The result of Beyond P. Ramlee Project has been published on http://graharesidenKu.blogspot.com last Friday. Congratulations to all winners.
Please be informed that the prize-giving ceremony will be on 18 April 2009, 1.30 pm at Graha Residen, Astaka Heights, Taman Shamelin Perkasa, Kuala Lumpur.
Insya-Allah, the event will also be attended by a group of under-privileged children from Klang, Selangor.
All winners and finalists are requested to kindly confirm your attendance to the ceremony, latest by 16 April 2009.
Any uncollected gifts/vouchers will be donated to charity and may Allah bless all of your generous deeds. Aamin.
Thank you.
Showing posts with label Beyond P. Ramlee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Beyond P. Ramlee. Show all posts
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Friday, 3 April 2009
Keputusan Projek Beyond P. Ramlee
Pengumuman ini tertangguh-tangguh beberapa kali dan sudah lama ia tertunda. Maaf banyak-banyak.
Dengan ini, diumumkan keputusan bagi Projek Beyond P. Ramlee, yang bertujuan untuk mengenengahkan penulisan tentang bakat-bakat seni di Malaysia, adalah seperti berikut:
Setelah dihakimi kesemua tulisan yang telah diterbitkan di laman ini, adalah diputuskan bahawa TIADA pemenang untuk Hadiah Utama (Grand Prize). Namun, terdapat dua artikel yang mempunyai kualiti penulisan yang boleh dibanggakan dan layak untuk diberikan Hadiah Penghargaan. Artikel-artikel yang dimaksudkan itu ialah:
Dengan ini, diumumkan keputusan bagi Projek Beyond P. Ramlee, yang bertujuan untuk mengenengahkan penulisan tentang bakat-bakat seni di Malaysia, adalah seperti berikut:
Setelah dihakimi kesemua tulisan yang telah diterbitkan di laman ini, adalah diputuskan bahawa TIADA pemenang untuk Hadiah Utama (Grand Prize). Namun, terdapat dua artikel yang mempunyai kualiti penulisan yang boleh dibanggakan dan layak untuk diberikan Hadiah Penghargaan. Artikel-artikel yang dimaksudkan itu ialah:
- As Wee Remembered; Era of Enigma (by Wadi)
- Beyond P. Ramlee: Fauziah 'Ogy' Dato' Ahmad Daud (by Mustaffa)
Tahniah!
Di samping itu, terima kasih daun keladi diucapkan kepada peserta yang lain - Zetty, Nor Azrina Zakaria, Danny Zulkarnain & Zack. Insya-Allah, sertailah lagi sekiranya laman ini menganjurkan lagi pertandingan sebegini.
Kepada kedua-dua pemenang Hadiah Penghargaan serta keempat-empat finalis, sila hubungi pihak penganjur untuk urusan penghantaran Hadiah Penghargaan (wang tunai) dan gift vouchers.
Sekian, harap maklum.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Amusing, candid but... ngelat!
I've been reading her blog for years now. In fact, some of the participants of Beyond P. Ramlee Project are regulars to her life like this..., a colourful takes on her life.
Reading her essay on, not one, but five outstanding Malaysians (four, if you still consider M. Nasir as a Singaporean) in the local entertainment industry, made me believe that there are indeed fellow Malaysians with big talents. And thank you for her generousity in reminding us how great P. Ramlee was and to a certain extent, still is.
I've no problem with Zetty's style of writing, which is similar to Mus' but hers is slightly less formal. What I meant by less formal here, is that if the article were to be published on any printed media, it needs editing work and can't be published instantly.
A friend of mine used to say that one of the reasons why she likes to frequent to life like this... is because the posts have no expiry date. In other words, each post can be read again and again. The same thing applies on Zetty's submission for this contest. I could reread it so many times without feeling bored.
Nevertheless, Zetty was a bit cruel to us, when she decided NOT to single out the ONE, as what we'd expected. It feels like she took the easiest way and left us on our own to draw our own conclusion. Although I don't feel any wrong with that approach, I just wish that Zetty could have provide more perspectives in illustrating these five talented people.
Overall, this is another commendable article which was written with lots of passion. It sounds popular, yet plausible. However, it was too safe. Or, should I openly say it... awak ngelatlah, Zetty!
Reading her essay on, not one, but five outstanding Malaysians (four, if you still consider M. Nasir as a Singaporean) in the local entertainment industry, made me believe that there are indeed fellow Malaysians with big talents. And thank you for her generousity in reminding us how great P. Ramlee was and to a certain extent, still is.
I've no problem with Zetty's style of writing, which is similar to Mus' but hers is slightly less formal. What I meant by less formal here, is that if the article were to be published on any printed media, it needs editing work and can't be published instantly.
A friend of mine used to say that one of the reasons why she likes to frequent to life like this... is because the posts have no expiry date. In other words, each post can be read again and again. The same thing applies on Zetty's submission for this contest. I could reread it so many times without feeling bored.
Nevertheless, Zetty was a bit cruel to us, when she decided NOT to single out the ONE, as what we'd expected. It feels like she took the easiest way and left us on our own to draw our own conclusion. Although I don't feel any wrong with that approach, I just wish that Zetty could have provide more perspectives in illustrating these five talented people.
Overall, this is another commendable article which was written with lots of passion. It sounds popular, yet plausible. However, it was too safe. Or, should I openly say it... awak ngelatlah, Zetty!
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Sixth Finalist of Beyond P. Ramlee Project
Beyond P.Ramlee
by Zetty
P.Ramlee is almost the common de-facto answers for any aspiring artistes, in particular, singers, actors and movie/drama directors. Next to P.Ramlee, Sudirman is the other favorite answer. Makcik admire P.Ramlee neither for his acting talent nor his singing talent. Or even his directorial talent. Admittedly his songs such as Azizah and Dendang Perantau are still remembered sampai hari ni, kanak-kanak yg lahir selepas pemergian P.Ramlee pun tahu menyayikan serangkap dua lagu P.Ramlee.
Bila penat bekerja, ada jugak suara-suara yg nakal menyayikan bait lagu “Beginilah nasib diriku yg malang…Oh Tuhan!” dari filem Ali Baba. Ada juga suami yg suka mengusik isteri mengulang skrip dari filem Madu Tiga. Pendek kata, P.Ramlee adalah insan yg mampu membuatkan penonton mengukir senyum, ketawa terbahak-terbahak dan mengalirkan airmata seperti filem Penarik Becha, Nujum Pak Belalang dan Anakku Sazali.
Bakat lakonan dan nyanyian P.Ramlee wujud di dalam diri kebanyakan artis di Malaysia ni, jika tidak masakan mereka dipanggil artis kan? Inginkan lawak lucu yg mencuit hati, A.R Badul, Hamid Gurkha dan Allahyarhamah Yusni Jaafar telah melakukannya di zaman kegemilangan mereka. Makcik masih ingat satu babak dalam filem Setinggan arahan A.R Badul di mana Yusni menegur Hamid Gurkha yg baru pulang dari kerja dengan suara jantan kerana Yusni tercekik tongkol jagung. Makcik tersenyum setiap kali teringat babak itu sambil makan jagung.
Ahmad Nawab, Audi Mok, Aidit Alfian, M.Nasir, Habsah Hassan dan Arwah Loloq adalah bukti industri kita tidak ketandusan bakat peggubahan lagu dan penulisan lirik. Lagu dan lirik gubahan mereka mampu membuai rasa, menyetuh jiwa para pencinta lagu melayu. Dan jika ingin disentuh tentang bakat nyanyian, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza, Sheila Majid, Adibah Noor, Tan Sri S.M Salim, Dato’ Sharifah Aini telah banyak menyumbangkan suara merdu mereka untuk menghidupkan lagu-lagu ciptaan penggubah lagu tempatan.
To view and admire P.Ramlee for his singing, acting or directorial debut adalah satu perkara yg sangat cliche. P.Ramlee should be admired for his innovation! I know I do.
See, P.Ramlee was always ahead of his time compared to his peers like Aziz Jaafar, S.Kadarisman and Aziz Sattar. Itu bukanlah kebetulan kerana P.Ramlee ialah seorang innovator. He created new products from the existing offerings dlm industri filem Jalan Ampas ketika itu and successfully market it. That’s an innovation!
Ketika filem melayu keluaran pre-Jalan Ampas and during era Jalan Ampas banyak berkisar tentang topik cinta atau lawak dari perspective pengarah-pengarah dari/berbangsa India seperti BS Rajhans, BN Rao, V. Girimaji, Diresh Gosh, P.Ramlee muncul menghasilkan Bujang Lapuk trilogy dimana P.Ramlee mengangkat kisah reality kehidupan lelaki bujang di zaman itu dan mempersembahkannya dgn jalan cerita dan babak-babak yg dekat di hati kita. Dan kadangkala ada babak sinis yg membuatkan kita mentertawakan diri sendiri tetapi kemudian terdiam berfikir.
Ketika lagu melayu yg dihasilkan oleh penggubah hanya berkisar sekira nota-nota lagu traditional, P.Ramlee menghasilkan lagu-lagu melayu yg mempunya flavor bangsa luar seperti lagu Bunyi Gitar yg menyerapkan elemen muzik rentak twist.
Pendek kata, bagi makcik...P.Ramlee adalah insan yg istimewa kerana sifat innovation nya!
