Adib Khalid steps out of his father’s shadow as the new CEO of Tune Studios, writes Dennis Chua
MUHAMMAD Adib Khalid is determined to make a name for himself in showbusiness.
The stepson of pop queen Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Adib, who is now CEO of Tune Studios, plans to give music lovers in the country and region the best in entertainment.
The second of businessman Datuk Seri Khalid Mohd Jiwa’s four children from his first marriage, he is a business graduate from Melbourne University, Australia.
Passionate about the arts from a young age, Adib started his own record label What’s Up Entertainment four years ago.
“It’s always been my dream to become a music company producer and joining Tune is a dream come true,” he says, adding that he has always looked up to AirAsia group chief executive officer, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
“He is a visionary man and it’s an honour to work with and be mentored by him.” INTEREST IN MUSIC Adib’s first major job as an executive producer came in 2011.
He produced Siti’s first English album, All Your Love.
The pop album, distributed by Warner Music Malaysia, was well received by fans across Southeast Asia.
It sold more than 10,000 copies in Malaysia and received multiple nominations in awards shows.
Two singles from All Your Love — Falling In Love and Remember You — reached the number one spots in radio charts in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei.
“What’s Up Entertainment has had five No.
1 singles, the others being songs by local hip-hop singer Caprice and Australian R&B singer Ron E.
Jones.” The songs are Caprice’s Chikaro and Hanya Kamu, and Jones’ Tear Us Apart.
Early this year Adib executive produced Konsert Amal Yayasan Nurjiwa, a fundraising concert which raised more than RM1 million for various charities.
He also recently signed an agreement with Darkchild Records of New York to produce Siti’s second English album.
Darkchild is owned by Rodney Jenkins who has produced albums for Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Beyonce and Justin Bieber among others.
Adib, 24, says while it will never be easy to fill the shoes of his visionary predecessor Jeremy Little, he shares the late Little’s passion to promote new and talented artistes.
“Jeremy was a great man teeming with ideas and passion to take Malaysian music around the world,” he says.
MENTOR FATHER
He credits his father as his mentor, role model and inspiration, as they both share a passion for the arts.
“While I’m still new in the industry, I believe I can continue his mission as I have great faith in our talents.
“My father has taught me a lot about managing a company and, more importantly, made me realise that the entrepreneurial spirit has to come from within me.” Adib plans to have Tune Studios focus on artistes with an urbane image specialising in pop, R&B and hip-hop because these genres are very popular with Malaysian youth.
“I plan to produce a concert in the second quarter of next year featuring a popular foreign artiste.
There will also be promising local artistes as opening acts.” He says while he is taking “baby steps” in promoting local artistes, he believes in scouting for those who are truly talented and capable of creating their own music.
“I would like to thank everyone in Tune Group, especially Tony, for the trust given to me to manage Tune Studios and welcoming me to the Tune family.” Adib launched a concert by American hip-hop singer Sky Blu (Skyler Gordy) from the awardwinning group LMFAO at The Play Club in First Avenue, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya recently.
The two-hour concert titled Sky Blu Live In Kuala Lumpur was co-organised by KC And Friends.