KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning singer, songwriter and composer Faizal Tahir has a brand new album, with a title that most Malaysians can identify with — We Rojak.
The 41-year-old artiste will officially launch We Rojak on Aug 2.
It has nine tracks, each symbolised on the album cover by colourful little icons like a Malaysian flag, handphone, joget dancers, trophy, star, heart and crown.
But what has shocked fans is an announcement he made in a short video on Instagram yesterday — that it will be his “last album ever”.
Netizens, including recording artistes, expressed their concerns of Faizal calling it a day on stage.
One of them was singer-actor Akim Ahmad of Akim And The Majistret, who said: “Bang, is this true?”
Akademi Fantasia 2016 winner Amir Masdi said: “Oh, no!”
“I pray it's not true, Abang Faizal,” said singer-songwriter Sissy Imann.
“Bro, say it isn't so,” said singer-actor Alif Satar.
Last Sunday, Faizal introduced the album cover and song list of We Rojak via Instagram. In its photo caption he said: “It’s Rojak. Take a good look. Which song have you guys not heard? And to those who have, which is your favourite?”
Faizal first found fame by finishing second in 8TV reality talent show One In A Million in 2006.
He is a communication and media studies graduate from Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam and began his singing career in the nasyid group Mirwana.
He released his first of five albums Aku.Muzik.Kamu in 2007, and his best known songs include Sampai Syurga, Selamat Malam, Assalamualaikum, Mahakarya Cinta and Negaraku.
Among the awards Faizal has won include Best New Artiste at Anugerah Industri Muzik 2008, Best Album (Adrenalin) in Anugerah Industri Muzik 2010, Best Pop Song (Anatomi) in Anugerah Industri Muzik 2016, Best Performance (Hanyut) in Anugerah Juara Lagu 2010, and Best Song (Assalamualaikum) in Anugerah Planet Muzik 2015.
Fans and friends of Faizal all hope that he will clear the air about his future in music a week from now.
Faizal's video