Kuala Lumpur was set ablaze with the spirit of Tina Turner, brought to life by the magnetic force of Rebecca O’Connor in her dazzling tribute, “Simply The Best: Celebrating Tina” on 11 July 2024 during the premiere night. Zepp Kuala Lumpur reverberated with powerful vocals and iconic hits that made Tina Turner a legend, as O’Connor delivered an electrifying performance that captivated the audience. The concert will continue at Zepp on 12 and 13 July 2024.
O’Connor, the only artiste personally endorsed by the late Tina Turner herself – who once famously proclaimed, “Rebecca is so good, it’s scary!” – has spent 15 years perfecting her portrayal of the queen of rock ‘n’ roll. Her pitch-perfect renditions of classics like “What’s Love Got To Do With It”, “Private Dancer” and “Simply The Best” were nothing short of spectacular, bringing fans to their feet in an atmosphere of pure joy and nostalgia.
To kick off the premiere night concert, the audience was treated to an opening act by the talented singer, rapper and songwriter Kayda Aziz, who performed her hit tune “Call On Me”. A regular on the Malaysian hip-hop scene, the award-winning artiste has collaborated with industry veterans such as Sheila Majid, Altimet, Yuka Kharisma, KRU and Hunny Madu.
Then it was showtime as O’Connor and her band of rock musicians and dancers delivered a powerhouse performance that surpassed expectations, radiating a stellar stage presence reminiscent of Tina Turner’s. Throughout the 90-minute concert that was divided into two dynamic sets, the audience sang and danced to high-energy renditions of classics like “Nutbush City Limits”, “Proud Mary”, “River Deep Mountain High” and many more. Said rap artiste and songwriter Hunny Madu on O’Connor’s portrayal of Tina Turner, “She sounded so much like Tina Turner! If I closed my eyes, I’d feel like Tina Turner is performing herself.” Madu’s favourite performances? “Rebecca covered my favourite songs “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “I Can’t Stand the Rain”. She did them very well.”
On stage, O’Connor exuded boundless energy, as she captured Turner’s distinctive wild hair and iconic red lips. While performing “Help”, her explosive energy was even more remarkable as she dazzled in a stunning cape designed by renowned Malaysian fashion designer Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi. The costume’s attention to detail and intricate design were perfectly suited to the night, adding to O’Connor’s captivating presence.
“The “Simply The Best” concert, celebrating Tina Turner by Rebecca O’Connor, is a spectacular show that truly lives up to its name. O’Connor’s performance is nothing short of electrifying, showcasing her powerful vocals and incredible energy. The show is a visual and auditory feast, with stunning costumes and a dynamic stage design that highlights the best of both international and Malaysian artistry. Presented by Milestone Production, this concert is a must-see event that captures the essence of Tina Turner’s legendary performances,” says Dato Grace, Managing Director of Milestone Production.
