The charismatic young singer, best known as the frontman of the band Spin, had captivated audiences with his emotive vocals and a string of hit songs that defined an era of Malaysian music.
Sixteen years later, his songs remain widely popular, and his memory lives on in the hearts of fans and those who knew him best.
“His songs were evergreen and he was loved by many. I’ve heard from many fans that they always sing his songs at karaoke, especially when they are sad or in love,” Muhammad Khalis Shari, Achik’s younger brother, told FMT Lifestyle.
“That was one of the strongest things about his music. Even today, people still sing his songs.”
Born Abdillah Murad Shari in Negeri Sembilan in 1982, Achik discovered his passion for music at a young age. He began performing at local weddings, earning about RM30 per show, before moving on to singing competitions.
Khalis remembers Achik as being determined to make it in the music industry even as a child. He once dreamed of starting a music company that would carry not just his own ambitions but those of his siblings as well.
Despite his growing career, Khalis, 38, said his brother remained devoted to family. Even when he had just a single day off, he would spend it with his siblings.
“He was a loving big brother who was very happy-go-lucky but also firm. Whenever he made a decision, he would always stick to it.”
Achik formed Spin in 1999, and the band released four albums: “Roda Roda Rindu” (1999), “Spin 2: Litar Asmara” (2000), “Spin 3: Demi” (2002) and “Keranamu” (2003). Among their best-known songs are “Mengusung Rindu”, “Hadirlah Mustika” and “Dekat Disayang Jauh Dikenang”.
He also gained widespread popularity through his duets with fellow Negeri Sembilan singer Siti Nordiana. Performing as Achik & Nana, the pair produced two albums, with one of their biggest hits, “Paling Comel”, released in 2003.
Beyond his music, Achik ventured into acting, taking on the lead role in the telefilm “Diari Romeo” (2003), which earned him the Pelakon Lelaki Harapan award at the 17th Malaysia Film Festival.
Tragically, Achik’s life was cut short at age 27 on April 17, 2010, when he was involved in an accident along the Lekas Highway at around 6.15pm.
Media reports said Achik was killed when the MPV driven by a friend crashed into a signpost, caught fire and exploded. He was laid to rest at Makam Tuan Haji Said Muslim cemetery in Seremban, leaving behind his wife and two daughters.
According to Bernama, over 100 people paid their last respects, including singers Hattan, Tomok and Lan Yusof.
Khalis shared that his brother’s passing “felt like a test at times”, adding: “It was hard to continue, knowing he was no longer with us. I don’t think any of us would have gone into music if not for him being gone.
“But we were motivated to continue his legacy.”
Indeed, in the years since, four of Achik’s nine siblings have taken up music, including his brother Tajul and sister Beby Acha.
Two bands have been formed: one, also called Spin, features new members alongside Achik’s younger brother Arwis Shari (Awis) as lead vocalist.
The second band, Real Spin, brings together original members Aidel Ahmad and Azren Kamil, along with Khalis.
Having two bands with similar names might seem complicated, but Khalis reassures fans there is no rivalry between them – their music complements rather than competes.
Khalis also continues to honour his brother through his performances. When invited to sing at events, for instance, he often includes at least two of Achik’s songs – a solo and a duet.
Asked for his message to fans, Khalis said he hopes they will continue to keep Achik in their prayers and honour his memory through his music.
“It’s always nice when I see members of the new generation discovering and appreciating his songs,” he said. “Mention some of his biggest hits and people instantly remember Achik. We can never forget him.”