KOTA KINABALU: Kupikupifm 96.3Mhz is going all out to feature its radio station announcers as well as some 23 artists and local bands at its inaugural concert on March 19.
Radio station program manager Lester Miol said the concert was organized to keep its promise once Kupikupifm’s Facebook page hits the 30,000 ‘Likes’ mark.
He added that at least 2,000 fans were expected to turn up during the free Kupikupifm Concert at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) indoor auditorium between 6pm to 11pm.
“Everything is free. We’re not charging anything, it’s totally for the fans and the people. Everybody is welcome to come and take their spot front stage as early as possible,” said Lester at a press conference at Kupikupifm’s office here yesterday.
Among the line-up of new and seasoned acts for the evening will be Firman, who won the top spot in the 2014 edition of Akademi Fantasia (AF) and his band Firmanation, fellow AF alumni Rich of Estranged, popular Dusun artist Francis Landong and the band Rimba.
Also in the list are Marcel Gatisi, Heidi Vanessa Maruning, Marrienney, The Janggut, Myra Lily, Keydeet Jack, Ridah & Ezani Mes, Malek Nasir, Fabian Williams, Faizul Sany, Marsha Milan, Apiang Sausun, Clarice John Matha, Sabah Institute of Arts band and the Sidma College dance group.
“We want this concert to not only be a place where all artists can converge on one stage and share experience, but also, hopefully, give more motivation to youths and all the young musicians to fight and do more,” emphasized Lester.
“Create different types of music and fusion music. There are so many types of music that we can be proud of in Sabah, so we hope Kupikupifm can be one of the media that can help to realize this,” said the hopeful program manager.
He added that the concert also aimed to fulfil its objective of bridging the gap between Kupikupifm and listeners by further introducing its people.
Sponsors of the concert include Nippon Paint, Coca Cola, Golden Sound Production and Millennium Video Production, as well as AirAsia, which is offering the lucky draw prize of tickets to Jakarta, said Lester.
Since officially hitting Sabah’s airwaves with announcers Velvet, Greg and Niz, Nera and Janrywine on Jan 20, Kupikupifm has seen a growing fan base and has reached over 33,000 ‘Likes’ on its Facebook page.
The station has also launched its streaming feed online and has maintained its radio waves from Kuala Penyu to Kota Belud.
According to Lester, plans are in the pipeline to reach out into the Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom territories.
He added that once these areas were covered, Kupikupifm would move into Kundasang, Ranau.
“From there we will move on; it is in the plans but we do not know when. Could be this year, next year and could even be tomorrow. It all depends on a lot of factors,” he explained.