Dalia’s performance captivating hundreds of audiences during the concert in UMS
AT the young age of 12 years old, a multi-instrumentalist, Dalia Linda Sayeed courageously rose up from her grief after losing her mother, by performing in a charity concert to raise funds for a cancer association.
She became the main highlight in a 4.5 hours concert organized by the Valiant Music School at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Recital Hall here on Sunday.
Dalia, who is already well known for being the youngest polo player, race horse owner etc and now she is in the field of music and she is a multi-instrumentalist where she can play the piano, violin, guitar, ukulele and she can sing as well.
“I chose to go out on stage on the eighth performance of the day because this is my first time performing in a concert with a huge number of audiences but I have to be confident about it.
“Since everyone is watching, including friends and classmates, I am very excited but nervous at the same time about it, but I have the determination not to fail in front of everybody.
“Having the opportunity to contribute to the needy through a charity concert like this makes me feel happy because I am able to help others. I also have plans to do similar programmes in the future,” she said.
She studies at Primary 6 at SJK (C) Yue Min Penampang and she’ll be going to Form 1 next year.
Dalia’s father, Datuk Seri Ghulam Sayeed said that he wants her to be exactly where she is after her mother died, and this upbringing is a form of therapy after such a loss at eight years old.
“So this girl put up a performance for the first in her lifetime, and the youngest to do it. We want to put this story out so that the younger generation of children can also do such charity work by being in the public eye and helping out the poor. This is my objective through my daughter.
“For me it’s a proud moment and I want to share it. Just like my granddaughter Isabelle Lonjuing Sayeed who became South East Asia’s youngest Polo captain, I want Dalia to become the example of young girls around Malaysia and around the world.
“I want her to become a model for the younger generation, who rather than waste time with Lego, computers and laptops, go to the wrong side of life, let them do something useful and learn something. That is what I’m doing with my daughter,” he said.
Ghulam said his daughter Dalia only got into music this year in May, where after she lost her mother due to Covid in 2021, since then he’d been playing the role of father and mother for her.
“Ever since then, Dalia has become the youngest Polo player as well as the youngest race horse owner in Malaysia, where she has 20 horses in Tambalang.
“She is an ace swimmer, she does saber fencing, an expert cook, a good wildlife photographer, and she follows my footsteps and writes poetry.
“Then I got her into music so now she is a multi-instrumentalist, who plays the guitar, violin, piano, ukulele and she sings vocals,” he said.
He added that this concert is about Valiant Academy putting up the concert with Dalia as the main highlight and other children of Valiant performing as well.
“This concert had been sponsored by the Datin Linda Anthony Foundation which I started after Datin passed away due to Covid. This foundation has done a lot of charity work for Covid and especially for children.
“I continue her legacy worldwide, whatever charity works she’s been doing around the world before. Because she always said that charity without borders,” he said.
Ghulam said, Dalia is in the forefront of the Valiant concert where she also performs by playing the electric guitar and sings a song entitled ‘Mr Loverman’.
“The proceeds of this concert, a part of it will go to the cancer association in Sabah, for the benefit of the association. At the age of 12, she’ll be the youngest performer for charity in Sabah. That is my pride,” he said.
Founders of Valiant Music Melissa and her family said, this concert is also to celebrate the incredible journey of music education at their center.
“Since our founding in late 2017, we’ve seen our students and their music understanding transformed.
“This year we are truly blessed and grateful for the privilege of being able to give more through this concert as it is proudly sponsored by the Datin Linda Anthony Foundation and we are deeply touched by this generous and charitable gesture.
“This support allows us to provide a platform not only Valiant’s young children whom performed on the stage in the programme to be an example to our future generations, but also for people from all walks of life where they are able to express energy in a healthy positive way, mentally, physically and emotionally,” she said.
According to Melissa, this gives them the opportunity through the melody of music to inspire others and spread awareness of the power of music.
She added that it has been awe-inspiring to witness children who entered the classrooms with passion for sounds while being guided by dedicated teachers in discovering limitless musical potential.
“Our students come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own unique perspectives.
“They are not only skilled musicians, but also curious learners who understand that music is more than just notes on a page, but it’s about expression, technology, culture and so much more.
“Some have even transformed into multi-instrumentalists and vocalists by pushing the boundaries of their talents,” she said.
She took the opportunity to express their deepest gratitude to the Datin Linda Anthony Foundation whose unwavering support and generosity have been instrumental in bringing this concert to life.
“And we are proud to announce that a part of the proceeds from today’s concert will be donated to one of the cancer associations in Kota Kinabalu Sabah.
“To Datuk Seri Ghulam and Dalia, as well as others here today who have worked tirelessly to make this day a reality, thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. Music can change the world because it can change people,” she said.
Melissa added that Dalia’s musical journey began as a healing response after she tragically lost her mother, Datin Linda Anthony to Covid 19 when she was just eight years old.
“Datin Linda’s love and strength had touched the hearts of many. Leaving indelible marks on the community and her family. The once vibrant residence of Ilon was shrouded in silence and grief.
“In May of this year, after a long period of mourning, Datuk Seri Ghulam Sayeed, Dalia’s devoted father made the courageous decision to reignite the spark of joy in their lives.
“He welcomed us Valiant as a team into their home, whom we took on a heartfelt mission to introduce Dalia to the world of music. With passion and compassion the team guided her through the basics, reigniting her spirit.
“Dalia quickly discovered her passion for music and in just seven months she has blossomed into a multi-instrumentalist. The melody that fills their home now serves not only as a tribute to her mother’s memory, but also as a source of strength and creativity in Dalia’s life,” she said.