Sifat yg makcik nampak ada pada Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, Yasmin Ahmad dan M.Nasir, Arwah Loloq dan Ahmad Khalid pada masa ini. Memang benar Yasmin Ahmad bukanlah penyayi yg gah, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina seorang penulis lirik melankolik yg mampu membuat kita menitiskan airmata ataupun M.Nasir seorang pengarah filem yg telah berjaya mengangkat nama Malaysia di mata dunia (ataupun Bulgaria for that matter *lawak Mila AF hehe. Maaf, I couldnt help it*)
Anyways, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, Yasmin Ahmad dan M.Nasir, Arwah Loloq dan Mamat Khalid shared the same streak, they are innovators! Jika dulu tiada crowd yg ingin berebut membeli tiket teater dan berbondong menjejak Istana Budaya, Datin Seri Tiara telah mengubah semua itu dgn menggahkan budaya teater. Beliau telah menjemput yg terbaik di dalam industri, membuat kajian after kajian dan akhirnya memasarkan Puteri Gunung Ledang kepada segenap lapisan masyarakat yg bukan hanya limited di Malaysia malah Singapura juga. She has single-handedly transformed the theater scene in Malaysia…you know, now it is cool to watch theatre!
Yasmin Ahmad mengangkat common topic – love, to another level. Cinta bukan hanya melafazkan I love you and you love me, it is deeper than that. Relationship between families, friends, all other people around you were well transpired in her movie that infused inter-cultural elements which was the true reflection of kita nowadays – Kita Malaysian bukan Kita Melayu.
M.Nasir dan Loloq tidak hanya menulis dan menggubah lagu cinta leleh, cinta kepada tuhan, makna ke-esaan, hubungan kita dan alam turut diselitkan di dalam lagu-lagu from their collaboration. Lagu 77 jalan bukanlah…
Mamat Khalid bukanlah hanya seorang pengarah filem kampung. Itu adalah pandangan dangkal dari pemerhati industri. In fact, on another note, apa salahnya dgn filem kampung? Filem-filem Ahmad Khalid were always perceived as komedi. Filem komedi yg typically org gelak kosong di dalam kegelapan ketika menonton dan terus melupakan intipati cerita ketika lampu wayang dicerahkan semula. Filem Ahmad Khalid seperti Zombi Kampung Pisang adalah satu filem yg sinis. Filem yg secara halus mencerminkan budaya dan sifat kita yg rakus dan mempersoalkan tentang kesetiaan dan kepercayaan kita.
Dan seperti apa yg P.Ramlee telah berjaya lakukan sebagai true innovator di zamannya, P.Ramlee berjaya ‘memasarkan (to market)’ his ideas and accepted by the public, so did Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, Yasmin Ahmad dan M.Nasir, Arwah Loloq dan Mamat Khalid.
by Zetty
P.Ramlee is almost the common de-facto answers for any aspiring artistes, in particular, singers, actors and movie/drama directors. Next to P.Ramlee, Sudirman is the other favorite answer. Makcik admire P.Ramlee neither for his acting talent nor his singing talent. Or even his directorial talent. Admittedly his songs such as Azizah and Dendang Perantau are still remembered sampai hari ni, kanak-kanak yg lahir selepas pemergian P.Ramlee pun tahu menyayikan serangkap dua lagu P.Ramlee.
Bila penat bekerja, ada jugak suara-suara yg nakal menyayikan bait lagu “Beginilah nasib diriku yg malang…Oh Tuhan!” dari filem Ali Baba. Ada juga suami yg suka mengusik isteri mengulang skrip dari filem Madu Tiga. Pendek kata, P.Ramlee adalah insan yg mampu membuatkan penonton mengukir senyum, ketawa terbahak-terbahak dan mengalirkan airmata seperti filem Penarik Becha, Nujum Pak Belalang dan Anakku Sazali.
Bakat lakonan dan nyanyian P.Ramlee wujud di dalam diri kebanyakan artis di Malaysia ni, jika tidak masakan mereka dipanggil artis kan? Inginkan lawak lucu yg mencuit hati, A.R Badul, Hamid Gurkha dan Allahyarhamah Yusni Jaafar telah melakukannya di zaman kegemilangan mereka. Makcik masih ingat satu babak dalam filem Setinggan arahan A.R Badul di mana Yusni menegur Hamid Gurkha yg baru pulang dari kerja dengan suara jantan kerana Yusni tercekik tongkol jagung. Makcik tersenyum setiap kali teringat babak itu sambil makan jagung.
Ahmad Nawab, Audi Mok, Aidit Alfian, M.Nasir, Habsah Hassan dan Arwah Loloq adalah bukti industri kita tidak ketandusan bakat peggubahan lagu dan penulisan lirik. Lagu dan lirik gubahan mereka mampu membuai rasa, menyetuh jiwa para pencinta lagu melayu. Dan jika ingin disentuh tentang bakat nyanyian, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza, Sheila Majid, Adibah Noor, Tan Sri S.M Salim, Dato’ Sharifah Aini telah banyak menyumbangkan suara merdu mereka untuk menghidupkan lagu-lagu ciptaan penggubah lagu tempatan.
To view and admire P.Ramlee for his singing, acting or directorial debut adalah satu perkara yg sangat cliche. P.Ramlee should be admired for his innovation! I know I do.
See, P.Ramlee was always ahead of his time compared to his peers like Aziz Jaafar, S.Kadarisman and Aziz Sattar. Itu bukanlah kebetulan kerana P.Ramlee ialah seorang innovator. He created new products from the existing offerings dlm industri filem Jalan Ampas ketika itu and successfully market it. That’s an innovation!
Ketika filem melayu keluaran pre-Jalan Ampas and during era Jalan Ampas banyak berkisar tentang topik cinta atau lawak dari perspective pengarah-pengarah dari/berbangsa India seperti BS Rajhans, BN Rao, V. Girimaji, Diresh Gosh, P.Ramlee muncul menghasilkan Bujang Lapuk trilogy dimana P.Ramlee mengangkat kisah reality kehidupan lelaki bujang di zaman itu dan mempersembahkannya dgn jalan cerita dan babak-babak yg dekat di hati kita. Dan kadangkala ada babak sinis yg membuatkan kita mentertawakan diri sendiri tetapi kemudian terdiam berfikir.
Ketika lagu melayu yg dihasilkan oleh penggubah hanya berkisar sekira nota-nota lagu traditional, P.Ramlee menghasilkan lagu-lagu melayu yg mempunya flavor bangsa luar seperti lagu Bunyi Gitar yg menyerapkan elemen muzik rentak twist.
Pendek kata, bagi makcik...P.Ramlee adalah insan yg istimewa kerana sifat innovation nya!
Sifat yg makcik nampak ada pada Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, Yasmin Ahmad dan M.Nasir, Arwah Loloq dan Ahmad Khalid pada masa ini. Memang benar Yasmin Ahmad bukanlah penyayi yg gah, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina seorang penulis lirik melankolik yg mampu membuat kita menitiskan airmata ataupun M.Nasir seorang pengarah filem yg telah berjaya mengangkat nama Malaysia di mata dunia (ataupun Bulgaria for that matter *lawak Mila AF hehe. Maaf, I couldnt help it*)
Anyways, Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, Yasmin Ahmad dan M.Nasir, Arwah Loloq dan Mamat Khalid shared the same streak, they are innovators! Jika dulu tiada crowd yg ingin berebut membeli tiket teater dan berbondong menjejak Istana Budaya, Datin Seri Tiara telah mengubah semua itu dgn menggahkan budaya teater. Beliau telah menjemput yg terbaik di dalam industri, membuat kajian after kajian dan akhirnya memasarkan Puteri Gunung Ledang kepada segenap lapisan masyarakat yg bukan hanya limited di Malaysia malah Singapura juga. She has single-handedly transformed the theater scene in Malaysia…you know, now it is cool to watch theatre!
Yasmin Ahmad mengangkat common topic – love, to another level. Cinta bukan hanya melafazkan I love you and you love me, it is deeper than that. Relationship between families, friends, all other people around you were well transpired in her movie that infused inter-cultural elements which was the true reflection of kita nowadays – Kita Malaysian bukan Kita Melayu.
M.Nasir dan Loloq tidak hanya menulis dan menggubah lagu cinta leleh, cinta kepada tuhan, makna ke-esaan, hubungan kita dan alam turut diselitkan di dalam lagu-lagu from their collaboration. Lagu 77 jalan bukanlah…
Mamat Khalid bukanlah hanya seorang pengarah filem kampung. Itu adalah pandangan dangkal dari pemerhati industri. In fact, on another note, apa salahnya dgn filem kampung? Filem-filem Ahmad Khalid were always perceived as komedi. Filem komedi yg typically org gelak kosong di dalam kegelapan ketika menonton dan terus melupakan intipati cerita ketika lampu wayang dicerahkan semula. Filem Ahmad Khalid seperti Zombi Kampung Pisang adalah satu filem yg sinis. Filem yg secara halus mencerminkan budaya dan sifat kita yg rakus dan mempersoalkan tentang kesetiaan dan kepercayaan kita.
Dan seperti apa yg P.Ramlee telah berjaya lakukan sebagai true innovator di zamannya, P.Ramlee berjaya ‘memasarkan (to market)’ his ideas and accepted by the public, so did Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina, Yasmin Ahmad dan M.Nasir, Arwah Loloq dan Mamat Khalid.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Hitam Putih Aznil
Di awal pembacaan artikel tulisan Zack, penulis mati-mati ingatkan ianya satu karya satira. Lebih-lebih lagi, subjek yang diangkat tidak lain tidak bukan, Aznil Haji Nawawi. Antara yang paling sesuai untuk diolah bagi menjadi satu satira hiburan yang pasti menghiburkan.
Akan tetapi, makin dibaca makin meleset harapan yang menggunung tadi. Ketika sudah dibaca separuh artikel tersebut, semakin terserlah kesungguhan Zack mencanangkan kehebatan pengacara yang mulai membina nama dengan rancangan Pop Kuiz ini, seadanya. Tiada tokok tambah yang bisa meyakinkan pembaca bahawa Aznil berpotensi untuk mewarisi kegahan P. Ramlee. Seorang lagi peserta yang mempersia-siakan peluang keemasan untuk bersinar.
Aznil di kaca mata Zack betul-betul sama dengan Aznil di kaca mata Huzz, Zubir ataupun Elyana. Sangat pipih, biarpun tidak seratus peratus.
