THE champion of singing competition 'Bintang RTM' in 1985, Ramlah Ram, says her artistic career has continued to flourish due to the ongoing support of her loyal fans.
Fondly known as Kak Melah, the 59-year-old artiste is eternally grateful to her many fans, who have faithfully and financially supported her artistic endeavours.
In her most recent project of a single entitled 'Hati', her fans contributed their physical energy, as well as money, to aid in the production of a music video for the song that was created by Ramlah's younger brother, Rashid Ram.
Although it's a joy to be able to be close to her fans and to entertain them, the veteran singer said it also hurts when they are no longer around.
This happened seven years ago, when one of her biggest fans, Suzaimi Soaib, died.
The passing of Suzaimi, who was also the composer of the song 'Sesaat Kau Datang', has affected Ramlah deeply.
He was the then president of her fan club, known as the Ramlah Ram Group (RRG), which contributed immensely to the longevity of her career.
"After the passing of my late father, the loss of Suzaimi had a very deep effect on me. It can be said that half of my spirit disappeared and went with these two beloved people.
"It's not easy to meet fans like Suzaimi who are willing to sacrifice a whole lot, including money. The sincerity and passion that came from this wonderful man was truly great.
"Besides the late Suzaimi, I am very lucky to have many fans who I consider like my own family.
"Actually, their closeness is more than family. They are with me not just during the good times, but when it's hard as well.
"They approached me not to take advantage of me. On the contrary, they were willing to spend their own money up to tens of thousands of ringgit just for the survival of my career," she said during a recent anniversary celebration and launch of the single 'Hati' in Kuala Lumpur.
The new single is distributed by a recording company under RRG Entertainment. The music video was also produced by RRG.
Ramlah said her 'Hati' music video was directed by longtime fan Fairozee Hashim.
"Fairozee also serves as editor for the video. This group of fans have been supporting me from the time they were still in school.
"They sincerely want me to have a secure future and have never asked even a sen from me for their gracious efforts."
Ramlah added that fans would also give her tips on how to use social media as a medium of communication.
At this age, Ramlah is no longer chasing awards. But that doesn't mean that she has lost any of her passion for music and singing.
The 'Kau Kunci Cintaku Dalam Hatimu', 'Cintaku Hanyut Di Lautan Sepi' and 'Diam Diam Jatuh Cinta' hitmaker said she wants to produce at least one new single every year.
If the song were to succeed in making it to a competition such as TV3's popular 'Anugerah Juara Lagu' (AJL), then Ramlah would just describe it as a bonus.
"There is no longer a feeling of wanting to compete for me, at this time in my life. On the contrary, it is more about enjoying life and my ongoing singing career."
Ramlah also considers all the new songs she's recorded as belonging to the "family".
"All my singles belong to the family and they all have sentimental value.
"The single 'Hati' is different from my other songs because it is more easy-going and relaxing. Sometimes, it's good to come up with a song like this," she said.
'Hati' and its music video are available for streaming on YouTube and all other digital platforms.