'RCTI' celebrates Titiek's 60 years

JAKARTA (JP): To celebrate legend singer Titiek Puspa's 60th birthday, TV station RCTI will sponsor a concert of 80 artists at the Jakarta Convention Center, South Jakarta, Nov. 18.

The two-hour concert, titled Citra Karya Titiek Puspa (The creative works of Titiek Puspa), would have musical arrangements by conductor Dwiki Darmawan, said Titiek at her Menteng residence Saturday.

Titiek said it was a big honor when singers like Ruth Sahanaya, Iis Dahlia, Yana Julio, Grace Simon, Acil Bimbo, Lilies Suryani, Marini Sardi and Dewi Yull would perform for her there.

RCTI's vice president Alex Kumara said the 44-year musical journey of Titiek Puspa would be documented in a film by Titiek's friend Camelia Malik.

Queen of local dangdut music, Camelia has already cut a single for Titiek titled Duta Nada (The ambassador of rhythm).

Titiek's long-awaited album of dangdut music titled Virus Cinta (The love virus) was released in August.

The fourth child of 12 children, Titiek worked her way up to become a "national diva", said Alex.

The widowed grandma started singing at 16 and has churned out several popular hits like Cinta (Love), Apanya Dong (What is it, then?), Daun Yang Gugur (Autumn Leaves), Di Sudut Bibirmu (At the corner of your lips) and Esok Malam Kau Jelang (Tomorrow night you will call upon me). She has acted in 19 films and produced the TV show Operet Ketupat Lebaran as well.

Her wish for her 60th birthday -- "I need to keep on breathing to create," she said. (02)