Sebenarnya tiada salahnya mengilustrasikan subjek seperti Aznil sedemikian rupa. Sekurang-kurangnya, karya yang terhasil tidak judgemental - satu teknik berkarya yang sinonim dengan Osman Ali, cuma mediumnya berlainan. Tetapi, kepipihan bisa mengundang kebosanan sekiranya ianya gagal dinukil sebaik mungkin. Kerana yang cuba dipersembahkan tiada bezanya yang boleh dibaca dalam makalah Panca Indera ataupun Bintang Popular. Tiada elemen tersirat. Oleh demikian, aura Aznil Haji Nawawi tidak mengesankan dan tiada gah.
Satu aspek yang perlu diberikan penekanan oleh Zack ialah ketepatan diksi yang dipilih guna dalam tulisan beliau. Seandainya tidak dijaga, akan timbul unsur-unsur generalisation yang bobrok dan tidak masuk akal. Contohnya, frasa "setiap masyarakat di dunia" dalam ayat "P. Ramlee adalah amat dikagumi oleh setiap masyarakat di dunia terutamanya di Malaysia" sangat mencurigakan. Apa bukti yang Zack ada yang membuktikan bahawa masyarakat di Tibet, Nigeria, Iceland ataupun Peru mengagumi P. Ramlee? Begitu juga perincian tentang Aznil dalam ayat "beliau juga dapat diterima oleh segenap lapisan masyarakat dari pelbagai peringkat umur tak kira anak kecil, tua dan muda" sungguh mencurigakan. Seboleh-bolehnya, perkataan "setiap" dan "segenap" dijauhi, kecuali boleh disandarkan dengan fakta dan hujah bernas.
Namun kenakalan Zack membangkitkan isu homoseksual adalah satu contoh attention grabber yang berkesan. Satu aspek yang kurang diambil berat oleh beberapa peserta yang lain. Dan Zack konsisten dengan stail non-judgemental beliau.
Sayang sekali salah satu kelebihan Aznil iaitu kerelevanan beliau dilepas pandang. Aznil kekal relevan berbanding seorang kawan yang juga "musuh ketat"nya, Azwan Haji Ali adalah kerana Aznil PEKA dengan tuntutan kontemporari, PANTAS membaca reaksi kumpulan sasaran, dan BIJAK memberikan reaksi yang popular dalam bentuk yang tampak SENSASI. Tanpa keempat-empat elemen ini, maka syok sendiri jawabnya!
Secara keseluruhannya, artikel tentang Aznil ini adalah sebuah karangan hitam putih. Yang diketahui hitam, kekal hitam dan yang putih, berterusan putih. Tidak berwarna warni, lantas subjek dalam karangan tersebut tampak biasa-biasa sahaja. Tidak terserlah keistimewaan yang magic. Ianya sedikit "kelakar" gara-gara pemilihan diksi yang tidak tepat. Tetapi, sekurang-kurangnya penulisan Zack tidak melewah-lewah.
p/s: Alhamdulillah, I'm so thankful to Allah that my sister is recovering very well indeed. Currently, I'm in Germany.
Akan tetapi, makin dibaca makin meleset harapan yang menggunung tadi. Ketika sudah dibaca separuh artikel tersebut, semakin terserlah kesungguhan Zack mencanangkan kehebatan pengacara yang mulai membina nama dengan rancangan Pop Kuiz ini, seadanya. Tiada tokok tambah yang bisa meyakinkan pembaca bahawa Aznil berpotensi untuk mewarisi kegahan P. Ramlee. Seorang lagi peserta yang mempersia-siakan peluang keemasan untuk bersinar.
Aznil di kaca mata Zack betul-betul sama dengan Aznil di kaca mata Huzz, Zubir ataupun Elyana. Sangat pipih, biarpun tidak seratus peratus.
Sebenarnya tiada salahnya mengilustrasikan subjek seperti Aznil sedemikian rupa. Sekurang-kurangnya, karya yang terhasil tidak judgemental - satu teknik berkarya yang sinonim dengan Osman Ali, cuma mediumnya berlainan. Tetapi, kepipihan bisa mengundang kebosanan sekiranya ianya gagal dinukil sebaik mungkin. Kerana yang cuba dipersembahkan tiada bezanya yang boleh dibaca dalam makalah Panca Indera ataupun Bintang Popular. Tiada elemen tersirat. Oleh demikian, aura Aznil Haji Nawawi tidak mengesankan dan tiada gah.
Satu aspek yang perlu diberikan penekanan oleh Zack ialah ketepatan diksi yang dipilih guna dalam tulisan beliau. Seandainya tidak dijaga, akan timbul unsur-unsur generalisation yang bobrok dan tidak masuk akal. Contohnya, frasa "setiap masyarakat di dunia" dalam ayat "P. Ramlee adalah amat dikagumi oleh setiap masyarakat di dunia terutamanya di Malaysia" sangat mencurigakan. Apa bukti yang Zack ada yang membuktikan bahawa masyarakat di Tibet, Nigeria, Iceland ataupun Peru mengagumi P. Ramlee? Begitu juga perincian tentang Aznil dalam ayat "beliau juga dapat diterima oleh segenap lapisan masyarakat dari pelbagai peringkat umur tak kira anak kecil, tua dan muda" sungguh mencurigakan. Seboleh-bolehnya, perkataan "setiap" dan "segenap" dijauhi, kecuali boleh disandarkan dengan fakta dan hujah bernas.
Namun kenakalan Zack membangkitkan isu homoseksual adalah satu contoh attention grabber yang berkesan. Satu aspek yang kurang diambil berat oleh beberapa peserta yang lain. Dan Zack konsisten dengan stail non-judgemental beliau.
Sayang sekali salah satu kelebihan Aznil iaitu kerelevanan beliau dilepas pandang. Aznil kekal relevan berbanding seorang kawan yang juga "musuh ketat"nya, Azwan Haji Ali adalah kerana Aznil PEKA dengan tuntutan kontemporari, PANTAS membaca reaksi kumpulan sasaran, dan BIJAK memberikan reaksi yang popular dalam bentuk yang tampak SENSASI. Tanpa keempat-empat elemen ini, maka syok sendiri jawabnya!
Secara keseluruhannya, artikel tentang Aznil ini adalah sebuah karangan hitam putih. Yang diketahui hitam, kekal hitam dan yang putih, berterusan putih. Tidak berwarna warni, lantas subjek dalam karangan tersebut tampak biasa-biasa sahaja. Tidak terserlah keistimewaan yang magic. Ianya sedikit "kelakar" gara-gara pemilihan diksi yang tidak tepat. Tetapi, sekurang-kurangnya penulisan Zack tidak melewah-lewah.
p/s: Alhamdulillah, I'm so thankful to Allah that my sister is recovering very well indeed. Currently, I'm in Germany.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Fifth Finalist of Beyond P. Ramlee Project
Beyond P. Ramlee
oleh Zack
oleh Zack
Bintang lagenda seperti Allahyarham P. Ramlee adalah amat dikagumi oleh setiap masyarakat di dunia terutamanya di Malaysia. Menjalani kehidupan sebagai seorang anak seni dalam bidang lakonan, nyanyian dan pengarahan adalah amat mencabar disamping menemui kepuasan.
Seperti anak seni yang bernama Aznil Hj. Nawawi dimasa kini boleh juga dilabelkan “beyond P. Ramlee” yang juga punyai bakat dalam bidang seni. Karier utama yang dapat ditonjolkan oleh beliau adalah dalam bidang pengacaraan selain dari persembahan nyanyian dan lakonan. Seperti P. Ramlee, beliau juga dapat diterima oleh segenap lapisan masyarakat dari pelbagai peringkat umur tak kira anak kecil, tua dan muda. Beliau mula diperlihatkan dalam rancangan Pop kuiz pada tahun 1994 yang mana pernah mendapat rating rancangan tertinggi selain dari rancangan melodi. Kini beliau dapat meningkatkan bakatnya dalam mengacara konsert mingguan akademi fantasia dimana beliau dapat mengawal keadaan sekeliling dan emosi para penonton. Tidak lupa juga rancangan “talk show” macam-macam Aznil yang menyatukan pelbagai lapisan umur dan bangsa. Rancangan seperti “Tom-Tom Bak” juga diperkatakan beliau dapat menarik perhatian kanak-kanak dalam pengajaran dan pendidikan supaya dapat berfikir dan berkomunikasi dengan lebih cekap dan kretif.
Menyentuh dalam bidang pengarahan filem, beliau pernah menjadi pengarah bersama didalam filem AKU NO.1 bersama Azwan Hj. Ali, rakan seperjuangan beliau Dalam bidang lakonan pula, beliau dapat membawa watak yang diberikan dengan berkesan sesuai dengan karaktor diri beliau yang begitu mencuit hati. Beliau dapat membuat penonton rasa terhibur dengan gelak tawa selain adengan yang menyayat hati dan sedih. Antara lakonan beliau adalah dalam filem Cicak Man dan Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam II serta beberapa judul drama arahan dan terbitan pihak ASTRO. Lakonan beliau yang bersahaja dan spontan itulah yang dicari-cari oleh segenap pengarah-pengarah drama dan filem di negara ini. Berbekalkan bakat yang sediada dan masih meneruskan perjuangan dalam bidang seni dengan pengalaman suka dan duka yang diharungi, tidak mustahil suatu masa nanti beliau juga akan dijadikan lagenda teragung bagi generasi yang akan datang.
