KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — She once ruled the stage in the 1980s. If Datuk Ramli Sarip was hailed as Malaysia’s “Papa Rock”, Sahara Yaacob was dubbed “Mama Rock”.
She was also known as Malaysia’s very own Tina Turner with her big frizzy hair and stage persona which rivalled the American songstress.
Born Zaharah Mohd Yaacob, Sahara, 61, was also a controversial figure in the 1980s mainly due to her sexy presence on stage.
Her performances were always full of energy and fans were never disappointed.
But behind all that glitz and glamour, Sahara led a sad personal life. She was married to Englishman Kassim Wheat when she was just 15.
However, her marriage to the 69-year-old did not last as they divorced 16 years later.
After that divorce, she remarried five more times but not a single one lasted.
“I was one of the most requested singers in the 1980s,” she said.
“I was called for a lot of shows including political ones.
“But then, newer singers emerged, and I was billed as redundant.”
Sahara broke down in tears as she wondered why and how she could be forgotten so easily by the people she used to help and entertain.
“I gave them everything I got but in the end I was thrown out like yesterday’s trash,” she sobbed.
“That’s why I decided to leave Malaysia and try to make a living in another country.”
Sahara’s fifth marriage was to a Middle Eastern man named Hosam Mohamed in 2000. Together with her new husband, Sahara moved to Egypt and dabbled in business.
But five years later, Sahara was told her mother was ill and she came back to Malaysia to take care of her ailing mother.
“My mother means the world to me. If I don’t take care of her, then who will?”
While she was taking care of her mother, the singer found out that Hosam cheated on her with her best friend.
“I was devastated. I felt betrayed. My own husband and my best friend!”
The singer divorced her husband and in 2012 her mother died.
Since then, Sahara has been living alone in a storeroom built near her sister’s house in Hulu Langat.
“I was living off my relatives. Although they are not wealthy, they found some extra money to give me,” she said.
“I was all alone in the storeroom. No one came to visit me aside from close friends and relatives.”
Last year before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, her plight was made known to Yayasan Artis 1Malaysia (YA1M).
YA1M general manager Lisza Abdul Kadir said she was shocked to find out about Sahara’s living conditions.
“Her family had asked Sahara to come to us for help but she refused saying she didn’t want to be anyone’s burden,” Lisza said.
Behind Sahara’s back, her relatives informed Lisza and YA1M president Datuk Irwanshah Abdullah, better known as DJ Dave, and told them of the singer’s living conditions.
“We bought her some groceries and furniture and made her living conditions better,” Lisza said.
“We also gave her some cash for her to spend for Aidilfitri last year.”
And lately, things have got better for Malaysia’s Tina Turner.
No longer living in the storeroom, YA1M persuaded Kuala Lumpur City Hall to give her a house to live in.
Sahara is currently living in Seri Alam, Sungai Besi, at a People’s Housing Project flat (PPR).
“I am thankful I have a comfortable home. I am grateful to all those involved, especially YA1M,” she said.
“I am able to to sing again and I will survive.”
Her plight also got the attention of a Pahang royalty who has pledged to donate money to the singer.
Sahara has since been invited to perform at various shows including Anugerah Melodi last year as well as the Wings and Superfriends concert in April.
Sahara is set to rock the stage at Saloma Bistro at Ben Nathan’s “Konsert Kasih dan Harapan” on Sunday.
Other performers will be Dave, Datuk M. Nasir, Datuk Nash, Fredo, Aris Ariwatan, Ramlah Ram and youngster Maisarah Ukulele.
“I would like to advise all the singers and artistes out there. Always respect your elders and know your place when you address them,” she said.
“One day we will all grow old and you would not want people to disrespect you because of your age.”
