Spiritual singer Hafiz Hamidun is on a successful path, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
SPIRITUAL singer Hafiz Hamidun is at a great stage in his life, with a career that has branched out into the business world. The 30-year-old’s zikir albums in particular, are selling exceptionally well, and some have stayed at Top 10 of the local iTunes chart for several months.
Having performed at large concerts numerous times, Hafiz’s tunes are widely played on the airwaves, with some being theme songs for local dramas.
The boy from Teluk Intan says he has very little time for himself. “I am successful, but I struggle to find quality time with my family, no time even to find a life partner,” he says in an interview during the launch of his album, Zikir Terapi Diri 3.
“My parents are getting older. It’s sad that sometimes I have to check my schedule to see if I have time to spend with them.”
The former member of nasyid group Unic is aware of the sacrifices he is making, and that he has to be fair to his family and fans.
“I’m working hard now so that once my career is more stable, I can have all the time I need for myself and my family,” he says, adding that when he does find a potential partner, he would like to skip the dating part and go straight into marriage.
“Look at (actor) Fizo Omar and his wife Mawar Abdul Karim. They opened a business together and they complement each other well. I’m hoping to find someone who is compatible.”
MORE ZIKIR
Meanwhile, Hafiz’s three zikir albums — Zikir Terapi Diri, Zikir Terapi Diri 2 and Zikir Terapi Diri 3 (released last July) — are selling like hot cakes, with more than 400,000 copies sold to date.
Because of the response to the first two zikir albums, Hafiz decided to release the third.
“If they listen to the first and second albums, followed by the third one, they’ll see the correlation in terms of concept between all three,” he says.
Zikir Terapi Diri 3 contains 10 zikir numbers, namely Ya Allah, Bismillah, Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Lailahaillallah, Allahuakbar, Hasbirabbi, Tubhailallah, Hasbunallah and Zaljalal.
Composed by Hafiz, with the music arranged by local and international musicians and sound engineers, Zikir Terapi Diri 3 was recorded in the UK, Singapore and Malaysia. The mastering was done in Australia.
Unlike the first two zikir albums, Zikir Terapi Diri 3 features orchestral sound elements in all the compositions.
Hafiz hopes to perform at prestigious venues such as Istana Budaya and Dewan Filharmonik Petronas some day.
“This is why I have gone all out to produce this record. I go for the best sound engineering and mastering. By doing so, I wish to promote the Islamic music genre and elevate its standard,” he says.
Zikir Terapi Diri 3 is Hafiz’s fifth solo album, produced by Arteffects International and distributed by Warner Music Malaysia and Inteam Records.
BACK TO NASYID
After three zikir albums, Hafiz harbours hopes of returning to singing nasyid songs. “I used to sing them when I was part of Unic, and I miss that. Whenever I perform solo, my fans ask for Unic’s songs too.”
Late last year, Hafiz released a single, Jodoh Berdua, composed by Azlan Abu Hassan with lyrics written by Hafiz. “It is a pop ballad with spiritual elements in the lyrics and it was a hit on the radio,” he says.
He has decided that his next album should be with a religious pop genre. “I also aim to collaborate with several local artistes, such as Tomok. I plan to rediscover old spiritual songs and breathe new life into them,” says Hafiz, who has started working on his upcoming album, with three songs already completed. He targets for a release in March next year. “I haven’t discussed with anyone yet but I’d really like to work with a rapper on a song.”
He points out the breakthrough collaboration between nasyid singer Yassin and rap duo Too Phat on the song Alhamdulillah. It became a phenomenal hit.
“Maybe I won’t make another zikir song after this, but it’d be great if I can insert a zikir into a contemporary song. Alhamdulillah is a great example.
“I want a song that can reach more people but still has that spiritual element. With a commercial song, I think it’s possible.”
Hafiz cites popular nasyid group Raihan as one of his favourites in the nasyid music scene.
“I learnt to harmonise by listening to its songs. I covered Raihan’s songs many times when I was trying to make it big. Since the group is such a huge inspiration, my dream is to become just as big.”
CONCERT WITH A VIEW
Hafiz was scheduled to perform at a large-scale concert at Stadium Perpaduan Petrajaya, Kuching early last month. Unfortunately, the concert was postponed as the venue had to be used for another event.However, Hafiz is holding another concert, Exclusive Night With Hafiz Hamidun, on Nov 7 at Mega View, KL Tower at 8.30pm. It is only open to 300 guests.
The 90-minute show will feature songs from his three zikir albums and his nasyid hits. “It’ll be a different concert experience, thanks to the view of the Kuala Lumpur city at 288 metres above the ground,” Hafiz says.
“I hope to extend this invitation also to my fans in Brunei and Singapore. They can enjoy the view from the KL Tower at the same time.”
Hafiz is currently thinking of a new date, probably December, for the Kuching concert that had to be postponed.
Entrepreneur skills
Hafiz is creative director of his own company Mikraj Concept. The company’s main mission is to unearth more online entrepreneurs — celebrities and the public. It offers support, advice and encouragement to enter business.
“We proposed a joint venture idea to 25 online shops first. We offer them a rent-free space to sell their products at our company’s boutique.”
Located at Empire Damansara, the boutique offers various clothing items including jubah for men and women, accessories and interior decorations.
“I am profoundly grateful for my success and I am giving back by organising large-scale shows and offering high-quality music to my fans.”
Exclusive Night With Hafiz Hamidun
Tickets are priced at RM188 and RM288. For more information on the show, follow Hafiz on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.