Seperti anak seni yang bernama Aznil Hj. Nawawi dimasa kini boleh juga dilabelkan “beyond P. Ramlee” yang juga punyai bakat dalam bidang seni. Karier utama yang dapat ditonjolkan oleh beliau adalah dalam bidang pengacaraan selain dari persembahan nyanyian dan lakonan. Seperti P. Ramlee, beliau juga dapat diterima oleh segenap lapisan masyarakat dari pelbagai peringkat umur tak kira anak kecil, tua dan muda. Beliau mula diperlihatkan dalam rancangan Pop kuiz pada tahun 1994 yang mana pernah mendapat rating rancangan tertinggi selain dari rancangan melodi. Kini beliau dapat meningkatkan bakatnya dalam mengacara konsert mingguan akademi fantasia dimana beliau dapat mengawal keadaan sekeliling dan emosi para penonton. Tidak lupa juga rancangan “talk show” macam-macam Aznil yang menyatukan pelbagai lapisan umur dan bangsa. Rancangan seperti “Tom-Tom Bak” juga diperkatakan beliau dapat menarik perhatian kanak-kanak dalam pengajaran dan pendidikan supaya dapat berfikir dan berkomunikasi dengan lebih cekap dan kretif.
Menyentuh dalam bidang pengarahan filem, beliau pernah menjadi pengarah bersama didalam filem AKU NO.1 bersama Azwan Hj. Ali, rakan seperjuangan beliau Dalam bidang lakonan pula, beliau dapat membawa watak yang diberikan dengan berkesan sesuai dengan karaktor diri beliau yang begitu mencuit hati. Beliau dapat membuat penonton rasa terhibur dengan gelak tawa selain adengan yang menyayat hati dan sedih. Antara lakonan beliau adalah dalam filem Cicak Man dan Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam II serta beberapa judul drama arahan dan terbitan pihak ASTRO. Lakonan beliau yang bersahaja dan spontan itulah yang dicari-cari oleh segenap pengarah-pengarah drama dan filem di negara ini. Berbekalkan bakat yang sediada dan masih meneruskan perjuangan dalam bidang seni dengan pengalaman suka dan duka yang diharungi, tidak mustahil suatu masa nanti beliau juga akan dijadikan lagenda teragung bagi generasi yang akan datang. Melihat persembahan beliau dalam bidang nyanyian, memang tidak dapat dinafikan lagi beliau dapat menyanyikan sesebuah lagu itu dengan begitu baik sekali malahan beliau juga ada mempunyai lagu beliau sendiri.
Dalam menjalani hidup sebagai seorang penghibur, pelbagai rintangan onak dan duri yang telah beliau tempuhi. Jatuh bangun beliau dalam industri seni bukanlah satu penghalang untuk beliau meneruskan dan mempelbagaikan bakat-bakat seni tanahair. Beliau pernah dikaitkan oleh pihak media dengan isu-isu kotor seperti lelaki lembut, homoseksual dan persengketaan diantara sesame rakan artis. Namun ini dijadikan sebagai batu loncatan untuk beliau terus maju kehadapan dan melihatnya sebagai pemangkin dalam kerjayanya.
Aznil Hj. Nawawi patut dijadikan contoh dan ikutan oleh anak-anak seni baru yang mahu menceburi dalam bidang seni negara kita ini. Beliau juga boleh dijadikan idola dan patut disanjung tinggi oleh masyarakat sekeliling seperti mana kemashuran yang diberikan kepada biduan lagenda negara, Allahyarham P. Ramlee.
Dalam menjalani hidup sebagai seorang penghibur, pelbagai rintangan onak dan duri yang telah beliau tempuhi. Jatuh bangun beliau dalam industri seni bukanlah satu penghalang untuk beliau meneruskan dan mempelbagaikan bakat-bakat seni tanahair. Beliau pernah dikaitkan oleh pihak media dengan isu-isu kotor seperti lelaki lembut, homoseksual dan persengketaan diantara sesame rakan artis. Namun ini dijadikan sebagai batu loncatan untuk beliau terus maju kehadapan dan melihatnya sebagai pemangkin dalam kerjayanya.
Aznil Hj. Nawawi patut dijadikan contoh dan ikutan oleh anak-anak seni baru yang mahu menceburi dalam bidang seni negara kita ini. Beliau juga boleh dijadikan idola dan patut disanjung tinggi oleh masyarakat sekeliling seperti mana kemashuran yang diberikan kepada biduan lagenda negara, Allahyarham P. Ramlee.
Nota: Gambar di atas diambil dari laman Perkahwinan.com.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Smart, creative, interesting... but efficient? Hmmm...
I've always expected that Sudirman Haji Arshad's name will always pops up whenever this subject being discussed. And we all know that he worths it! He was full of talents, dedicated, smart and loved by all Malaysians.
We really know him very much. And because of this fact, it is a big challenge for a participant to attempt a subject that is SO well-known as him and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin.
When I first read the article by Wadi on Asian's Number 1 Entertainer, I was pleased and excited to find out that he'd attempted it differently - more to creative writing, instead of semi-academic writing like other contestants. In this regard, Wee, one and other contestants, zero.
Although I've read the essay thrice, I still managed to draw a couple of genuine small laughs on my fourth reading. The aura of Sudirman Haji Arshad was cleverly highlighted and his influence on Wee and his mother, aunt, uncles and friends' lives immediately pictured in our minds, or at least my own mind, because its familiarity and relatability to our own.
My only concern is the length of this essay may pinpoint to Wee's minor weakness. As much as I enjoyed reading it, I can't help not to use my red pen to strike out words and sentences which I think a bit melewah. It would be more efficient and effective, if Wadi not too diverted from his main subject. I personally think it is even better if he could just teased his readers by offering less and left them wanting for more. In addition, the article is slightly over-crowded with slightly too many characters. At the end of it, you can hardly remember most of them and what a pity, especially when some of the characters have some potential.
Anyway, As Wee Remembered; Era of Enigma is definitely a well-thought and nicely written article. It depicts Wadi's commendable creative writing skill and sense of humour, which I hardly know until I read this piece. He's smart and creative and now he proves to me that he's funny too, at least in his writing. You know what, Wadi... you yourself is an enigma, too.
We really know him very much. And because of this fact, it is a big challenge for a participant to attempt a subject that is SO well-known as him and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin.
When I first read the article by Wadi on Asian's Number 1 Entertainer, I was pleased and excited to find out that he'd attempted it differently - more to creative writing, instead of semi-academic writing like other contestants. In this regard, Wee, one and other contestants, zero.
Although I've read the essay thrice, I still managed to draw a couple of genuine small laughs on my fourth reading. The aura of Sudirman Haji Arshad was cleverly highlighted and his influence on Wee and his mother, aunt, uncles and friends' lives immediately pictured in our minds, or at least my own mind, because its familiarity and relatability to our own.
My only concern is the length of this essay may pinpoint to Wee's minor weakness. As much as I enjoyed reading it, I can't help not to use my red pen to strike out words and sentences which I think a bit melewah. It would be more efficient and effective, if Wadi not too diverted from his main subject. I personally think it is even better if he could just teased his readers by offering less and left them wanting for more. In addition, the article is slightly over-crowded with slightly too many characters. At the end of it, you can hardly remember most of them and what a pity, especially when some of the characters have some potential.
Anyway, As Wee Remembered; Era of Enigma is definitely a well-thought and nicely written article. It depicts Wadi's commendable creative writing skill and sense of humour, which I hardly know until I read this piece. He's smart and creative and now he proves to me that he's funny too, at least in his writing. You know what, Wadi... you yourself is an enigma, too.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
What a sincere admiration!
When I first read her article, my eyes brimming with tears. I guess it's too much of exaggeration, but sincerely, the opening of Nor Azrina Zakaria's tribute to Adflin Shauki reminds me of those days when a couple of my friends and I were too obssessed to open our pidatos with beautiful madahs. Well, some might not like it but on the other hand, I personally think this is part of the beauty of Malay communication art, which we don't find in any English language (if not all other languages) debate competition.
In my opinion, Nor Azrina has picked a suitable subject too. A candidate with many talents, both polished and raw aptitudes. Although I've yet to impress with any of his award winning films, I really fancy his song writing skill, which hardly mentioned or discussed in the printed media. Anyhow, I totally agree with the author that Adflin Shauki has a potential to be one of the influential seniman of his generation.
Whilst Nor Azrina might have cleverly selected the prominent aspect of her subject, I personally think she was a bit stingy in illustrating how influential Adflin Shauki is to Malaysians. I was hoping that she would have, at least, put forward her view on Adflin Shauki's controversial remark on stewardess or his stance on producing films that only sell.
In summary, the essay on the FFM 2004 Most Promising Director is indeed a good reading. The author is smart enough not to go overboard with her points. Nevertheless, you too need to be more careful when using any information obtained from the Internet so that the readers don't question your credibility. Or is it an unintentional typo?
In my opinion, Nor Azrina has picked a suitable subject too. A candidate with many talents, both polished and raw aptitudes. Although I've yet to impress with any of his award winning films, I really fancy his song writing skill, which hardly mentioned or discussed in the printed media. Anyhow, I totally agree with the author that Adflin Shauki has a potential to be one of the influential seniman of his generation.
Whilst Nor Azrina might have cleverly selected the prominent aspect of her subject, I personally think she was a bit stingy in illustrating how influential Adflin Shauki is to Malaysians. I was hoping that she would have, at least, put forward her view on Adflin Shauki's controversial remark on stewardess or his stance on producing films that only sell.
In summary, the essay on the FFM 2004 Most Promising Director is indeed a good reading. The author is smart enough not to go overboard with her points. Nevertheless, you too need to be more careful when using any information obtained from the Internet so that the readers don't question your credibility. Or is it an unintentional typo?
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Fourth Finalist of Beyond P. Ramlee Project
As Wee Remembered; Era of Enigma
By Wadi
By Wadi
Wee asked mom: “who is singing this song mom?”
Mom said: “ooh, that’s Sudirman”.
Wee murmured: “Ooooh”.
At the age of ten, Wee slightly comprehended.
