First finalist of Beyond P. Ramlee Project

Most Influential Artiste in Malaysia
by Danny Zulkarnain


Siti Nurhaliza – A figure that needs no introduction to the music industry in the Malay Archipelago. Siti, as she is fondly known, was born on 11 January 1979 in Police Barrack in Awah Village, Temerloh, Pahang, Malaysia. She is the fifth child among her eight siblings. Her father, Tarudin bin Ismail was a policeman and her mother, Siti Salmah Bachik is a full-time housewife.

It is indeed safe to say that Siti is one of the most influential artistes in Malaysia since the last decade. Her existence in our entertainment industry has brought about a new dimension and perspective to all of us – who would expect that a young girl from a small village who merely speaks broken English can become a songbird not only adored by her own people of all walks of life, but also by people of the neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. The beautiful gifts she possesses - her ethereal voice and talent – have touched the inner feelings of all people. Her agile voice appears to flow from her effortlessly. Her grace and beauty have truly motivated legions of audiences. We can hear the growth and poise that she has harbored as she matures from a coltish, fresh-faced ingénue to a self-assured celebrity figure.

No one can deny that virtually every aspect of Siti Nurhaliza is record setting. Years of development and persistence have led this courageous person to discover that nothing is impossible when it comes to the heart and mind. Indeed, this young lady has earned accolades from the industry through immeasurable deeds and hard work. Her eponymous debut album, produced by a local recording company, Suria Records Sdn. Bhd. in 1995, became the first of a series of Number One albums. At the time, she was only 16. Since then, Malaysian ears have grown up surrounded by the mystique of Siti Nurhaliza, and throughout the past decade, she has astounded the entire local and regional music industry and the public with her talent and accomplishment. She has experienced the emotional depths of being an artist. All of her work promoting and supporting the local music industry has given her a permanent recognition in the coveted "Malaysia Book of Records". In fact, she was bestowed the 'Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang' award by the Sultan of Pahang which carries the title 'Datuk' in October 24, 2006 in recognition of her contribution to not only the local music industry but also for her undivided support for good causes and public service activities.

Today, Siti Nurhaliza is a template, a touchstone, and a hallmark of the regional industry. She is admired and envied by friends and foes equally. She is a singer capable of combining the fiery voice of Céline Dion with the stunningly elegant lyrics of Saloma – a local Malay legend. She has garnered more than a hundred awards from her 10 solo pop and traditional albums as well as many other fan-based-vote awards and recognitions from local and regional music industry. Blessed with a great voice, she has crossed all barriers with hit after hit within various genres - ballad, pop, R & B, and traditional Malay. Due to her big name and influence that she has on millions of people, she is sought after by many to be a guest artist, model for tv commercials, product ambassador and spokesperson, etc.

Siti has also produced compilations and duets and sung numerous theme songs for television movies, motion pictures, advertisements, and public service announcements. Apart from that, Siti has made numerous solo concerts locally and regionally as well as across the region in order to meet and entertain her millions of fans. One of Siti’s most memorable solo concerts would be, of course, her successful solo concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London in April 2005. British press called her 'Asia's Celine Dion' due to her powerful vocal and outstanding performances. Siti has indeed made Malaysians proud for her commendable effort to bring Malaysian music and culture to a foreign land like the United Kingdom.

However, Siti’s huge influence on most Malaysians is formidable that even her private life is made public to satisfy her fans and critics. After keeping mum on the controversy surrounding her love life, on July 17, 2006, Siti and Datuk Khalid finally made a press conference announcing their wedding plans. The press conference got a frenzy of media coverage and a live telecast from Malaysia’s TV3. Then, her wedding ceremony on August 21, 2006 was also televised live and gathered more than 2 million viewers. The first wedding reception was held on August 28, 2006, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) which was televised to 6.3 millions viewers nationwide. This media frenzy on Siti’s wedding was understandably unavoidable as she is truly the ‘darling’ of most Malaysians, and that high coverage was made in recognition of the fact that she is so influential to many of us.

Siti is indeed blessed with family, reporter friends and fans that constantly remind her to retain the traits that made her a star in the first place. The glitter of fame may fade as time goes by, but talent of this quality surpasses the test of time. Thus, throughout her career, she has never denied the importance of the support and prayers of her family and fans. They are her greatest teachers and they have left a lasting impression upon her work. Siti truly never forgets her roots – a testament to her humble attitude that has touched many. Despite the fame that she posseses and also, despite her married status, Siti will always be Siti – and no one can ever change the fact that she is so influential that her reign as the queen of Malay pop songs is still going strong as ever.


Note: The above 969 -word article is published without any edit from graha residenKu.