Former singer Nizam Rahman dies at 43
The death of former singer Nizam Rahman on Wednesday morning (July 15) of was a shock to those close to him.
He had been in good health and had not shown any signs of illness.
Loved ones remember as a friendly, jovial person who always had a smile on his face.
The New Paper understands that Nizam, 43, passed away in his sleep at his Pasir Ris home, which he shares with his younger brother and parents.
He is the eldest of three children.
The bachelor had returned home from work after driving his taxi and performed his prayers before going to sleep.
His father discovered him motionless in bed around 5am when he went to wake Nizam for their pre-dawn meal and morning prayers.
Nizam, also known as Usman Rahman, had no known medical conditions.
Just two weeks ago, he had gone on a trip to Vietnam with a group of friends to buy Hari Raya treats and outfits for their families.
Accompanying Nizam were his best friends local actor Hatta Said and theatre activitist Aidli Mosbit (pictured above)
Aidli, the arts division section head at Temasek Polytechnic’s student and alumni affairs department, told The New Paper:
“I’m still in shock, I think most of us are. Just hours before that he had posted a video on our Facebook walls.
"But he passed away peacefully and in the good month of Ramadan.”
She called described their trio as “besties”.
“I’ve known him since I was 17. In one of our last Whatsapp conversations, we were talking about breaking fast together. Someone suggested Hari Raya eve but he said he will be preparing food for his family. Everyone can vouch for his super good cooking... it’s his trademark,” said Aidli, who described him as a warm person who was “easy to love”.
“At this moment, we’re so sad... it's still hard to believe, it hasn't quite hit us yet,” she added.
Nizam’s foray into the singing industry began when he won a singing contest in Bintang in 1989 when he was just 17.
He has also penned numerous theme songs for local Malay TV drama, which include Gerimis Di Hati and Embun di Tengah Hari.
Most recently, the lyricist wrote Ku Mengejar Mentari, the theme song for Suria drama series Mengejar Mentari which was sung by local singer Maiya Rahman.
His father, Mr H. Rahman, described Nizam as as a filial son.
“He is the best, a very good son. His time has come,” he said.
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