During the childhood years, Wee remembered the way and manner mom and auntie fanatically bought cassettes of Sudirman. It was the thick doubled stereotype, having quite familiar faces, besides Uji Rashid and Hail Amir and Noor Kumalasari, it was this man; Sudirman.
As Wee grew up, where most of his early years, in Muar Johor, he started to flip over the old URTV magazines and also some of the ceased publication; Variapop. Between these two entertainment tit bits, he adored Sudirman’s caricature. The reflections of the cartoons were so natural and carried some blissful meanings. He remembered why mom and auntie loved this man. Most of which were Sudirman’s personal experience with many artiste within Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. At times, with politicians and public figure too.
Wee almost fought with his eldest sister, Inoi, most of the times, just to make sure he would be the first one reading the newly bought URTV first. But, in most incidents, Inoi won the bit.
Starting to know Sudirman as early as 10 was not that too serious and enthusiastic for Wee. Rather, he spent his childish time playing and running around at his hometown in Sungai Raya, Muar. He played “masak-masak” with his girl friends, “kahwin-kawin”, “perang-perang” and “pondok-pondok” behind grandma’s Dusun with his childhood friends. During the fruit season, it was the best time. He voluntarily offered grandma a hand pick the “durians” and plucked the mangosteens, “rambutans”, “pulasan” and “duku”. During the fruit season, his same aged friend, Najib joined the pursuit, together with his relative, Mamang, whom sometimes, dropped by from Jorak, Bukit Pasir, so that they could also taste the fresh fruits in the Dusun naturally.
While they were happily joining grandma, Wee remembered that Najib and Mamang occasionally sang these songs: “Aku Anak Muda” and “Lagu Anak Desa”. Wee asked them; that sounds so familiar, whose song were that? Both synchronously said; “Hey, it’s so shameful if you don’t know these songs!” It’s Sudirman.
Wee murmured: “Oooh”.
And Najib and Mamang said: “You should have known this song as you were quite frequent in Kuala Lumpur”.
Wee chose to remain silent and continued picking a leftover Durian that was eaten by a squirrel.
Suddenly grandma shouted from far: “Wee, could you take a parang for me please!” Enthusiastically Wee said: “Yeah sure”. He ran, and left Najib and Mamang.
After the age of 11, Wee grew up in Kuala Lumpur; most of the time. And he began to know Sudirman bit by bit. The obvious one about this man was the Chow Kit Road concert. During the weekend, he followed mom to Chow Kit wet market and carrying the bought items. On that one day, the road was closed due to a concert preparation. Mom drove all the way long from Ampang and she had to be in the massive traffic jam, almost three hours due to that. But mom did not show any sign of condemnation.
Wee asked mom: “What happen mummy?”
Mom said: “Ooh, it’s about Sudirman”.
Wee murmured: “Oooh”.
It was the similar answers that Wee murmured; ooooh and ooooh.
Wanting to know more about Sudirman, Wee started to seriously reading and listening to his lyrics and songs. No wonder this man possesses the enigma.
Wee was first attracted to read the news how Sudirman cared about Atai, his nephew. Wee also remembered reading about how close Atai and Sudirman were. And inspiringly, when this icon used to read law in the University of Malaya and chambered. He practised law for couple of years and turned himself to be a superstar. At the age of fifteen, Wee had some piecemeal of answers of who is Sudirman and his accomplishments.
It was sometime in middle 80s that Sudirman marked Malaysia’s name; by clinching the Best Asia Performer at the Royal Albert Hall, London. He triumphed over Leslie Cheung of Hong Kong and Anita Sarawak of Singapore. Then, it was during the Muzik-Muzik’s era, where he won the best performer on his elegantly performed song; “Merisik Khabar”. Wee also liked the songs of “Sampaikan Salam”, “Milik Siapakah Gadis Ini” and “Balik Kampung”.
As a teenager, Wee’s knowledge on Sudirman had improved by leaps and bonds. Whenever he met Mamang and Najib in Muar, he shared with them how happening this icon was in Kuala Lumpur. They listened jealously. But, for Wee, the knowledge that he had gained were mostly from his own readings and analysis. Alas, without his real life experience.
Wee remembered that 1980s to the opening of 1990s were Sudirman’s era of enigma.
Wee grew up with his songs. Wee cried listening to his songs. Wee slept with his songs. And Wee wrote the lyrics when he fought with his siblings or being beaten by mom due to his pranks and naughtiness.
One of the greatest editions of URTV was when featuring Sudirman in a Malaysian flag costume. It was so nationalistic. Wee also remembered how Sudirman’s business ventured created his own series of products bearing “Sudir” as its brand. His name was put on a special by the editor of Malaysia Business Magazine front cover due to his business venture. In that interval, he was interviewed by the media and performed philanthropic activities.
Mom, auntie and Inoi shared the same emotion and expression on Sudirman. To add the list, grandma was also a silent admirer of Sudirman, though she preferred P Ramlee’s movies and songs of her era; but whenever there was a live telecast from RTM on Sudirman, she would switch the channel to the latter. But, Wee could not recall other specific memories to chart that as they had their own personal collections of their own and fantasies.
Wee remembered during his childhood years, grandma would bring him along to wedding functions in Muar, or they called it as “Rewang”. It’s a Javanese term. Wee played with some of his childhood friends while awaiting grandma to finish the “Rewang” session. It was during that time, Sudirman’s songs were played. There were also local Muar bands that sang his songs.
Wee also remembered that his uncles; both Uncle Zack and Uncle Yahyah who quite often, sang, “Milik Siapakah Gadis Ini’. And his auntie, singing “Sampaikan Salam” in the bathroom for hours when they were, in love, with someone.
Mom’s favourite; “Merisik Khabar” was her favourite-personal-anthem in the kitchen, when preparing food for her smart and naughty children. Sudirman’s songs cured her emotion. Occasionally.
Now, after yester years, everyone has had grown up. Dad had passed away, Mon is ageing, Auntie is married with four kids. Inoi is married with 2 kinds. Grandmother had passed away. Uncle Yahyah and Uncle Zack were married with two and three growing adults; where Uncle Yahyah who is practising polygamy. Mamang and Najib now are in their early 30s. As for Wee, he is attempting his headway of potential accomplishments. Heartfelt fully, he hopes that Sudirman should be given an era of enigma through a dedicated gallery. Though Wikipedia has the facts, though the relatives and closest family of late Sudirman said; let the best gallery would be in their thoughts, Wee hope that this icon’s legacy could be a model to present and future aspiring artiste. Truly, Sudirman’s songs and showmanship transcend the generations.
“We need to chart down an era of enigma for Sudirman”. That was late Dad’s utterance when watching his performance through Hiburan Minggu Ini. But nobody was interested to take it to another level. The legacy of Sudirman is still now prevalent besides the songs and his long lists of camaraderie and accolades. He is beyond than a typical artiste. A writer, a cartoonist, a businessman, a lawyer by profession, a performer, a philanthropists and actor – an enigma of his era. Al-fatihah.
Mom said: “ooh, that’s Sudirman”.
Wee murmured: “Ooooh”.
At the age of ten, Wee slightly comprehended.
During the childhood years, Wee remembered the way and manner mom and auntie fanatically bought cassettes of Sudirman. It was the thick doubled stereotype, having quite familiar faces, besides Uji Rashid and Hail Amir and Noor Kumalasari, it was this man; Sudirman.
As Wee grew up, where most of his early years, in Muar Johor, he started to flip over the old URTV magazines and also some of the ceased publication; Variapop. Between these two entertainment tit bits, he adored Sudirman’s caricature. The reflections of the cartoons were so natural and carried some blissful meanings. He remembered why mom and auntie loved this man. Most of which were Sudirman’s personal experience with many artiste within Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. At times, with politicians and public figure too.
Wee almost fought with his eldest sister, Inoi, most of the times, just to make sure he would be the first one reading the newly bought URTV first. But, in most incidents, Inoi won the bit.
Starting to know Sudirman as early as 10 was not that too serious and enthusiastic for Wee. Rather, he spent his childish time playing and running around at his hometown in Sungai Raya, Muar. He played “masak-masak” with his girl friends, “kahwin-kawin”, “perang-perang” and “pondok-pondok” behind grandma’s Dusun with his childhood friends. During the fruit season, it was the best time. He voluntarily offered grandma a hand pick the “durians” and plucked the mangosteens, “rambutans”, “pulasan” and “duku”. During the fruit season, his same aged friend, Najib joined the pursuit, together with his relative, Mamang, whom sometimes, dropped by from Jorak, Bukit Pasir, so that they could also taste the fresh fruits in the Dusun naturally.
While they were happily joining grandma, Wee remembered that Najib and Mamang occasionally sang these songs: “Aku Anak Muda” and “Lagu Anak Desa”. Wee asked them; that sounds so familiar, whose song were that? Both synchronously said; “Hey, it’s so shameful if you don’t know these songs!” It’s Sudirman.
Wee murmured: “Oooh”.
And Najib and Mamang said: “You should have known this song as you were quite frequent in Kuala Lumpur”.
Wee chose to remain silent and continued picking a leftover Durian that was eaten by a squirrel.
Suddenly grandma shouted from far: “Wee, could you take a parang for me please!” Enthusiastically Wee said: “Yeah sure”. He ran, and left Najib and Mamang.
After the age of 11, Wee grew up in Kuala Lumpur; most of the time. And he began to know Sudirman bit by bit. The obvious one about this man was the Chow Kit Road concert. During the weekend, he followed mom to Chow Kit wet market and carrying the bought items. On that one day, the road was closed due to a concert preparation. Mom drove all the way long from Ampang and she had to be in the massive traffic jam, almost three hours due to that. But mom did not show any sign of condemnation.
Wee asked mom: “What happen mummy?”
Mom said: “Ooh, it’s about Sudirman”.
Wee murmured: “Oooh”.
It was the similar answers that Wee murmured; ooooh and ooooh.
