They first entered my life when I was 12 years old. Their music would be playing continuously in my bedroom while I was doing my homework, just lolling about on my bed, writing an entry in my diary, crying of a heart that was broken, or jumping around with joy at something that made my life looked hopeful.
The influence of their funky rhythm, soulful riffs and heartfelt lyrics touched my life in so many little ways but somehow they mean a big deal to me even 20 years later. That is also how long I had to wait to finally get to see them perform live for the first time in my life! When my soul sister smsed a few months ago to tell me about their concert in KL, I couldn't believe my blurring eyesight! FINALLY!, I thought. I felt my breath left my lungs for a while, I broke into cold sweat, my heart was racing..... I was EXCITED!!
Last Friday 6th of April, was a hectic day for me. With a project presentation scheduled in the morning, a counseling session with a client planned in the afternoon, and a meeting with my consultant company in late afternoon, I was feeling swamped. I was beginning to feel drained out of energy and I was worried that I would be feeling a tad too "old" to be going for this concert that I have been waiting for the whole of my life.
However, determined as I was to enjoy myself with my husband and friends that night, after finishing off all the things I was suppose to do, I rushed home to grab some zzzz's to recharge my flailing energy. After an hour's sleep, I was ready. I dressed appropriately, knowing fully well that I wasn't gonna be able to just stand there like a statue when they play their hit songs.
While in the car with my husband and my soul sister, we were worried that we would be feeling out of place as we had quit the clubbing scene for more than 15 years already. Insaf, diri kita ni dah tak setahun jagung lagi lah kan.... However, we were relieved to see the others who also came for the concert. I met some familiar faces, fellow musicians, old school friends...... and wait a minute.....! Are those my uncles and aunties there, walking in the hall looking a tad lost? Yeah!!! It's them alright! I was not made to feel out of place either with my hijab and all. There were many ladies wearing hijab with their balding hubbies bearing paunches and all. And the best fact of all.... I was NOT the OLDEST one there! I could've easily been considered one of the juniors there that night! Seronoknya.... Terasa muda semula!!
When Earth WInd & Fire opened their show with "In The Stone", I felt like as if I was in seventh heaven. Bottom line: I screamed with excitement and pure joy everytime they played my favourite song of theirs.... which are basically ALL of their songs. They didn't disappoint me at all. Boogie Wonderland, Serpentine Fire, September, After The Love Has Gone, Let's Groove, Fantasy...... all the lagu wajib! They were just stupendous! When I looked around me, I could see almost everyone was singing along and dancing to the music like as if there was no one else there! And I thought I was the only one yang dah lupa diri.... This group and their music has touched so many lives!! What a sight! What a Joy!
A short note to EWF: You guys made the 30 years wait all worth my while. Thank you.
