IPOH – Datuk M. Nasir, a renowned music maestro, is set to hold a special concert in Ipoh, in celebration of the city’s recent inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the music category.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, The Chairman of the Music Copyright Protection Agency (MACP) announced, as reported by Bernama and Malaysia Gazette, that the concert is scheduled for mid-2024 at a suitable location within the city. This event is part of a series of artistic activities planned to support the Ipoh City Council (MBI) in its endeavors as a creative city of music.

MACP is also organizing a ‘Cipta Ekspres’ program in Ipoh, where songwriters will collaborate to create new songs over several days. M. Nasir highlighted Ipoh’s potential, noting the city’s long-standing appeal to rock music fans since the 1980s and the growing interest in various other music genres in the suburbs.

He observed that the Ipoh music scene has always been dynamic, with a current increase in fans of genres beyond rock music, particularly in the city’s outskirts. The plan is to attract these enthusiasts through diverse art activities, including extended concerts and festivals, potentially leading to an ‘Art Month’ in Ipoh.

M. Nasir expressed optimism about realizing these plans with the proactive and consistent support of MBI and other agencies. This initiative follows UNESCO’s announcement on November 1, as reported by Bernama, declaring Ipoh as one of the 55 new cities joining the UCCN on World Cities Day. In 2022, Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin had proposed the city for nomination to the UCCN, specializing in music, as part of a strategy for sustainable urban development and making Ipoh the most liveable city in Malaysia.