Wanting to know more about Sudirman, Wee started to seriously reading and listening to his lyrics and songs. No wonder this man possesses the enigma.
Wee was first attracted to read the news how Sudirman cared about Atai, his nephew. Wee also remembered reading about how close Atai and Sudirman were. And inspiringly, when this icon used to read law in the University of Malaya and chambered. He practised law for couple of years and turned himself to be a superstar. At the age of fifteen, Wee had some piecemeal of answers of who is Sudirman and his accomplishments.
It was sometime in middle 80s that Sudirman marked Malaysia’s name; by clinching the Best Asia Performer at the Royal Albert Hall, London. He triumphed over Leslie Cheung of Hong Kong and Anita Sarawak of Singapore. Then, it was during the Muzik-Muzik’s era, where he won the best performer on his elegantly performed song; “Merisik Khabar”. Wee also liked the songs of “Sampaikan Salam”, “Milik Siapakah Gadis Ini” and “Balik Kampung”.
As a teenager, Wee’s knowledge on Sudirman had improved by leaps and bonds. Whenever he met Mamang and Najib in Muar, he shared with them how happening this icon was in Kuala Lumpur. They listened jealously. But, for Wee, the knowledge that he had gained were mostly from his own readings and analysis. Alas, without his real life experience.
Wee remembered that 1980s to the opening of 1990s were Sudirman’s era of enigma.
Wee grew up with his songs. Wee cried listening to his songs. Wee slept with his songs. And Wee wrote the lyrics when he fought with his siblings or being beaten by mom due to his pranks and naughtiness.
One of the greatest editions of URTV was when featuring Sudirman in a Malaysian flag costume. It was so nationalistic. Wee also remembered how Sudirman’s business ventured created his own series of products bearing “Sudir” as its brand. His name was put on a special by the editor of Malaysia Business Magazine front cover due to his business venture. In that interval, he was interviewed by the media and performed philanthropic activities.
Mom, auntie and Inoi shared the same emotion and expression on Sudirman. To add the list, grandma was also a silent admirer of Sudirman, though she preferred P Ramlee’s movies and songs of her era; but whenever there was a live telecast from RTM on Sudirman, she would switch the channel to the latter. But, Wee could not recall other specific memories to chart that as they had their own personal collections of their own and fantasies.
Wee remembered during his childhood years, grandma would bring him along to wedding functions in Muar, or they called it as “Rewang”. It’s a Javanese term. Wee played with some of his childhood friends while awaiting grandma to finish the “Rewang” session. It was during that time, Sudirman’s songs were played. There were also local Muar bands that sang his songs.
Wee also remembered that his uncles; both Uncle Zack and Uncle Yahyah who quite often, sang, “Milik Siapakah Gadis Ini’. And his auntie, singing “Sampaikan Salam” in the bathroom for hours when they were, in love, with someone.
Mom’s favourite; “Merisik Khabar” was her favourite-personal-anthem in the kitchen, when preparing food for her smart and naughty children. Sudirman’s songs cured her emotion. Occasionally.
Now, after yester years, everyone has had grown up. Dad had passed away, Mon is ageing, Auntie is married with four kids. Inoi is married with 2 kinds. Grandmother had passed away. Uncle Yahyah and Uncle Zack were married with two and three growing adults; where Uncle Yahyah who is practising polygamy. Mamang and Najib now are in their early 30s. As for Wee, he is attempting his headway of potential accomplishments. Heartfelt fully, he hopes that Sudirman should be given an era of enigma through a dedicated gallery. Though Wikipedia has the facts, though the relatives and closest family of late Sudirman said; let the best gallery would be in their thoughts, Wee hope that this icon’s legacy could be a model to present and future aspiring artiste. Truly, Sudirman’s songs and showmanship transcend the generations.
“We need to chart down an era of enigma for Sudirman”. That was late Dad’s utterance when watching his performance through Hiburan Minggu Ini. But nobody was interested to take it to another level. The legacy of Sudirman is still now prevalent besides the songs and his long lists of camaraderie and accolades. He is beyond than a typical artiste. A writer, a cartoonist, a businessman, a lawyer by profession, a performer, a philanthropists and actor – an enigma of his era. Al-fatihah.
p/s: The picture of Anak Muda cover album is taken from tapa legend on Flickr.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Third Finalist of Beyond P. Ramlee Project
BEYOND P. RAMLEE
by Nor Azrina Zakaria
Barang yang lepas jangan dikenang
Kalau dikenang tentu menangis
Barang yang lepas jangan dikenang
Kalau dikenang meracunlah diri
Tiap insan hai tidaklah kekal
Tentu kan pulang di mana berasal
Janganlah sedih hai janganlah pilu
Serahkan pada Allah yang satu
- Excerpt from the song “Barang Yang lepas Jangan Di Kenang”
Lyrics by S Sudarmaji
Song by P Ramlee
by Nor Azrina Zakaria
Barang yang lepas jangan dikenang
Kalau dikenang tentu menangis
Barang yang lepas jangan dikenang
Kalau dikenang meracunlah diri
Tiap insan hai tidaklah kekal
Tentu kan pulang di mana berasal
Janganlah sedih hai janganlah pilu
Serahkan pada Allah yang satu
- Excerpt from the song “Barang Yang lepas Jangan Di Kenang”
Lyrics by S Sudarmaji
Song by P Ramlee
There is a possibility that not every Malaysian is an ardent fan of Malaysian film but the name P. Ramlee would be very hard to miss as his films are being repeatedly shown at every channel in the country which makes it hard for someone not to at least watch it. How could one forget his greatest film such as Penarik Beca, Bujang Lapok, Anakku Sazali, Nujum Pak Belalang, Ibu Mertuaku, Madu Tiga and Laksamana Do Re Mi.
Tan Sri P. Ramlee was and still a legend in the entertainment industry in Malaysia and also Singapore not only due to his vast contribution in the movie and music industry but he himself was an amazing film actor, director, singer and songwriter. Although he had only managed to shine for only 25 years since he was discovered by B.S rajhan in 1948, he had become the most celebrated entertainer even after his demise in 1973. For the present generation, what is left behind was his numerous films and the former house of P. Ramlee which has been converted to be his memorial as remembrance of that great actor, singer and producer.
It would be a hard task to locate a local artist to replace P. Ramlee because he is simply irreplaceable. Other factors in the difficulty to find someone who has the same acting skill, sense of humor, the aura and attraction as infectious as him would be because of the growing number of players within the local film industries be it artist, actress, musicians and singers. Because of the tough competition between the players to survive in the industry, many are drowned and suffocated while trying to stay afloat which resulted in them not being able to stay consistent to make a big impact to the audience.
After due deliberation, I would personally vote Adflin Shauki to be someone that I would expect to follow the footstep of P. Ramlee. Currently, he is known as a writer, director, stage and screen actor, comedian, singer and songwriter and presenter, which enough to indicate that he is a man with many talents. Afdlin who was born on 19 may 1971 at Johor Bahru started his career in the entertainment industry performing a duet song with Sheila Majid at Ikhlas concert in year 1990. He later left Roslan Aziz Production to further his study in TV and films in UK and upon
returning have been very active in TV, theater, films and singing. Quietly he diversifies himself in the industry by learning his way up.
As a singer, musician and live performer, Afdlin, together with his band Acid Iz, presents a flavour of R&B, acid jazz and funk. His debut album FUUYO! was released late 2003 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afdlin_Shauki).
He has acted in numerous local and international films such asHollywood movie, Anna And The King, local movies such as Mimpi Moon, Soal Hati, Soalnya Siapa?, Gerak Khas The Movie II, City Sharks and Buli. The box-office Buli, a film Afdlin Shauki wrote and directed has brought him an accolade of awards, such as Best Story, Best Screenplay and Best New Director of the Year at the 17th Malaysian Film Festival (http://sultanmuzaffar.blogspot.com/2005/04/unitar-mini-film-festival-student-of.html).
His comedic talents is the most well known of by his fan and although most of his performance in the theater and films was heavily dominated by this characteristic, he is always capable of switching it to serious role when needed. Same goes to P. Ramlee, where most of his films had focused more on his comedian side.
Afdlin Shauki is admired for his determination to make a change in the entertainment industry in terms of quality products, possibly world class productions, because he believes that people will appreciate it if filmmakers put the effort to up their production values and couple it with good story telling. He is advocating new era for Malaysians movies (http://afdlinshauki.blogspot.com/).
Afdlin Shauki is still gaining his popularity and if given enough opportunity and exposure, he would be able to become another legend in the making. Everyone is given chances to make a different in his or her life, which is usually for the better, but for a person to be able to make himself the greatest in what he does is a trait that is not easily acquired.
Tan Sri P. Ramlee was and still a legend in the entertainment industry in Malaysia and also Singapore not only due to his vast contribution in the movie and music industry but he himself was an amazing film actor, director, singer and songwriter. Although he had only managed to shine for only 25 years since he was discovered by B.S rajhan in 1948, he had become the most celebrated entertainer even after his demise in 1973. For the present generation, what is left behind was his numerous films and the former house of P. Ramlee which has been converted to be his memorial as remembrance of that great actor, singer and producer.
It would be a hard task to locate a local artist to replace P. Ramlee because he is simply irreplaceable. Other factors in the difficulty to find someone who has the same acting skill, sense of humor, the aura and attraction as infectious as him would be because of the growing number of players within the local film industries be it artist, actress, musicians and singers. Because of the tough competition between the players to survive in the industry, many are drowned and suffocated while trying to stay afloat which resulted in them not being able to stay consistent to make a big impact to the audience.
