SPPS Production hosted a spectacular mega concert featuring the Gaana King, Thenisai Thendral Deva, at EduCity Stadium, Johor, on 9th August. Remarkably, this was the organisers’ very first event, yet they executed it with impressive professionalism and flair.
Raguvaran Refrain, Hardee Bee, and LOCKUP Set the Stage Ablaze
As the crowd began gathering at the stadium, the air was filled with excitement — and a sudden downpour. Yet, the rain did little to dampen spirits; the audience remained eager for the show to begin. Before long, the skies cleared, making way for Deva’s musical magic. The evening opened with lively performances by Hardee Bee and Raguvaran Refrain, who kept the energy high. Hardee Bee wowed the audience with his impressive beatboxing, while Raguvaran’s soulful singing captivated and engaged the crowd.
The concert kicked off with a powerful performance by the OG Malaysian band, the legendary LOCKUP. A favourite among 90s kids, the band proved they still hold a special place in the hearts of fans. The line-up featured Nathan, Switche, Xavier, Victor, Mathan, and Ravi, with Switche and Xavier taking the lead vocals, Nathan adding supporting vocals while also manning the keyboard, Mathan on percussion and drums, and Ravi on bass guitar.
Nathan and Switche opened their set with a special greeting for the Johor Bahru crowd — Naange Ready, Neenge Ready Ah — instantly igniting the atmosphere. Switche’s electrifying rap sections set the stage ablaze, pulling the crowd into the rhythm. Their seamless rendition of the iconic Ring Ting, performed by Switche and Xavier, left the audience enchanted, and the energy peaked with their evergreen hit Kokkarakogiri, which had fans singing and dancing along. LOCKUP’s rocking performance perfectly set the tone for the much-anticipated arrival of the Gaana King.
The Grand Arrival of the Gaana King
Following that electrifying opening, host Sapna took over, steering the night with grace and charm. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for — the arrival of the hero of the day, the legendary musician and Gaana King, Thenisai Thendral Deva. His presence alone sent a roar through the stadium. Deva opened the concert with the soulful devotional number Ammama, instantly commanding the crowd’s attention. Presented by SPPS Production, the night also featured stellar performances by renowned artists including Rockstar Mano, Anuradha Sriram, Sabesh Murali, Srikanth Deva, Ajay Krishna, and Priyanka NK, each bringing Deva’s timeless hits to life on stage.
Soulful Melodies and a Spotlight on Local Talent
While Thenisai Thendral Deva is celebrated as the king of Gaana songs, his repertoire also boasts countless soulful melodies, proving his mastery across all genres of music. Several of these timeless tunes were beautifully brought to life during the concert. Crowd favourite Anuradha Sriram delivered heartfelt renditions of Karupu Thaa Enaku and Nalam Nalam Ariya, enchanting the audience with her powerful vocals. Priyanka NK mesmerised listeners with Megam Karukuthu, while Ajay Krishna moved hearts with the evergreen Konja Naal Poru. Anuradha and Ajay Krishna later joined forces for a lively performance of Menamma.
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when the organisers gave a platform to Malaysian talent Susan, who shared the stage with Mano for a high-energy rendition of Style-u Style-u, earning thunderous applause from the crowd.
Gaana Hits That Turned the Stadium Into a Dance Floor
Known for his unmatched mastery of Gaana songs, Thenisai Thendral Deva unleashed pure euphoria the moment he sang Salomiya — his powerful voice reverberating through the stadium and sending waves of excitement across the crowd.
He then captivated everyone with Vithama Vithama, performing a special “Johor edition” that had the audience cheering with delight. Chart-toppers like Kavalaipadathey, Anna Nagar Andaalu, Meenakshi Meenakshi, and Kannama Kannama transformed even the seating areas into dance floors, as fans of all ages swayed, clapped, and sang along in unison.
The celebration didn’t stop there! Deva’s infectious dance hits such as Macareena, Allu Allu, Vaadi Potta Pulla, and Panjumittai turned the stadium into a massive party. The beats were irresistible, the energy unstoppable, and for those few magical hours, no one could sit still — the entire venue moved as one to the rhythm of the Gaana King.
Reliving Superstar Moments with Deva’s Live Magic
As many know, Thenisai Thendral Deva was the genius behind the iconic title card music for Superstar Rajinikanth, and on this night, he brought that magic to life once again on stage. The legendary background score was performed with live instruments, creating a rare and electrifying moment that left the audience spellbound.
Another highlight came when the unforgettable Baasha Paaru theme from the blockbuster Baasha was presented in a unique way. First, the famous scene was played without music, building anticipation, and then it was replayed with a full live instrumental performance. The result was nothing short of goosebump-inducing. The fiery energy was so powerful that the crowd immediately called for an encore. Even after three decades, Deva’s music still roars with the same strength and brilliance.
After an unforgettable night of soulful melodies, pulsating dance hits, and electrifying Gaana numbers, the concert reached its grand finale with the high-energy Kaathadikuthu Kaathadikuthu. The stadium erupted as fans danced, clapped, and sang along one last time, riding the wave of adrenaline and joy that had built up throughout the evening.
With that, the live concert of the Gaana King, Thenisai Thendral Deva, came to a close but, not without leaving an indelible mark on Johor Bahru’s music lovers. It was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of decades of musical brilliance, a night where nostalgia met unbridled energy, and where every beat, every note, and every cheer became a part of a memory to be cherished for years to come.
A Seamlessly Executed First Triumph for SPPS Production
SPPS Production, the organisers, ensured a well-rounded concert experience for all attendees, with a variety of vendors set up both inside and outside the stadium. In anticipation of the evening’s rain, they even provided raincoats, ensuring the crowd stayed comfortable. Gates opened on time, and the event ran smoothly thanks to the meticulous planning of production team RK Projects & Technical Solutions , supported by Sega Irama, with AL Broadcast Solution and Bravography delivering excellent camera work that captured every moment.
If there was one aspect to reconsider, it might be the concert’s duration, as the late hours could be tiring for elderly audience members. That said, SPPS Production pulled off a truly impressive feat — delivering a full-house, high-energy, and flawlessly executed concert on their very first attempt. It was a night that set a new benchmark for live events in Johor Bahru.
Varnam Malaysia was the official media partner for Gaana King Thenisai Thendral Deva Concert.
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