{
  "id": 19946011,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: 1990s rock band Versi frontman Awang dies at 59",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/showbiz-1990s-rock-band-versi-frontman-awang-dies-at-59",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T08:10:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/11/1577510/showbiz-1990s-rock-band-versi-frontman-awang-dies-59"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Che Saimi Che Wok, widely known as Awang, the frontman of the 1990s rock band Versi, died at the age of 59. His spouse, Yusnani Kiman, announced his demise, stating he had been unwell since the previous day. Awang had complained of feeling feverish and breathing shallowly. Despite his wife's suggestion to seek medical attention, he resisted, fearing a hospital stay might lead to a flu infection. Shortly after, he vomited and lost consciousness.\n\nAwang had been suffering from a persistent cough for over a month, which had peaked during the haze season. His health deteriorated rapidly in the following days, accompanied by phlegm. He had a history of heart issues, including a heart attack last year that required him to monitor his fluid intake carefully to avoid breathlessness. Yusnani revealed that Awang had largely withdrawn from the music scene, with his last public performance occurring in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, on September 26. Since then, he had primarily focused on serving as a bilal at the Al-Qurtubi Mosque in Taman Sri Segambut. Even on the day of his passing, he managed to recite the Maghrib and Isyak prayers. He leaves behind his wife, two children, and two grandchildren. Awang's funeral will be held at the Jalan Segambut Islamic Cemetery following the Asar prayers today.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The frontman of the 1990s rock outfit Versi, Che Saimi Che Wok, better known as Awang, passed away at his home in Taman Sri Segambut today. He was 59.",
  "key_points": [
    "Awang, frontman of 1990s rock band Versi, dies at 59",
    "Spouse Yusnani announces death, Awang ill since previous day",
    "Health decline rapid with history of heart issues and cough"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The passing of the Versi frontman marks the end of a musical era for the 1990s rock scene as a prominent figure transitions from public performance to religious service.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}