For the first time since its inception five years ago, Anugerah Planet Muzik 2005 was telecast LIVE on Suria from where it was held i.e. at Suntec City convention Halls 601 and 602. As its name suggests, APM makes itself out to be a very big deal in the music industry but seriously speaking, I think it is gradually losing its respectability judging from the lukewarm execution of this year's show.
APM's premise is to be THE event that showcases the best of Malay music from the region (namely from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei) but after watching the show, a number of factors came to mind, which somehow seems to belie this noble purpose. Firstly, for a regional event held anually over the course of five years, Singapore had been the host country four times; the event was held outside the country only once (in Kuala Lumpur) in 2002.
Secondly, three award categories (out of 15) are exclusively for Singapore artistes/acts with none at all dedicated to the other countries that represent the region. I am wholly aware that the organisers of APM are Singapore-based but wouldn't it be more unbiased if the focus is not solely on Singapore??? It did get a tad grimace-inducing especially after the third or fourth time one of the hosts mentions the word "Singapore" in the same breath as the words "unik", "beautiful", "great" or any other flattering adjective. I've begun to suspect that the APM is just an excuse to promote Singapore tourism, behind a facade of lofty pretensions...
Another fact which I found disturbing was how Singapore radio-deejays were paired off with famous celebrities to be award presenters. In the eyes of us locals, our radio DJs are probably considered minor celebs in their own right, but who in Indonesia (or in Malaysia for that matter) have ever even heard of DJ Shai or Feeza (unless they're loyal followers of Ria or Warna)?? And it was rather irksome to have the aforesaid people try to converse in Bahasa Indonesia when normal Malay would have sufficed... Absentees Anuar Zain, Ari Lasso and Spider were also the evening's mood dampeners.
The show itself was lackluster when compared to recent years' efforts. Opening act Gerhana Ska Cinta performed a boring (and revolting) medley of tributes for the countries involved in APM, and ended off with their current hit, Senyuman Ragamu, but the stark absence of Radhi OAG seemed to make their performance less enjoyable. Other downers included limp performances from Sha-Hila and Azharina, a shaky & disappointing delivery by Iskandar Ismail, and some very duh moments from hosts Aznil (& his pointless costume changes) and Adi Rahman (& his schoolgirl-ish Siti-obsession).
Wouldn't it be better if nominated artistes were given brief performance-spots? I, for one, would have liked to actually hear what Ressa Herlambang sounds like, instead of just knowing that he was nominated for Best New Male Artiste... And although Bhumiband's winnings were inspiring, their performance wasnt as impressive as I thought it would be. Even the presence of ubiquitous bands Peterpan and Dewa, werent enough to really rock the night...
Apart from the marvellous hosting by Indon's Sarah Sechan and Shanty, TWO performances saved this year's APM from total oblivion:
1) Taufik Batisah's minimalist interpretation of Ramli Sarip's Bukan Kerana Nama, though decidedly nasal in some parts, was soulful enough to be considered a class-act and indeed served as a pride-defining moment for us Singaporeans.
2) Jaws finally dropped when Melly Goeslaw appeared in a horrific, black gown (she looked like Shrek in mourning) but her powerful duet with diva Kris Dayanti was worthy of plaudits. Strangely though, KD's solo on her massive hit Cobalah Untuk Setia was a tad weak but when Siti Nurhaliza joined her in song minutes later, sparks literally flew off the stage. Of course, Melly had to top her previous gothic princess get-up with a grotesque mirror-embossed outfit which was screaming for attention. But then, her disco-ey Tak Tahan Lagi, when performed as a trio, was a fun & refreshing change to an otherwise monotonous and dull evening.
