Singaporean singer-songwriter Awi Rafael plans to star in dramas and films as well as guide new talents, writes Dennis Chua
MENTION the name Awi Rafael, and his catchy duet with hip-hop star Altimet, Kalau Aku Kaya, quickly comes to mind. He says when he first heard it, he fell in love instantly with the song, which won third prize in Anugerah Juara Lagu 2014.
“It is a brilliant tune composed by Audi Mok and Omar K, with thought-provoking lyrics by Altimet. It certainly struck the right note with listeners. I’m proud that we did our best during AJL 2014 and that it is popular on radio,” says Awi who began his musical career with Bhumi Band, a Singaporean-Malaysian band.
“Altimet and I have roots in the Lion City, and our superb chemistry nailed it. And then there’s the song’s un-preachy message about the dangers of getting carried away with materialism.”
RAYA PLANS
Awi, 28, who spent three years in Bhumi Band, is spending a week with his loved ones in Singapore for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“I also have relatives in Pontian, Johor, so we’ll be visiting them too,” he says.
But Hari Raya is also “work time” for Awi who is appearing in a musical showcase called Pesta Raya at the Esplanade in Singapore.
“It will have many Singaporean artistes, but there will also be some from Malaysia. I love to see Malaysian-Singaporean musical collaborations, which is why I choose to be based in Kuala Lumpur and to team up with Altimet, a leader in Malaysian hip-hop and pop,” he says.
Awi is now promoting his newest song, Takdir Cinta, written and composed by Adi of 6ixth Sense. “It has strong lyrics, which I look for in every song. While it may sound like a love story, it speaks more to the listeners about the importance of trust and honesty in building romantic relationships and friendships.”
He is delighted that Takdir Cinta is the theme song for Kusinero Cinta, an ongoing television drama produced by Global Station and starring Malaysian actress Tiz Zaqyah Razak, Filipino actor Jericho Rosales and Singaporean actor Aaron Aziz.
Airing on Astro Mustika HD channel (Astro 134), the 60-episode drama is directed by Feroz Kadir. Kusinero Cinta (which literally means Love Cuisine in a mix of Bahasa Malaysia and Tagalog), tells the story of Fredo (Rosales), an aspiring chef in Manila. One day he meets a visitor named Edrinna (Tiz) and they develop feelings for each other.
Their paths then cross with Syed Izmir (Aaron), another aspiring chef based in the country and this results in a love triangle as Syed Izmir tries to win Edrinna’s heart as well. The drama also stars Malaysia’s Miera Liyana, Nabila Daly and Arash Mohamad.
“I won’t be acting in the drama but I will not miss it. I’m delighted that three of the region’s top television and film stars are in it,” he says. “Aaron is an old friend and so is Adi Putra. They are both very versatile actors and I look forward to their films.”
ACTING ROLES
Awi had a cameo appearance in a telemovie, Masih Di Awan, last year. “I played a music teacher who inspired his students to reach for the stars. That’s a role I always relish because I see myself as a teacher at times,” says Awi.
While he loves writing and composing for others, he will never give up singing or acting and plans to spend more time creating “good music and lyrics” for young, aspiring singers.
Last year, he composed a song for veteran singer Syura titled Ajari Aku (in collaboration with composer AG of Coco fame). More recently, he created Mula Dan Akhir for Datuk Siti Nurhaliza.
“It’s always been my dream and joy to write and compose for Siti. She loved it, and I was delighted it was a job well done.”
Awi, a law graduate from Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore, says he will have a few mini performances at year’s end. Last April, he opened for an International Secretaries’ Week concert by Indonesian singer Krisdayanti, at Putrajaya International Convention Centre in Putrajaya.
“She’s one of the most awesome singers I’ve met. To be the guest star at her showcase, though it wasn’t a major one, will always be an evening to remember,” he says.
In 2012, Awi, whose real name is Nabawi Gunawan, also did two opening acts for international artistes — American band Dashboard Confessional and American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz.
His first hit songs were Pulanglah and Bila Aku Jatuh Cinta both released in 2011, and they were part of his debut album titled Asalkan Aku OK.