The Bukit Mertajam, Penang-born singer had reportedly been living as a vagrant for almost two decades. It seemed a sad fate for Ben, who had shot to stardom in the 1980s with hits such as “Stanza Sepi Sekeping Hati” and “Ilusi Satu Pernantian”.
Thankfully, this was not the end of his story. With the help of family and friends such as local musician DJ Dave, Ben was taken off the streets seven years ago and given care and support.
Today, Ben is doing much better. He is on medication for schizophrenia and, last week, achieved another milestone on his road to recovery: the release of “Kebahagiaanmu”, his first new single in almost 25 years.
“We feel fans have been waiting for so long for this,” DJ Dave said during the launch of the song and music video at Hard Rock Café here on May 7.
“The melody is strong, a lot of people like its lyrics. We think singing it helps him regain memories he’s lost for a while. We hope fans will give him the full support he needs.”
Dave said he had received help from Syed Yusof Syed Nasir, popularly known as Tan Sri Jojo, who had commissioned an Indonesian composer to pen the perfect song for Ben. Out of the demos they were sent, “Kebahagiaanmu” was selected.
“I like the lyrics. They’re very touching. I like the melody, the music, the whole song,” said Ben, who has recorded six albums over the course of his career.
“After 25 years, listening to my old songs and my new song, I feel great. Thanks for all your moral support, and thanks to all my friends.”
Performing the song was initially difficult for the 62-year-old as he had not been singing while living on the streets, and his cognition and speech had also been affected. Dave, however, was dedicated to helping his friend however he could.
This required six months of preparation: among other things, Dave helped Ben with warm-ups and hired a pianist to help with his pitch. “At first, he couldn’t sing at all. Today, Ben can sing ‘live’ a little. His key may be a bit low, but his pitching is good.
“I’m very proud of him. He worked very hard, when we went to the studio to record, he was actually ready to go,” said Dave, who is also the chairman of Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair.
Further aid also came from the Cultural Economy Development Agency (Cendana), which contributed RM20,000 towards the launch of the single.
According to Dave, he and Syed Yusof had taken care of Ben for three and a half years after he’d been discovered on the streets.
Responsibility for his welfare has now been passed over to the singer’s family, and Ben is now living at a home in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, under their care.
As for reports that Ben had been taking drugs while on the streets, Dave pointed out that hospital tests have confirmed this to be untrue. This, he said, gave everyone hope that the singer could make a comeback.
During the launch, Bob Nathan, Ben’s younger brother, shared that he plans to compose and produce Ben’s second single. “We have always supported my brother. There were reports that the family abandoned Ben, but that is not true. We have never abandoned him,” he said.
Proceeds from views and online streams of “Kebahagiaanmu”, as well as Ben’s future shows and appearances, will go towards his welfare and treatment.
“Please bless us for the success of his first single. I hope that with the music video for ‘Kebahagiaanmu’, my brother can be welcomed back into the local music industry,” Bob added.
“My family and I are overjoyed to see Ben singing again after so long. We will continue to give him the love and support he needs. And we hope that this song will mark a clear path for his future.”
For more information on Ben Nathan, including future shows, contact Bob Nathan at [email protected].