By Simon Homefinder on April 8, 2016
One Man’s Personal Quest And Vision Towards Attaining Musical Enlightenment
For some people, being a street musician is nothing more than a performer on the
busy sidewalks begging for alms. For others, it is merely showing off one’s skills
to the public in the hope of breaking into the big-time showbiz industry. But for
street musician Alfred Ho, he is only thinking of his next meal and putting food on
the table daily for his family. Busking is by no means an occupation filled with
“glitz and glamour” – it is often hard work, as well as braving the hot sun and
constant rain, day after day. Being a street busker demands a special kind grit or
courage, as well as strength of character in facing up to the unending hurdles and
challenges, often along busy roads and unforgiving streets of metropolitan KL.
This is the story of one man’s dream and his quest for musical enlightenment.

Dubbed “Malaysia’s Stevie Wonder” during his heyday, Alfred Ho had been
prematurely deprived of his eyesight or vision at a tender age of three, after a
lengthy bout with measles. Hailing from the mining state of Perak, this loyal fan
of the blues and 60’s rock ‘n’ roll has always possessed an unbridled passion for
singing ever since he could hold a microphone as a child. During those days back
then, karaoke was still in-trend, and Alfred had plenty of practice “behind the
scenes”. As he grew older, he started experimenting with his favourite musical
instrument, which is the guitar. Being naturally gifted with the guitar, he started
playing and singing to mass crowds at numerous public events and functions,
such as expos, fun-fairs, weddings, trade shows, community gatherings, as well as
private jamming sessions with fellow colleagues. He also has an uncanny knack
for mimicking or imitating other singers in his trademark deep baritone-styled
voice – his vocal dynamics are as strong and impressive as ever. His various idols
include the likes of Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Pat Boone, Engelbert Humperdink,
and many other legends. He had a secret ambition to be a great artiste someday
just like his idols. He always sang his heart out every time he performs, and
pretty soon, his fan-base (i.e. legion of fans) grew too. Many of his loyal fans were
truly amazed, thrilled and inspired by his majestic voice – it was strong and
serene, yet soothing and comforting at the same time. Ultimately, the music
industry took notice of his rare talent and gave him a recording contract. He
briefly achieved national fame when he participated in RTM’s Bakat TV inaugural
“reality singing” competition back in 1971. The rest, as they would say is history.
But alas, all good things must come to an end somehow, eventually. Alfred Ho
was no different…

Today, Alfred Ho is a faint glimmer of hope and a pale shadow of his past glory.
Perhaps age has caught up with his voice, taken a toll on his will and spirit, or
that he had become disillusioned of trying to “make it big” in the local music
industry. His daily struggle of trying to make ends meet is also not helping his
life-long cause of reviving his distant dream and long-forgotten ambition.
Nevertheless, there is one certainty which was absolute – his voice had changed
little over the years since he started singing almost five decades ago. The
premium quality of his vocals is absolutely stunning and incredible. Just as a
good wine needs to be aged or mellowed to achieve perfection in taste, Alfred
Ho had seemingly defied the odds by sticking to his guts and playing his heart
out. He kept on believing in himself, that his day would arrive, and it will surely
come. Being blind has never hampered or discouraged Alfred Ho – aka “the blind
busker” from plying his trade on the dusty streets, in the heart & soul of
Malaysia’s city centre. He continues to busk to this present day. If you are lucky
enough, you may just catch him in action – tugged somewhere in a lonely corner
with his trusty guitar and his angelic voice.

For more information on Alfred Ho and his music, please visit his personal blog at
http://alfredhomusic.blogspot.my , or simply check out his YouTube videos at
www.youtube.com/user/alfredho1111/featured . Also featured below, is one of
his many street performances in popular shopping malls and LRT stations. In
particular, the following Facebook video link shows a ‘gung-ho’ Alfred performing
a heart-warming rendition of the evergreen ballad “Butterfly” at the concourse
area within RapidKL’s KLCC LRT Station at Avenue K, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
https://www.facebook.com/HomefinderMalaysia/videos/1135426886470031
No comments:
Post a Comment