After due deliberation, I would personally vote Adflin Shauki to be someone that I would expect to follow the footstep of P. Ramlee. Currently, he is known as a writer, director, stage and screen actor, comedian, singer and songwriter and presenter, which enough to indicate that he is a man with many talents. Afdlin who was born on 19 may 1971 at Johor Bahru started his career in the entertainment industry performing a duet song with Sheila Majid at Ikhlas concert in year 1990. He later left Roslan Aziz Production to further his study in TV and films in UK and upon
returning have been very active in TV, theater, films and singing. Quietly he diversifies himself in the industry by learning his way up.As a singer, musician and live performer, Afdlin, together with his band Acid Iz, presents a flavour of R&B, acid jazz and funk. His debut album FUUYO! was released late 2003 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afdlin_Shauki).
He has acted in numerous local and international films such asHollywood movie, Anna And The King, local movies such as Mimpi Moon, Soal Hati, Soalnya Siapa?, Gerak Khas The Movie II, City Sharks and Buli. The box-office Buli, a film Afdlin Shauki wrote and directed has brought him an accolade of awards, such as Best Story, Best Screenplay and Best New Director of the Year at the 17th Malaysian Film Festival (http://sultanmuzaffar.blogspot.com/2005/04/unitar-mini-film-festival-student-of.html).
His comedic talents is the most well known of by his fan and although most of his performance in the theater and films was heavily dominated by this characteristic, he is always capable of switching it to serious role when needed. Same goes to P. Ramlee, where most of his films had focused more on his comedian side.
Afdlin Shauki is admired for his determination to make a change in the entertainment industry in terms of quality products, possibly world class productions, because he believes that people will appreciate it if filmmakers put the effort to up their production values and couple it with good story telling. He is advocating new era for Malaysians movies (http://afdlinshauki.blogspot.com/).
Afdlin Shauki is still gaining his popularity and if given enough opportunity and exposure, he would be able to become another legend in the making. Everyone is given chances to make a different in his or her life, which is usually for the better, but for a person to be able to make himself the greatest in what he does is a trait that is not easily acquired.
Friday, 20 June 2008
Interesting, funny, but... boleh percaya ke?
I must admit it's very hard to stay objective when you're reviewing something, or in this case an article on someone that you like very, very much. However, picking a subject that really close to my heart could be a mistake, instead of an advantage. Especially, if you don't careful with your facts.
I didn't finish when I first read this article. I put it aside and read others at least twice before I picked Mustaffa's write-up on Ogy once again.
Overall, this article was nicely outlined and written. It presents both well known and new facts. Although the only new information to me is Ogy's date of birth, but I'm sure there are some people who didn't know about the wardrobe malfunction highlighted in this article.
I personally think it's a smart move by Mustaffa NOT to overrate this TWO times winner of FFM's Best Actress award. She has numerous accolades and glories under her belt, but as a human she too makes mistakes. At least, when I read this article, I don't feel like reading an obituary - where we must NOT say negative things about the deceased. And Mustaffa did this with a sufficient dose of humour. A trait which many of our local journalists are seriously lacking.
Nevertheless, this article was too general and lack of elaboration on specific examples which could convince the readers on Fauziah Ahmad Daud's charisma and aura as a seniman or seniwati terbilang.
And Mustaffa's biggest sin is the fact that he presented, not one but two wrong facts in his article. This reminds me of the work of several journalists from Harian Metro, Berita Harian, The Malay Mail and The Star, which I had emailed them in the past to pinpoint and correct their mistakes. To me, this is about credibility and ethic!
I've highlighted one of the mistakes, and I hope others could spot the other error. My two cent to Mustaffa and others... please find a credible source. Trust me, wikipedia is definitely, NOT one of them.
I didn't finish when I first read this article. I put it aside and read others at least twice before I picked Mustaffa's write-up on Ogy once again.
Overall, this article was nicely outlined and written. It presents both well known and new facts. Although the only new information to me is Ogy's date of birth, but I'm sure there are some people who didn't know about the wardrobe malfunction highlighted in this article.
I personally think it's a smart move by Mustaffa NOT to overrate this TWO times winner of FFM's Best Actress award. She has numerous accolades and glories under her belt, but as a human she too makes mistakes. At least, when I read this article, I don't feel like reading an obituary - where we must NOT say negative things about the deceased. And Mustaffa did this with a sufficient dose of humour. A trait which many of our local journalists are seriously lacking.
Nevertheless, this article was too general and lack of elaboration on specific examples which could convince the readers on Fauziah Ahmad Daud's charisma and aura as a seniman or seniwati terbilang.
And Mustaffa's biggest sin is the fact that he presented, not one but two wrong facts in his article. This reminds me of the work of several journalists from Harian Metro, Berita Harian, The Malay Mail and The Star, which I had emailed them in the past to pinpoint and correct their mistakes. To me, this is about credibility and ethic!
I've highlighted one of the mistakes, and I hope others could spot the other error. My two cent to Mustaffa and others... please find a credible source. Trust me, wikipedia is definitely, NOT one of them.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Second finalist of Beyond P. Ramlee Project
Beyond P. Ramlee: Fauziah 'Ogy' Dato' Ahmad Daud
by Mustaffa
Don't laugh at me just yet. Don't accuse me for playing best-friend card (we're all know arenaKu loves Ogy) or for heaven's sake - unoriginal (now that I know my competitor championing the same subject!) Hear me out what I want to say and you'll see why this isn't just about winning the RM50 voucher and why she came on top of my list.
True, Allahyarham Tan Sri P. Ramlee is incomparable; an iconic figure in Malay cinema and no one is disputing that, certainly not me. Although, sometimes, it does sound as if the entire Malay entertainment industry was built upon one name only, we tend to forget that this may not be necessary true.
My humble guessing is our little community has come to embrace and love 'the legend' so much; it was such pain to know there were probably someone close enough out there to match his undisputable great talent. But they are such talent out there. These people do exist. They are people, given enough opportunities and time would eventually brush on with his greatness.
And one of them is our 'Akak' Ogy.
Fauziah Dato' Ahmad Daud, or affectionately known as Ogy was born on 10 October 1962 in Singapore to equally lauded Malay cinema legends Dato' Ahmad Daud and Datin Saadiah. She made her acting debut in Hati Batu (1973) and successfully generated a favorable and detectable industry buzz. Following her parents' formidable footsteps in acting, Ogy never looked back ever since and continued to act in another 15 major Malay movies and hundreds of TV dramas.
There are many actresses whose unconventionally acting method I admire, and Ogy is one of them. She has the ability to immerse into her character in a second with much gusto. She would look normal one moment and hot-as-Sunday-morning sex the next (OK, maybe not!) I meant Ogy has the guts to look like a whore (Bintang Malam) and a bloke (Rentak Desa) at a drop of a pin. Not many our current hot actresses would be able to do that and I believe most of them can attest to that.
Ogy also tried her hands in different spectrum in entertainment industry and singing is one of them. Though it may not as successful and colorful as her acting career she did have few hits ('Wajah Rahsia Hati', 'Bunga-Bunga Berguguran', 'Azura', 'Simfoni Kasih') that still command listeners in our local radios until today.
But until after helming gossip TV's equivalent to E! News -'Melody' in the mid-90s, that her talent in hosting was discovered. The show became a huge success and it became so synonymous with her. She then was offered to host numerous other big, red carpet events like Juara Lagu and Anugerah Bintang Popular and this had shot her name back to the limelight.
Right now, other than hosting job, Ogy is also known for her memorable stint as the 'other' acid tongue judge in Akademi Fantasia, (the other is the Adlin Aman Ramli). Was she great or what? She never minced her words, stole the show in the process and people love her for that. (Not-so-great news for the host, eh!)
A great actress, a great host, and err….OK, not-so-great singer, Ogy had tried them all. She survived a divorce, Janet-Jackson-epic-like wardrobe malfunction and nasty rumors and after all these years, she's still here with us. Her contribution to Malay cinema world is tremendous. Her persistence, her passion, her talent, are very well liked and well received by Malay and non- Malay audience alike.
While Tan Sri P Ramlee was more famous for his versatility, Ogy was known for "trying" on everything. She acts, she hosts, she directs, she produces and she sings (with mixed result). She nominated, honored and won numerous awards that probably put any new talents to shame. (Some icing on the cake, she has won FFM's Best actress three times and BH's Most popular artiste)
So is there anything else she has not done or achieved?
People want to believe and keep saying there will be no worthy substitute to our much beloved legend. While I can totally understand the sentiment, but in all honesty I believe we should all be moved on, well, at least giving credit to where it dues. Doesn't she even deserve that for 'trying'?
Well, I think she does and who are we to stop her?
Note: The picture of Fauziah Ahmad Daud is taken from FayZSpace on Flickr.
by Mustaffa
Don't laugh at me just yet. Don't accuse me for playing best-friend card (we're all know arenaKu loves Ogy) or for heaven's sake - unoriginal (now that I know my competitor championing the same subject!) Hear me out what I want to say and you'll see why this isn't just about winning the RM50 voucher and why she came on top of my list.True, Allahyarham Tan Sri P. Ramlee is incomparable; an iconic figure in Malay cinema and no one is disputing that, certainly not me. Although, sometimes, it does sound as if the entire Malay entertainment industry was built upon one name only, we tend to forget that this may not be necessary true.
My humble guessing is our little community has come to embrace and love 'the legend' so much; it was such pain to know there were probably someone close enough out there to match his undisputable great talent. But they are such talent out there. These people do exist. They are people, given enough opportunities and time would eventually brush on with his greatness.
And one of them is our 'Akak' Ogy.
Fauziah Dato' Ahmad Daud, or affectionately known as Ogy was born on 10 October 1962 in Singapore to equally lauded Malay cinema legends Dato' Ahmad Daud and Datin Saadiah. She made her acting debut in Hati Batu (1973) and successfully generated a favorable and detectable industry buzz. Following her parents' formidable footsteps in acting, Ogy never looked back ever since and continued to act in another 15 major Malay movies and hundreds of TV dramas.
