Singer-songwriter Najwa Mahiaddin talks about her upcoming Malay single and a brand new mini album
FOR singer, songwriter, record producer and perfectionist Najwa Mahiaddin, music is simply the art of expression.
“It’s a universal language that speaks for itself and if it moves you, it moves you. It can also connect people from all over the world,” says the 31-year-old daughter of former Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Since bursting onto the local music scene six years ago, Najwa has kept a slow but steady momentum of releases ranging from blues to jazz and soul. This is the artiste that came up with heart-rendering and relatable songs like Ain’t That A Shame and Before, from her debut album, Innocent Soul (2011), and Aurora (2014), respectively.
There’s no shortage of inspiration for Najwa. Her upcoming Malay single, Sentiasa Merinding, is testament to that. A collaboration with good friend, Singaporean singer-songwriter Imran Ajmain, the R&B tinged tune also features traditional elements like the gamelan.
“The song started out as a passion project between us. We started working on it three years ago while I was still in New York,” she says.
The two messed around with tunes, springing in lyrics along the way and soon had a proper track. “We liked it so much and wanted to share it with fans,” says Najwa, adding that they are still putting in some final touches to the tune.
However, this isn’t the first time the singer has incorporated traditional elements into her work. In 2014, Najwa released a contemporary rendition of Seri Mersing, a popular ghazal folk song that’s been covered by a constellation of singing luminaries such as Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and the late Datuk Sharifah Aini.
“Through songs like Seri Mersing and Sentiasa Merinding, we hoped people would be proud of our rich cultural heritage.”
Apart from the Malay single, the multi-talented artiste will also be dropping a new EP later in the year. The four-track mini album will feature some original and new songs.
“This EP is a bit experimental and contemporary. Some tracks were written when I was still studying music in Boston, Massachusetts.”
The KL-ite also reveals that part of the three-year wait for this new release was because she couldn’t find the right people to work with. “For me, timing is everything. I hate to rush things, especially when it comes to producing good music. As a singer and music producer, I have a responsibility towards my listeners. I only want the best for them.”
On future collaborations, the former alumna of Boston’s Berklee College of Music says her choice would be fellow singer-songwriter Yunalis Zarai, who has been making waves in the US.
“I met Yuna in New York a couple of years back. She even gave me a tip or two on getting my own big break in the global music scene,” says Najwa.
In 2011, Najwa took the local music industry by storm by clinching the Best English Song (for Got To Go) and Best New Artiste awards at the Anugerah Industri Muzik.
After graduating, she journeyed to New York to pursue a music career there. But launching a music career in a foreign country is never easy.
“The hustle is real there,” she says, nodding as she recalled some of the hardship she faced.
“Sometimes when I performed onstage, there were only one or two people listening. I was known back home but in New York, I had to start from the bottom. It's not easy at all.”
However, she says the experience was worth it. “Without going through all that, I wouldn't be where I am today. Those experiences helped shape the person I am today and the music I create.
“I also got to meet many great musicians along the way, many of whom are friends to this day.”
Fans will be able to catch her in action at the Good Vibes Festival on Aug 12 and 13 in Genting Highlands.
Apart from Najwa, representing the local front are Ryot Jones, alextbh, Killeur Calculateur and more. Headlining international acts include Kodaline, Shura and The Kooks.
INFO
Good Vibes Festival
WHEN Aug 12 and 13
WHERE The Ranch, in Gohtong Jaya, Genting Highlands.
TICKETS via www.rwgenting.com.