Growing old together is not usually part of a rock band’s formula for success.
Rising up from the early years of Singapore’s independence, Sweet Charity built a huge following in the region with music that borrowed copiously from the popular Western genre flavoured with Malay melodies and lyrics that offered deeper messages when explored further.
They talk about how the band was formed, the lengths the members would go to be part of the band, the reasons for the popularity of their songs like Kamelia, Ribut 10:59 Pagi, Teratai, Musibah and many others.
Sweet Charity: Ribut The Concert
When: 14 October 2023
What time: 8pm
Where: The Star Performing Arts Centre
Tickets : Available at SISTIC
Sweet Charity…Still Rocking After 5 Decades
Their music was tight and progressive and was a relatively new phenomenon then.
Inspired by the rock music of Western bands like Bad Company, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and the likes, Sweet Charity worked hard, practiced conscientiously and built a massive fan base.
Influenced by the Woodstock era and kept well-informed by the sailors from ships docked at the nearby naval base who frequented the bar in Sembawang where the band performed, Sweet Charity kept up to date with music trends. Their reputation led to a recording contract which motivated the band even further.
Sweet Charity: The Early Years
They were invited by co-founders, singer Ramli Sarip and drummer Rahman Sarbani to join Sweet Charity, a band they had long idolised. So momentous was the prospect of joining the group, Rosli, who was building his reputation as a lead guitarist, was willing to learn how to play the bass guitar in five days for an upcoming concert at the National Theatre.
The image of the western-oriented rock band had its fans but also its detractors. But steering clear of the negative elements that were associated with the industry — smoking, drinking and drugs — won the band many fans and probably contributed to its longevity.
Sweet Charity: The Beach Parties
Now, older, wiser and experienced, the band wants the fans to sit and listen to what Sweet Charity has to play…and to have fun!
Sweet Charity: Staying In Shape
The Sweet Charity concerts are known to run close to 3 hours. The fans comprise the silver generation who grew up with their music and their children who are discovering the source of inspiration for many of today’s bands.
Rahman Sarbani is a porter at a hospital and Ahmad Jaffar is a valet, jobs that keep them mobile and on the move.
Sweet Charity: Music Today And Possibly Tomorrow…
Lead Singer Ramli Sarip says the spirit and drive of the band are unflagging. He adds that the Ribut Concert will offer some surprises even for fans of the band.
There could be an album in future, if there are enough new songs, and it could be recorded in Abbey Road Studios, made famous by the Beatles.
