She is pursuing a medical degree but Hanie Soraya Taha tells Dennis Chua that singing is her second love
IT is not often that we find people from the medical field as entertainers but two names come to mind.
Dr Jason Leong Say Keong is a household name today because he excels in stand-up comedy, being one fourth of comedy troupe Malaysian Association of Chinese Comedians — alongside Kuah Jenhan, Phoon Chi Ho and Douglas Lim.
And most recently, we have been introduced to a talented medical student, Hanie Soraya Taha, the protege of award-winning singer, composer and songwriter Faizal Tahir.
Hanie, who comes from Kluang, Johor, has been singing for a year now. She is signed under Faithful Music, Faizal’s label and is self-taught on the guitar.
“I’m a second-year medical student in Mansoura University, Egypt. I’m currently on a semester break and I’ll be going back to Egypt around Hari Raya Aidil Adha,” says Hanie, who has four more years to complete her studies.
The youngest of three siblings, she studied in Sekolah Menengah Taman Melawati, Ulu Klang and has always kept abreast of the local music scene. “Some of my friends think I sing like Amy Mastura. I take that as a compliment because I love Amy Mastura both as a singer and an actress,” she says.
Hanie is currently promoting her first single titled Hujung Dunia (World’s End). It comes complete with a music video which was launched last March and produced by Pretty Peektures.
“The song is motivational and inspirational. It’s about friendship and devotion, how good friends never abandon you and stay faithful to you even if you go to the ends of the earth.”
Hanie had a hand in writing her first single and shared the honours with Omar K and Faizal. Michael Chan composed the song. “It’s an honour to be mentored by Faizal as he is a perfectionist who champions new talents in the music industry.
“He is a great teacher because he wants me to reach for the skies and be myself — nobody should be a clone of anybody.”
Hanie also admires Yuna, Najwa Mahiaddin and Shila Amzah, describing them as strong role models for young women.
“I love female singers who create their own songs, either through composing or songwriting, or both. Becoming a complete musician with the above criteria has always been my childhood passion,” admits Hanie Soraya, the pioneer musician of her family.
“And I’d always be thankful to my parents and elder siblings because they gave me the green light to pursue music from day one, provided I become an educated musician with a degree.”
Will Hanie become a full-time musician after completing her university course in Egypt?
“No, I’m determined to graduate as a doctor but I’ll still write and compose music as my second love.
“I believe in following my heart, doing what I love and loving what I do and there’s nothing wrong at all having two jobs,” says the determined young musician who hopes to collaborate with Shila someday.