KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned composer and musician Ross Ariffin, who previously made headlines after it was discovered he had been living as a homeless person, has died.
He was 63.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil shared news of his passing in a Facebook post earlier today.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of our national artiste, Ross Ariffin, this afternoon.
“The news was conveyed by Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras, where the late Ross had been living since November last year.
“Uncle Ross was a composer who made significant contributions to the local music industry,” he wrote.
More details about Ross’s passing are still being gathered.
Fahmi said he had met Ross several times during his lifetime.
“He faced many life challenges, yet remained resilient in his artistic journey.
“May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous… Al-Fatihah,” he added.
On 8 June last year, Berita Harian reported a meeting between Fahmi and Ross, who was then living in a People’s Housing Project (PPR) flat in Kampung Muhibbah, provided by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), after his story of living on the streets went viral.
At the time, Ross, who had been in the PPR unit for three months, said he was enjoying the new community environment.
During the visit, Fahmi also handed Ross a keyboard to help him continue composing music.
Ross, who once played violin in an orchestra in London, composed songs for several of Malaysia’s top artistes, including Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Aishah, Liza Aziz, Jaclyn Victor and Fauziah Latiff.
Among his popular compositions are Dia by Fauziah, Kemaafan Dendam Yang Terindah by Aishah, and Kau dan Aku by Ning Baizura, which won the Anugerah Juara Lagu (Champion Song Awards) in the Pop Rock category in 1995.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
