SINGER Elvira Arul is big in nightspots and mini concerts, yet wants to learn more from her close pal in the reality singing show Mentor Otai.
A decade ago, Elvira was unheard of, except to fans of award-winning singer Misha Omar. Back then she was one of Misha’s back-up singers, and Misha felt Elvira had the makings of a successful artiste too.
The 39-year-old journalism graduate took her friend’s advice and began performing at various nightspots around Kuala Lumpur. She soon became a sought-after singer at showcases and concerts.
Elvira also backed-up or performed as an opening act for household names such as Datuk Sheila Majid and Jaclyn Victor. She also shared the stage with renowned musician Lewis Pragasam at music festivals.
In 2009, Elvira released a debut single Simple Love which peaked at number five on radio station Mix. This soulful song earned her her first music award — Best Female Vocalist in the Voize Independent Music Awards 2010.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Elvira, who has sung advertisement jingles and played heroine Effie White in Dreamgirls at Istana Budaya in 2011, is now one of Misha’s proteges in TV3’s new reality show, Mentor Otai.
She aims to master traditional Malay pop tunes, which her mentor is good at, to be more versatile.
“When I heard that Misha was looking for a protege, I was delighted and decided to try my luck. After all, Mentor Otai is for people like me, 30-something and above,” she said at the launch of the show in Hard Rock Cafe, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur recently.
Elvira is no stranger to reality shows. Last year, she coached Marsha Londoh in Akademi Fantasia Megastar, and helped the singer-actress finish in the top five.
“Over the last two years I was part of another Mentor spin-off, Mentor Milenia, coaching the proteges of Hazama Azmi along with his wife, musician Genervie Kam.”
Elvira said she is “never too old” to become a student again as she is an advocate of lifelong learning.
“Mentor Otai is pure joy because it’s healthy competition with singers my age group who are immensely talented, but waiting to arrive. Along the way, I’ll get to learn a new genre, and reach out to more fans beyond my ‘island’, the Klang Valley.”
OLD BUT GOLD
The oldest protege is 50-year-old Alina Hassan, who works with a cleaning company. Born in Alor Gajah, Melaka, she is a former Melaka Historic City Council band member who participated in TV3 talent search Sinaran Paspot Kegemilangan 22 years ago.
Alina, who has three decades’ experience and four albums, is one of two proteges of award-winning singer Siti Sarah Raisuddin. “My genres of choice are pop, rock and ballads. Siti Sarah is my favourite singer because she’s soulful and stylish, just what I want to be,” said Alina.
Six-week Mentor Otai, a spin-off of Mentor (which ran for six seasons between 2005 and 2012), features four mentors: Siti Sarah, Misha, Zarul Husin of Umbrella and Tam (Rustam Mustafa) of Spider.
Each mentor has two proteges. Zarul’s proteges are Aznie Ariffin, 41, of Sungai Petani, Kedah and Lokman Azmi, 36, of Lenggong, Perak while Tam’s proteges are Irwan Ahmad, 35, of Pangkor, Perak and Azril Azmi, 42, of Rembau, Negri Sembilan.
Siti Sarah’s other protege is Sairi Osman, 36, of Rompin, Pahang while Misha’s is Wan Azran Hamzah, 40, of Kota Baru, Kelantan.
COMPLETE PACKAGE
Zarul said he was not looking for a “clone” and added that his proteges could choose any musical genre to excel in. “What is important is that they work hard and show constant improvement every week,” he said, adding that being able to write and compose music is a bonus.
Tam wants proteges with character as well as talent. “If they are humorous, that’s even better. Mentor Otai is for the masses, thus it shouldn’t be uptight,” he said.
Misha said Mentor Otai was a “welcome change” as it emphasised talent over looks. “When I first started as a singer, I wasn’t deemed a looker, many called me Plain Jane,” she said.
Siti Sarah feels singers’ talent and image go hand-in-hand. “If you sing well, you need to be well-groomed too. Fans look for singers who are talented and have style and charm.”
All of the proteges have 10 to 30 years’ experience in various bands.
Mentor Otai is co-hosted by singer and actress Elly Mazlein and Haziq Hussni of Hot FM for the first time. Singer Mark Adam and composer Edry Abdul Halim are the permanent judges.
Marks awarded to the proteges are 50 per cent from the judges, 20 per cent from the public jury comprising musicians and educationists, and 30 per cent from viewers’ online votes.