KUALA LUMPUR: Singer, songwriter and composer Hael Husaini Razmi, 37, has described the coming Anugerah Juara Lagu 38 (AJL 38) as a "celebration of all Malaysian musicians."
Hael is in the running for the top prize in AJL 38 with his song Bintang.
The annual music awards show will be held at 9pm in the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil here on Sunday, and will be broadcast live on TV3.
"Since it is a music festival, I do not see the other 11 artistes in the finals as my challengers. I deem AJL 38 as a friendly match, and may the best song win," said Hael in an interview with Berita Harian Online today.
Hael added: "Whenever I am in AJL, I tell myself to do my best. I keep my performance strategy under wraps and only reveal it on the night of the concert itself."
When asked about his preparations for Sunday, Hael said that he was still giving his performance the "finishing touches."
"Most importantly, I am getting enough rest and sleep, and eating healthy for my big day.
"Over the last month I have been practising my vocals almost daily, to give my fans a performance to remember."
Hael said that Bintang was meant to be a sad song, and he would convey a touching "story" in his performance.
When asked about the singers who could give him a "run for his money", Hael said that Ernie Zakri, Aisha Retno and Kugiran Masdo had great showmanship.
Hael will soon release his new album Antonim (Part 2) and this will be followed by a concert.
Besides Hael, AJL 38's other artistes are AJL 37 winner Aina Abdul with Jangan Mati Rasa Itu, Ernie Zakri (Astana), Aisha Retno (Sutera), Naqiu (Santai), Kugiran Masdo (Inilah JalanNya), Marsha Milan Londoh (Darah), Shiha Zikir (Kalam), Amir Jahari (Hasrat), Wany Hasrita and Afieq Shazwan (Kucuma), Ziana Zain and Hasif Upin (Waktu), and Khai Bahar and Nabila Razali (Selagi Ku Ada).