Faizal Tahir says he can’t quit as fans roar ‘We want more’ at Suara Rakyat concert

Faizal Tahir says family, friends and fans keep him going in music. — Picture via Instagram/Faizal Tahir

First Published: Monday, 05 Oct 2026 11:09 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — Two decades in the music industry may be long enough for some to consider calling it a day, but for singer Faizal Tahir, every time the thought of retirement crosses his mind, people around him urge him to keep going.

The 48-year-old singer, whose full name is Ahmad Faizal Mohammad Tahir, said the support of his family, friends, fans and those who have always believed in him is among the reasons he has continued his journey in the music industry.

“Twenty years in the industry is no easy feat. I’ve thought about retiring many times, but so many people won’t let me retire yet,” he said at his ‘Faizal Tahir: Suara Rakyat’ concert at Unifi Arena here on Saturday.

Organised by Faithful Music in collaboration with Hitman Solutions, the concert was not merely a celebration of Faizal Tahir’s career, but also provided a platform for him to reconnect with his fans through a repertoire of songs that have shaped his musical career.

Opening the show at about 8.30pm with Batu & Golek, the father of seven immediately energised the packed venue before going on to perform nearly 30 of his popular songs.

Among the songs he performed were Gemuruh, Assalamualaikum, Santai, Negaraku, Aku Berjanji, Kasih Tercipta and Cuba, prompting the audience to sing along while reminiscing about different phases of his musical journey.

Also present at the concert were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh and Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (MAPIM) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Sani Araby Abdul Alim Araby.

Beyond the string of popular songs and energetic performances, Faizal also used the stage to convey a larger message, urging the audience not to forget the suffering of the Palestinian people.

He then led a special prayer before performing ‘Biar Satu Dunia Tahu’, which he dedicated to the people of Palestine.

The night became even more special with the appearance of Mirwana, the nasyid group that Faizal was once a member of. The group performed two songs, including Aku Tanpa Cintamu, before legendary singer Datuk M. Nasir surprised the audience with Campak Bintang.

Faizal Tahir performing with M. Nasir. — Picture via Instagram/Faizal Tahir

M. Nasir described Faizal as one of the talents who has carved out a place for himself in the local music industry.

The surprise appearance added another memorable moment to a concert that, from the outset, showcased the strong bond between Faizal and his fans, who have continued to support him over the years.

As the show drew to a close, chants of “We want more” reverberated throughout the venue, seemingly providing the clearest answer to Faizal’s earlier admission about wanting to retire.

Faizal then returned to the stage to perform Mahakarya Cinta and Bila Lagi Nak Jumpa as the closing numbers.

The overwhelming response from his fans that night made one thing clear: Faizal Tahir’s journey in the local music scene is far from over. — Bernama

Faizal Tahir’s journey in the local music scene is far from over. — Picture via Instagram/Faizal Tahir