POPULAR singer Adira Suhaimi from Ranau, Sabah is a household name because of her vocal prowess which has made her synonymous with local movie soundtracks.
She has recorded more than 10 theme songs for various television dramas, telemovies and films in the last decade, earning her the title 'Malaysia's Soundtrack Queen'.
The 32-year-old Kadazan-Dusun beauty is now back with yet another theme song, this time for Datuk Rosyam Nor's tear-jerker 'Memoir Seorang Guru', a film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by the late Azizi Abdullah.
Titled 'Kasih' and produced by Nova Music, the song is composed by Ayden Ali, Adeef Den and Iqie Hugh, and written by Datuk Arisz Abd Rahman.
IN PRAISE OF TEACHERS
In a recent statement, 'Akademi Fantasia 8' runner-up Adira said she was honoured to be able to collaborate with such a stellar team of composers.
"I'm deeply touched that I have sung the theme song for a wonderful and inspiring movie about the sacrifices of a dedicated school teacher, played by my favourite actor Datuk Rosyam Nor.
"As a singer, I feel at home with any original composition, as long as it has a great melody and meaningful lyrics. Most importantly, the song has to match my vocal range like this one."
Adira said 'Kasih' was a moving song that tugged at her heart-strings and spoke directly to her of the sacrifices school teachers made in raising the country's future leaders.
"I love songs that are dedicated to our teachers, for they are the people who have shaped us as professionals and inspired success stories. Teachers are our true heroes."
Adira thanked Adyen, Adeef, Iqie, Arisz and Nova Music for giving her the opportunity to sing 'Kasih'.
"Every song is a brand new experience for me. I have given more than 100 per cent to it, and hope that listeners will love it," she said.
Adira added that Kasih was a song close to her heart as it reminded her of the many teachers who taught her during her schooldays.
"This is my Teachers' Day gift for all of them, and it is also my first song that celebrates them thus far."
A WIDER REACH
Adira encouraged her fans to come in full force to watch 'Memoir Seorang Guru' which hits cinemas nationwide on May 30.
"It's got a star-studded cast and a great storyline which delves deep into the heart and soul of a dedicated school teacher,"
She added that she was "all right" being associated with movie soundtracks because the movies was the best way for an artiste's songs to reach a wider audience.
"Putting a singer's popular song in a movie gives it free publicity.
"Many Malaysians love to watch movies, and if the movie is great, they will remember it for a long time, together with the theme song."
TOUGH LOVE
'Memoir Seorang Guru' also stars Ellie Suriaty, Zul Huzaimy, Nabila Huda Suhaimi, Johan Asa'ri and Trisha Ooi, among others.
It is directed by Kyoll Hamzah, produced by Kalam Ariff Holdings Sdn Bhd (KAHSB) and supported by Yayasan Guru Malaysia Berhad (YGMB).
The movie aims to recognise the sacrifices of school teachers and honouring their crucial role in nation-building.
'Memoir Seorang Guru' tells the story of retired school teacher Sunan (Rosyam) who recalls his days as a strict and no-nonsense educator while posted to a remote village in the north of the peninsula.
Sunan tries hard to discourage his daughter Kamariah (Nabila Huda) from following in his footsteps because he is not confident she would be able to handle all the "barbs" that he encountered during his days as a teacher.
However, several former students later call on the retired teacher to express their gratitude to him for making them success stories, despite his "terrifying" demeanour and harsh punishments.
The music video for 'Kasih' is now available on Nova Music Videos' YouTube channel.