Singer R Ismail dies aged 83

Singer R Ismail, 83 who died due to heart complications yesterday was loved by fellow artistes from both Singapore and Malaysia.

When contacted by Bernama, the veteran singer's eldest daughter Aslina Ismail said her father was admitted to Sengkang Hospital last Monday and placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

"Aba (as he is fondly called) has been suffering from heart disease for a long time. He died at 2.17 pm today," said Aslina.

R Ismail whose real name is Ismail Abdul Rahman, 83, is synonymous with songs like ‘Gurindam Jiwa’ recorded with the late Rafeah Buang.

He settled in Malaysia but returned to Singapore in 2017 and is survived by a wife and 11 children.

Aslina described R Ismail as a loving father who was very close to his family despite his busy schedule as a singer.

R Ismail will be laid to rest at 9 am today at Pusara Aman, Choa Chu Kang.

-- BERNAMA