by heading to the rooftop atrium of DeView Hotel, Air Itam this Tuesday night (Feb 15) as the Air Itam-born Abin Fang, who is so-called the ‘Prince of love ballads’ is set to perform live in his online recital from 7.30pm to 9pm.
Chap Goh Meh, which is the 15th and last day of the Chinese New Year celebration, is the Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day in this region.
In a press conference to announce the event, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said he was proud that the Malaysian singer-songwriter is set to rock the stage with his famous ‘love ballads’.
“Abin, who was born and bred in Air Itam, is ready to perform the song that he composed last year, Bing Lang Yu Qing Ge (Penang Island Love Song), which was inspired by the titular landmark itself.
“He is set to perform this song live for the first time during his Chap Goh Meh recital.
“The 90-minute long recital is jointly organised by George Town Festival and Air Itam service centre,” he said at a press conference in Tolk Cafe, Air Itam today.
Ng said Abin, who had developed his musical career in Taiwan, has produced a large number of Mando-pop hits, cementing his celebrity status among the Chinese audiences.
He said Abin, however, had returned to Malaysia following the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020.
“He has kept himself active by composing and searching for musical inspiration.
“It’s an honour for us to see his live performance next week,” he said, adding that a total of 120 seats would be available for the public to join the event.
Admission for the physical recital is RM50 per person.
“All proceeds will be donated to the Air Itam’s Digital Food Bank Programme to assist the needy while those attending the physical event are strictly required to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs),” Ng added.
Abin’s signature song, Huai Ren (Bad Guy) has won numerous accolades and remained hugely popular till now.
Abin, who was present, said he was excited to have the opportunity to perform in his hometown next week.
“I will be performing about 14 to 16 songs on that night, which is estimated at about four to five minutes for each song.
“It’s an opportunity for me to perform at Air Itam, since I was born and bred here.
“I hope fans in the country can also be taking this opportunity to watch it live via online platforms,” he said.
Also present during the press conference was George Town Festival public relations executive Ng Kim Theng.
The event will be broadcast live on George Town Festival, Joseph Ng and Abin Fang’s official Facebook pages.
For more information on booking of tickets, visit www.georgetownfestival.com or contact 0126646251 for further info.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian