The singer extraordinaire is all set to embark on the biggest tour of her career.
BEING Malaysia’s No.1 singer is cool but for Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, being a parent tops that stunning achievement.
This year was certainly a life-changing year for the award-winning artiste as she delivered her little bundle of joy, Siti Aafiyah Khalid back in March.
“I feel really lucky because my dream had finally become a reality. I’m still pinching myself over the fact that I have a daughter,” said Siti in a recent interview.
But Siti adds that being a mum doesn’t necessarily mean she will have to step out of the spotlight.
“People may look at me differently now that I am a mother. Naturally many expect me to slow down but I think that you should only work harder to achieve your goals, so that you can set a good example to your children that you can do anything if you put your mind to it,” she said.
Well, Siti will certainly not be slowing down anytime soon. In fact, the 39-year-old artiste is busy preparing for one of the biggest tours of her career.
GOING ALL OUT
According to Siti, there are many celebrity and non-celebrity mothers who continue to achieve their dreams.
“I’m not going to make my daughter an excuse for not working. Instead I want to make her my motivation to be a better and more hardworking person,” she added.
Siti was met at Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, where a Press conference was held for her upcoming tour, simply titled Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza On Tour.
The Anta Permana hitmaker will be performing in Jakarta, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
“After being in the Malaysian music industry for more than two decades, it has never been more important to me than to build a great legacy not just for my daughter but for Malaysia,” she said.
In addition to the three countries, Siti and her management, as well as the main organisers for the tour Shiraz Projects, are currently discussing about the possibility of reliving Siti’s Royal Albert Hall moment in London.
“The Royal Albert Hall in London had presented an available date — April 22 next year — for me to perform there but we have not yet come to a decision,” she said.
Siti added: “I would love to relive the special moment when I performed there back in 2004 but there are a few things that we would first need to take into consideration. For now, we are focusing on the three confirmed venues first.”
SMOOTH OPERATOR
After lying low in the music industry for the past year, there are a few things Siti needs to take care of first, like polishing her vocal work, rebuilding her stamina and getting into shape, before heading off for her tour.
Just like other women, Siti is working hard to shed the weight she had gained throughout her pregnancy.
“I have about 10kgs to go. I am on a strict diet regime as well as an exercise plan to help me get in the best shape that I could possibly be in.
“It’s crucial for any performer to be in the pink of health for a performance. Seeing that this is my biggest tour yet, I have a lot of work to do to ensure that everything runs smoothly,” she said.
Aside from having a personal trainer, Siti will also prep her singing ability with a vocal coach.
“After resting for more than a year to focus on motherhood, I need to get my vocals back on track. The organisers have provided me with a great vocal coach. This is a first for me as I’ve never had someone to help me prep my voice for a performance,” she said.
While she certainly does not need a vocal coach (considering she is Malaysia’s top singer), Siti said the coach would help polish her singing techniques she that she will deliver her best possible performance.
After all, Siti knows full well that fans have high expectations for this upcoming tour.
“I am nervous for sure but I believe that it’s good to be nervous. I never take it easy, even in all my past performances. Having a good team is also crucial to ensure that everything runs smoothly,” she added.
EPIC DOCUMENTARY
Indonesian singer Tulus will be the opening act for Siti throughout her tour.
“I love his music. I’ve always told people that the one genre I have yet to try is jazz and Tulus’ music has that nice jazzy feel to it.
“He’s such a talented singer. If there is a chance for us to duet on stage, we will.”
Besides the upcoming tour, Siti’s fans can also look forward to a movie documentary on the successful singer’s exciting journey of preparing for the tour and concerts.
The production is expected to be released on the silver screen sometime in the third quarter of next year.
The documentary will take viewers behind the scenes of the tour and it will also provide a glimpse into Siti’s life as she juggles motherhood as well.
Incidentally, the total cost of the entire epic tour and documentary, according to the organiser, comes up to a whopping RM10 million!
MEMORABLE CONCERTS
For Siti’s tour, fans will be taken down memory lane, with Siti performing a long list of her most famous hits.
The show will be divided into four segments — Ethnic, Ballad, Chart Toppers and Unplugged.
The songs will all be produced and re-arranged by local music extraordinaire Aubrey Suwito, together with his band.
There will also be special meet-and-greet sessions for fans. This will allow them to get an up close and personal experience with the star herself.
Concert tickets, a free T-shirt, CD and refreshments will be made available during the sessions.
Siti will kick off the tour on Feb 21 at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, followed by the Singapore Expo in the Lion City on March 2. The singer will then wrap up her tour with a culminating concert at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on March 16.
Tickets are priced at RM1,295 (meet & greet), RM495 (diamond), RM355 (platinum), RM255 (gold), RM155 (silver) and RM105 (bronze).
The tickets are now on sale at www.mytickets.asia. Visit www.shirazprocjects.com or call 012-2560082.