Dato' Shake Through The Eyes Of A JB Boy

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dato' Shake a couple of times back when I was hosting Malaysia Hari Ini on TV3. A true gentleman, with no shortage of great stories -- and absolutely no airs about him.


During one of those interviews, I couldn’t help myself and asked how he still managed to look so youthful (he's 75 now, btw.) Before he could even answer, his wife jumped in cheerfully: “Gym, and a lot of skincare products!” We all laughed -- a moment that perfectly summed up the warmth and ease of being around him.

Growing up as a JB boy, I’d of course heard of this Johorean who made it in France. Back then, we were genuinely in awe of his courage and perseverance. It simply wasn’t the norm for Malaysians to leave home and build an international career, let alone in Europe.

But Sheikh Abdullah Sheikh Ahmad did exactly that when he made Paris his home in 1976. The charismatic performer went on to secure a record deal and became a sensation across Europe, releasing a string of successful albums in both French and English. His contributions to French language and culture earned him the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government. 

And in 1979, Johor in turn honoured him with a Datoship -- a fitting recognition for a trailblazer who dared to dream beyond borders.

There’s also a personal connection I’ve always cherished: he went to English College, Johor Bahru -- the same alma mater as mine. In fact, he returned to perform at our school in 2014, when we celebrated its 100-year anniversary. A Johorean success story, coming home to where it all began.



Trivia: His brother,  Sheikh Abu Bakar Sheikh Ahmad was the owner of SBBS Music Centre; one of the earliest music stores in JB. No doubt this was one of my favourite places back then!

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