Heartbreak, a bus stop, and a song that lives on

2026-03-29 - 01:20

Sohaimi Mior Hassan’s ‘killer’ ballad ‘Epilog Cinta Dari Bromley’ – inspired by his time in the UK in the late 1970s – was released in 1983. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Few Malaysian songs capture heartbreak quite like “Epilog Cinta Dari Bromley”. Nearly four decades on, the ballad by Sohaimi Mior Hassan continues to echo across generations, its quiet ache still finding a place on retro playlists and on late-night radio. Many have long assumed the song tells Sohaimi’s own love story. But it does not – and never did. Instead, it was born from something he witnessed up close: the complicated, often painful relationships of Malaysian students studying in the United Kingdom in the late 1970s. “I saw many friends going through it,” said Sohaimi, now 69. “They fell in love with locals but, when it was time to return to Malaysia, things became difficult because their partners did not want to convert to Islam.” For some, it meant choosing between love and faith; for others, it meant letting go. And that quiet heartbreak stayed with him. The spark for the song came in an ordinary moment – while waiting for a bus. “I saw a signboard that said ‘Bromley’, and from there the idea came,” he recalled. From that fleeting scene grew one of Malaysia’s most enduring love songs, propelling the Perak-born artiste’s name into prominence in the local entertainment scene. With his deep, soulful voice, Sohaimi – who is often compared to Indonesian singer Broery Marantika – gave life to a story that felt both distant and deeply personal. “Epilog Cinta Dari Bromley”, from his “Prolog” album, became what fans call a “killer song” – one that lingers long after it ends. Today, his life has taken on a gentler rhythm – he has largely stayed out of the limelight since the 2011 release of the song “Kalau Berpancaran”, which he performed with singer Ana Raffali and rapper Altimet. “It’s not that I’ve stepped away,” he said. “I still write songs – I’ve written maybe around 20 for Ramadan alone – but most of them I keep to myself.” The industry, he added, has changed. “In the past, record companies handled everything. Now you have to manage it all yourself, including digital platforms. It can be quite troublesome.” These days, the father of three and grandfather of four spends most of his time with family – sending his grandchildren to school, picking them up, and enjoying a quieter pace of life. He still performs occasionally, though only for select invitations. “Usually reunions or gatherings with longtime fans,” he added. “Maybe once or twice a month.” And when he does sing, one request almost always comes up. For many, “Epilog Cinta Dari Bromley” is more than just a song – it is a reminder of a love that could not survive, and the choices that come with it.