POPULAR singer, songwriter, music producer and composer Faizal Tahir will mark his 17th year as an entertainer with a concert in September.
One of the most recognisable and respected recording artistes over the last two decades, he attributes his success to two key factors: working well with everyone involved in producing his music and concerts, and not speaking ill of others.
"Apart from working hard and being honest with who you are, working well with your team and refraining from putting others down is a must," said Faizal at the launch of his 17th anniversary concert Aku Faizal Tahir Live In Kuala Lumpur.
CLEAR OF CONTROVERSY
The Sept 2 concert's launch was held at Jiospace in Section 19, Petaling Jaya, recently and attended by organiser JioBuddy representative Sean Ng and representatives of sponsors Altus Prohouse, Faithful Records, JioSpace, WTCKL, Level Up and YCG.
Faizal, 45, said "staying clear of controversy" was also important for an artiste's longevity, and in the early years of his career he learnt it the hard way.
"I admit I made an unfortunate mistake one year after I arrived on the music scene. That was when I emulated Smallville's Superman Tom Welling when performing a gimmick, and got banned from TV for a couple of months. Other singers had to perform my songs at Anugerah Juara Lagu," he said, adding that the "silver lining to his cloud" was that he won big in the annual music awards.
WISEN UP
Faizal said all artistes make mistakes as "we are all human" but what is important is to "wisen up and grow up" after setbacks.
"I'll be sharing with fans the journey of my life and music, warts and all, in Aku Faizal Tahir. There'll be 23 songs, including medleys, throughout the two-hour performance, and I'll tell the story behind each song and debunking some myths behind them," said Faizal, whose non-stop concert will not feature guest artistes.
FOND MEMORIES
The concert will take place at 8.30pm at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) in Jalan Putra, Kuala Lumpur.
The venue brings back lots of fond memories for Faizal, as it was there that he had his first major performances.
"I chose WTCKL not only because of nostalgia, but also because I love that cosy and intimate concert hall with a superb sound system.
"Furthermore, WTCKL is big enough for 2,900 people and in the heart of the capital, easily accessible to most Klang Valley folk," said Faizal, adding that his wife and seven children would attend the concert.
COLDPLAY INFLUENCE
Besides performing his songs, such as Mahakarya Cinta, Cuba, Bencinta, Sampai Syurga and Alhamdulillah, Faizal will also sing a couple of numbers he wrote and composed for other artistes.
"Best of all, I will debut a new version of Sampai Syurga, complete with a music video that I filmed in Port Dickson earlier this year.
"The music video is inspired by Coldplay's video for the song Yellow. That's my way of encouraging Malaysians to support the British band's concert two months after mine," said Faizal.
SUCCESS STORY
The award-winning One In A Million Season One (OIAM1) runner-up described his concert as a journey through time, from his early days as a singer to the success that he is today.
It is specially dedicated to Faizal's loyal fans who have supported him since OIAM1.
Faizal, who hails from Kuala Terengganu, said he did not want to be merely known as a popular singer but also one who had grown with experience and had his life shaped by his art for the better.
FAITH MEN
Faizal said part of proceeds from the concert would go to his humanitarian non-governmental organisation I Am Faith Men.
Tickets are priced between RM488 and RM688.
HIGH QUALITY
When asked about complaints that the tickets were pricey, Ng said the concert was going to be a high-quality production and an important milestone in Faizal's career.
"We will make sure that guests will have a great time and find that it is worth every ringgit."
He said all factors had been taken into consideration when the producers decided on the ticket prices.
Tickets can be purchased from www.jiotix.asia.