An afternoon with Hetty

Indonesian diva Hetty Koes Endang promises a great time for secretaries, writes Dennis Chua

SHE needs no introduction on both sides of the Straits Of Malacca. Hetty Koes Endang is an evergreen diva who has been entertaining Malaysian and Indonesian fans since she began her career 38 years ago.
On April 25, from 2pm to 6pm, she will be in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with Secretaries’ Week at Dewan Merdeka, Putra World Trade Centre in Jalan Putra, Kuala Lumpur.
Her showcase, titled An Evening In Kuala Lumpur With Hetty Koes Endang, is produced by Gitu-Gitu Production and Niqas Resources. It will be emceed by Daphne Iking.
Hetty says: “Malaysia is a second home to me. It is always a joy to serenade my fans in Kuala Lumpur. I have lots of fond memories in Kuala Lumpur as I’ve made lots of friends among Malaysian singers and musicians over the years.”
One such friend is Datuk Ramli MS who is her showcase music director.
“We are both perfectionists who believe in giving our best to music lovers, so expect an afternoon to remember, fans,” says Hetty who will sing 12 of her hit songs as well as mingle with diners and get them to sing along with her.
The mother of two may bring along her 17-year-old daughter, Afifah Qamariah, who has inherited her singing talent.
“Afifah has talent but it’s a hobby for her rather than a calling. She loves the music of Frank Sinatra, Adele and many of Indonesia’s veteran and contemporary singers,” says Hetty, adding that Malaysia is special to Afifah because she was born on Aug 31 (National Day).
Hetty may be semi-retired now, but she upholds the proverb that “old soldiers never die, they just fade away”.
“In my case, it’s divas never fade away, they just take it easier with age,” says the 56-year-old. To her fans though, she looks only 40-something.
“There’s no hard and fast rule for looking ‘timeless’. It boils down to eating right, not smoking and exercising regularly. Positive thinking and being friendly is very important too,” she says.
Hetty, who is of Sundanese descent, is strict about separating her public and private selves when back home in Jakarta.
“When I sing, I’m Hetty Koes Endang, but when I’m shopping or visiting friends and relatives I’m Hetty Koesmadewy, my given name at birth,” she says.
Hetty, who is married to Dr Yusuf Faisal, has five albums to her credit. Her hit songs include Kepergian Mama, Waktu, Lahir Lagi Satu, Bila Cengkih Berbunga, Cinta Putih, Sayang, Dingin, Siksa, Demi Cinta Ni Ye, Berdiri Bulu Romaku, Di Ujung Senja, Sorga Dan Neraka, Aduh Mak, Jangan Salahkan Aku and Jodoh.. She has also acted in films as Akulah Vivian and Memble Tapi Kece.
Ramli says Hetty’s non-stop showcase will be a trip down memory lane and it will feature some guest artistes.
Comedian Saiful Apek, the founder of Gitu-Gitu, will also make a guest appearance.
He says: “It’s our first musical showcase and we are big fans of Ibu Hetty because she is a legend in Southeast Asian popular music.”
Niqas director Iman Aristone says she is confident that Malaysians will have a great time with Hetty as she is a world-class.
Between 800 and 1,000 people are expected to turn up at the showcase and tickets are priced from RM500 and RM1,000. Call 016-2631 303 or 019-3418 515/ 019-3997 377.