KUCHING, July 19: A special Unity 722 Concert featuring several top Malaysian artistes will be held at Celebrations Square here this Sunday (July 22) to commemorate Sarawak Independence Day.
The concert is organised by the state government and is scheduled to start at 8.30pm. It will feature performances by Hafiz Suib of Akademi Fantasia fame, multiple awards winner Dayang Nurfaizah, and Amir Jahari, known for his single ‘Aku Juga Manusia’.
Top Iban singer Ricky Andrewson, who is expected to belt out the Iban evergreen ‘Biar BeKikis Bulu Betis’ and Bidayuh singer cum model Emil Hamlyn will also make an appearance with his hit song ‘ku Babo Nyayang’,” said the State Protocol and Public Relations Unit in a statement.
It added that Chinese singer Esther Thien, experimental World Music band At Adau, which has made several appearances at the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching, and Nisa Addina — a famed local and award-winning violinist — are also expected to be there.
Others in the line-up for the night include Dayangku Fazilah, D’Cipta Band and entertainers Zaki Zaidi and Irwan Dasri.
Tomorrow, the state government is holding a special thanksgiving prayer at Masjid Darul Hana in Petra Jaya at 6pm.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib are expected to grace the event along with state dignitaries and some 3,000 people, said organising agency Sarawak Islamic Department (JAIS).
“There would also be a special talk on independence by state Mufti Datuk Kipli Yassin. It will be held after the Majlis Tahlil, to be presided by the Imam Besar, for the freedom fighters.
“In addition, other religious institutions are also organising similar prayers in their respective houses of worship,” the department stated.
The highlight of the celebration will be the Sarawak Independence Day Rally 2018 on Sunday, starting at 9am at the Celebrations Square. — DayakDaily
