Rainforest World Music Festival 2000

The evolution of the singer-songwriter is indeed a fascinating one. In the case of Ramli Sarip, he's been through the rites of growing up, establishing himself as the wild frontman of heavy metallurgists, Sweet Charity, before swinging off in a different direction in pursuit of a calling which beckoned from within. Much of Ramli's solo career, which took off in 1985, has been centred round themes involving humanity. peace, heritage, life's twisted yet glorious paths, and issues which have been deeply rooted in the singer-songwriter. His latest album, Syair Timur, is a fusion of these themes, and elevates him even higher as a music icon of a generation that has seen so many revolutionary changes. As his solo career grew, Ramli composed and produced albums for himself and several other nascent artistes who were to become household names, like Ella, Dayangku Intan, Lefthanded and Lovehunter. Even as the commercial aspects of his work found a growing audience, Ramli displayed the soul that would guide him later in life. While many may remember Ramli for his veteran rocker's status, they also realize that he has blossomed to become a true voice of a generation. Ramli performed at the 1999 WOMAD festival in Singapore.