The music in Hasmah never quite left

Dr. Hasmah Ali, a 99-year-old woman, returned to playing the violin at the age of 86, seven decades after she had set it aside to focus on her studies. On April 16, she visited an old friend in Alor Setar who was recovering from surgery and brought her violin with her. This scene, though quiet, carried a remarkable history. Dr. Ali had stopped playing the violin at the tender age of 16 to concentrate on her studies, and it remained untouched for nearly 70 years.

At 86, she decided to pick it up again, despite her poor eyesight. After securing a teacher and practicing diligently, she began performing again, starting with a solo version of "Fatwa Pujangga" at the "Duo Lagenda" concert in 2018. This performance was not just a musical appearance; Dr. Ali dedicated it to a firefighter whose wedding was planned for that day, asking the audience to recite Al-Fatihah for him.

In 2025, at 99, she continued her musical journey, performing at the "Nota Percaya" charity concert in Kuala Lumpur, sharing the stage with Bella Astillah, Fauziah Latiff, Yusni Hamid, and Lah Ahmad. For Dr. Ali, music was more than just a skill; it was a source of companionship. Her journey through music began in her youth and continued until her final days, proving that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one's dreams.