KUALA LUMPUR: One-time pop phenomenon Asmawi Ani or Mawi, 42, fondly recalls his early days in showbiz where he was dubbed the "Tsumawi" (Mawi Tsunami).
"That was what many fans called me after I won reality show Akademi Fantasia's third season by a landslide in 2005," said Mawi in a recent Harian Metro report.
"In the first four to five years of my career, people were crazy over me and I had weekly requests to attend various functions such as product launches, weddings, birthdays and dinners.
"In some weddings and birthdays I was even offered as much as RM80,000 just to sing a couple of songs," said Mawi.
Mawi's dizzying popularity gradually subsided with the advent of new singers who were discovered in reality shows.
He now serves as a radio announcer on Zayan FM and occasionally sings and acts.
"As Mawi Mania slowly disappeared, I had to find other means to stay afloat in show business. With a little help from my wife, I went into business and it helped," said Mawi who now sells his brand of health products.
Mawi and his wife Ekin Rahmat also manage their own production company which produces television programmes and films.
His best-known film in which he was both producer and director was Tiada Tajuk, a 2019 comedy that also starred singer and actor Hazama Azmi, the winner of Akademi Fantasia 9.
Mawi's other films include Munafik 2, Jin Notti and Pendekar Awang.
"Before I started my business, I became the brand ambassador for several products. The experience of being an ambassador has helped me develop entrepreneurship," he said.
"I am glad that I have prepared myself for the 'post-Tsumawi' era. Fame does not last forever and that means I will not always be tops in the entertainment world."
Mawi still sings, but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as he spends his weekdays in the radio station.