There are many actresses whose unconventionally acting method I admire, and Ogy is one of them. She has the ability to immerse into her character in a second with much gusto. She would look normal one moment and hot-as-Sunday-morning sex the next (OK, maybe not!) I meant Ogy has the guts to look like a whore (Bintang Malam) and a bloke (Rentak Desa) at a drop of a pin. Not many our current hot actresses would be able to do that and I believe most of them can attest to that.
Ogy also tried her hands in different spectrum in entertainment industry and singing is one of them. Though it may not as successful and colorful as her acting career she did have few hits ('Wajah Rahsia Hati', 'Bunga-Bunga Berguguran', 'Azura', 'Simfoni Kasih') that still command listeners in our local radios until today.
But until after helming gossip TV's equivalent to E! News -'Melody' in the mid-90s, that her talent in hosting was discovered. The show became a huge success and it became so synonymous with her. She then was offered to host numerous other big, red carpet events like Juara Lagu and Anugerah Bintang Popular and this had shot her name back to the limelight.
Right now, other than hosting job, Ogy is also known for her memorable stint as the 'other' acid tongue judge in Akademi Fantasia, (the other is the Adlin Aman Ramli). Was she great or what? She never minced her words, stole the show in the process and people love her for that. (Not-so-great news for the host, eh!)
A great actress, a great host, and err….OK, not-so-great singer, Ogy had tried them all. She survived a divorce, Janet-Jackson-epic-like wardrobe malfunction and nasty rumors and after all these years, she's still here with us. Her contribution to Malay cinema world is tremendous. Her persistence, her passion, her talent, are very well liked and well received by Malay and non- Malay audience alike.
While Tan Sri P Ramlee was more famous for his versatility, Ogy was known for "trying" on everything. She acts, she hosts, she directs, she produces and she sings (with mixed result). She nominated, honored and won numerous awards that probably put any new talents to shame. (Some icing on the cake, she has won FFM's Best actress three times and BH's Most popular artiste)
So is there anything else she has not done or achieved?
People want to believe and keep saying there will be no worthy substitute to our much beloved legend. While I can totally understand the sentiment, but in all honesty I believe we should all be moved on, well, at least giving credit to where it dues. Doesn't she even deserve that for 'trying'?
Well, I think she does and who are we to stop her?
Note: The picture of Fauziah Ahmad Daud is taken from FayZSpace on Flickr.
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Danny Zulkarnain, what a promising writer he is!
Like always, I'm very nervous when talking about this subject - Siti Nurhaliza. To review an article about this Queen of Malay Pop, is definitely, NOT an easy task. At least for me, who in the past has been branded by a number of Siti Nurhaliza fans as "CT hater". I sincerely think that the label is too BIG for me, and I personally think, "kurang gemarkan Siti" will be an appropriate one instead.
Danny picked a bold title - (the) most influential artiste in Malaysia. With a bold title and an attention grabber first paragraph, I said to myself, what a promising start!
Nevertheless, after reading it two times, I can't help to say to myself, "sayang, sangat!"
Indisputably, Danny has one of most interesting subjects and I totally agree that Siti Nurhaliza is the most influential artiste in Malaysia in late 90s and the first decade of this millennium. No doubt about it.
However, even not a fan myself, nothing in Danny's write up that is a brand new information to me. I was hoping that he would pick the specific moments in Siti Nurhaliza's 12 or 13 years of singing career in order to illustrate how Siti influenced us, the Malaysians.
Siti taught us that glory is for hardworking people like her who took the bus from Termeloh to Angkasapuri to sing in the final of Bintang HMI or to her recording of her debut and self-titled album, Siti Nurhaliza or all of the show in her early days as an artiste.
To me, the MOMENT of her career is not what have been described by Danny, but when she officially dethroned one of our favourite DIVAs, Ziana Zain, in the final of Juara Lagu 1997 with beautiful rendition of Jerat Percintaan. She (at the time was NOBODY) proved to us that if you work hard, do your very best, you can take anyone, including the giants in the industry.
She might be taking raw eggs in the toilet behind the stage (yeap, another rumour I guess), but who cares, so long as she sings beautifully on stage. It is so good to find out, whether or not, the fact that she has NO stage fright like the big names such as Ning Baizura, Anuar Zain dan Ziana Zain, is due to her early days' informal singing training while selling kueh mueh from one door to another in her neighbourhood. Or her experience singing at the wedding at early age? Even Ramli MS himself was impressed with this quality of Siti.
Personally, I'm not that impressed with all those hundreds of accolades that Siti has won so far. But, I'm totally puzzled with the seven or eight years of Siti Nurhaliza-mania. At one point, in any competition or festival that Siti was in it, other contestants already put up their white flags even the competition hasn't begin. Mawi might have created a similar tsunami, but his is only for 2 or 3 years. And Siti Nurhaliza did well in both competitions with professional jury or without jury. Although I might agree to a few critics that one or two awards that Siti Nurhaliza had won (with professional jury) might be based on sentiement, rather than total merit, but the fact that professional jury can also be blinded by her aura, is totally amazing to me!
And her decision NOT to take pictures with male colleagues, to me, is another defining moment in her career life. Although, some might consider it as a pure gimmick, I personally think it is the best gimmick (if it is, indeed, a gimmick) that came out from Siti Nurhaliza. It is a total blow to those mengada-ngada artistes (also known as pelakon/artis majalah) who frequently picked by Mama Juwie or Huzz to feature in their magazines. I totally buy Siti's reasons. Why should she takes pictures with other male artiste, if she's hardly in the same picture as these people. What is the rationale of taking pictures of two persons pretending to be a couple - hugging and staring like a teaser of a porno film (do they have a teaser for porno?).
I can go on and on, but my point is most Malaysians feel Siti is very related to them. Some girls might see themselves in Siti (in her style and lifestyle) and some mothers might dreaming of having an obidient child like her. And the boys? I let yourself to answer it.
In summary, the said article by Danny Zulkarnain is a good summary of Siti Nurhaliza and it will be a good reading to new or potential fans of this Number ONE singer in Malaysia. Nevertheless, Danny did not do justice to the title of his article because after reading it more than once, I still can't list down points on how influential Siti Nurhaliza is.
Sayang sangat, Danny!
Danny picked a bold title - (the) most influential artiste in Malaysia. With a bold title and an attention grabber first paragraph, I said to myself, what a promising start!
Nevertheless, after reading it two times, I can't help to say to myself, "sayang, sangat!"
Indisputably, Danny has one of most interesting subjects and I totally agree that Siti Nurhaliza is the most influential artiste in Malaysia in late 90s and the first decade of this millennium. No doubt about it.
However, even not a fan myself, nothing in Danny's write up that is a brand new information to me. I was hoping that he would pick the specific moments in Siti Nurhaliza's 12 or 13 years of singing career in order to illustrate how Siti influenced us, the Malaysians.
Siti taught us that glory is for hardworking people like her who took the bus from Termeloh to Angkasapuri to sing in the final of Bintang HMI or to her recording of her debut and self-titled album, Siti Nurhaliza or all of the show in her early days as an artiste.
To me, the MOMENT of her career is not what have been described by Danny, but when she officially dethroned one of our favourite DIVAs, Ziana Zain, in the final of Juara Lagu 1997 with beautiful rendition of Jerat Percintaan. She (at the time was NOBODY) proved to us that if you work hard, do your very best, you can take anyone, including the giants in the industry.
She might be taking raw eggs in the toilet behind the stage (yeap, another rumour I guess), but who cares, so long as she sings beautifully on stage. It is so good to find out, whether or not, the fact that she has NO stage fright like the big names such as Ning Baizura, Anuar Zain dan Ziana Zain, is due to her early days' informal singing training while selling kueh mueh from one door to another in her neighbourhood. Or her experience singing at the wedding at early age? Even Ramli MS himself was impressed with this quality of Siti.
Personally, I'm not that impressed with all those hundreds of accolades that Siti has won so far. But, I'm totally puzzled with the seven or eight years of Siti Nurhaliza-mania. At one point, in any competition or festival that Siti was in it, other contestants already put up their white flags even the competition hasn't begin. Mawi might have created a similar tsunami, but his is only for 2 or 3 years. And Siti Nurhaliza did well in both competitions with professional jury or without jury. Although I might agree to a few critics that one or two awards that Siti Nurhaliza had won (with professional jury) might be based on sentiement, rather than total merit, but the fact that professional jury can also be blinded by her aura, is totally amazing to me!
And her decision NOT to take pictures with male colleagues, to me, is another defining moment in her career life. Although, some might consider it as a pure gimmick, I personally think it is the best gimmick (if it is, indeed, a gimmick) that came out from Siti Nurhaliza. It is a total blow to those mengada-ngada artistes (also known as pelakon/artis majalah) who frequently picked by Mama Juwie or Huzz to feature in their magazines. I totally buy Siti's reasons. Why should she takes pictures with other male artiste, if she's hardly in the same picture as these people. What is the rationale of taking pictures of two persons pretending to be a couple - hugging and staring like a teaser of a porno film (do they have a teaser for porno?).
I can go on and on, but my point is most Malaysians feel Siti is very related to them. Some girls might see themselves in Siti (in her style and lifestyle) and some mothers might dreaming of having an obidient child like her. And the boys? I let yourself to answer it.
In summary, the said article by Danny Zulkarnain is a good summary of Siti Nurhaliza and it will be a good reading to new or potential fans of this Number ONE singer in Malaysia. Nevertheless, Danny did not do justice to the title of his article because after reading it more than once, I still can't list down points on how influential Siti Nurhaliza is.
Sayang sangat, Danny!
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
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 Рwho 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 Рhave 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 ing̩nue 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 C̩line Dion with the stunningly elegant lyrics of Saloma Рa 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.
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 Рwho 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 Рhave 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 ing̩nue 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 C̩line Dion with the stunningly elegant lyrics of Saloma Рa 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.
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