POP legend Ziana Zain will mark 33 years in showbiz next year, and she is up for a musical extravaganza at the 5,000-seat Mega Star Arena, Sungei Wang Plaza, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur on May 25.
Best of all, her younger brother Anuar Zain is joining her, not as the guest artiste but as the concert's producer, since his company Anuar Zain Network Sdn Bhd is the three-hour show's main producer in partnership with her own company Ziana Zain Network Sdn Bhd.
"It's a first for Anuar as a producer, and as for me it's the first time I'll be 'taking orders' from him," said a delighted Ziana at the launch of her concert in the Kuala Lumpur Tower recently.
"I see no problem with this, as we are both professionals. After all, when we were kids, I used to order my younger siblings including Anuar around."
BEYOND PERFORMING
Anuar said: "I made a decision last year to go beyond performing, and there's nothing better than to organise concerts for Malaysia's major stars, new and old.
"The reason I've chosen Ziana for my first concert is obvious — charity begins at home! In the years to come, I'll be roping in more music legends, beginning with those with whom I've always enjoyed collaborating."
GREATEST HITS
Ziana's concert, themed the Ziana Zain Concert 2024 begins at 8.30pm and is presented by financial education company CSA Academy, with Altus ProHouse as the concert management company.
"I'll be performing 20 to 30 of my greatest hits, as solo numbers or medleys," said Ziana, who will be collaborating with acclaimed music director Aubrey Suwito and concert director Jennifer Thompson in the one-night-only concert.
"It's going to be non-stop showmanship from the word 'go' and we'll be giving fans ample sing-along opportunities. As for guest artistes, I haven't decided on them yet, but closer to the date I might reveal a name or two."
22 YEARS LATER
The concert is Ziana's first solo concert in 22 years, her last one being 'Ziana Zain In The Park' at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (then known as the Putra World Trade Centre) in 2001.
When asked about her inspiration for the new concert, Ziana said it was undoubtedly Anuar's 40th anniversary concert in Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam last Oct 28.
"I thoroughly enjoyed Anuar's Shah Alam concert, which was attended by some 8,000 fans," she said.
SUPPORTER AND MENTOR
Ziana described her father Zain Abdullah as her biggest supporter and mentor when it came to choosing a musical career.
"My father has always been our staunchest fan and critic. He is a very good singer of Asli music. Everytime I take to the stage, my aim is to make him proud, and the same can be said of my brother.
"Anuar has always inspired me. Since he was small, he has been singing two hours a day, and while working as an air steward he successfully balanced singing and work. I was an air stewardess too, and followed his footsteps!"
PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
Ziana also credits her four children Aiman, Ammar, Ariel and Kaseh Zaharin as her "pillars of strength".
"My children have always been supportive of me, everywhere they go, they help promote my music. Best of all, they know how to carry themselves well and do not reveal that they are the children of a superstar."
Since the last two months, Ziana has been preparing herself physically and mentally for the concert. "I go to the gym three to five times a week, and make sure that I eat right."
BACK TO ACTING
Ziana, who last played a major character in KRU's 2010 fantasy-comedy 'Magika', is currently filming the horror comedy 'Pontianak 200kg' which is expected to be screened next year.
"I decided to slow down my acting career after 2010 because I wanted to spend more time with my children. However, I still enjoy acting, only that I go for movies that contain challenging and out-of-the-ordinary plots," she said, adding that after 'Magika' she made two cameo appearances in the films 'Gol Dan Gincu Volume 2' (2018) and 'Seratus' last year.
ENHANCE MAGIC
Suwito said that it was great to be "reunited" with Ziana again, and he planned to "enhance the magic" of her evergreen hits such as 'Madah Berhelah' and 'Anggapanmu'.
"I've been spending months listening to Ziana's songs, and I'll do my best to give them fresh arrangements for the pleasure of young music fans," he said.
DISTINCTIVE QUALITY
Ziana, who will be backed by a team of 16 professional musicians, said: "I'm confident that fans will come in full force to be entertained with my greatest hits.
"I aim for more than just hosting a concert and delivering songs to the audience, I want the delightful impact and cherished memories to resonate with my fans who have supported me all these years."
Tickets are priced at RM288 (Gold), RM488 (Platinum), RM688 (Diamond), RM888 (VIP2) and RM1,088 (VIP1) and they can be purchased at www.ticket2u.com.my.