Sabhi Saddi takes a break from singing to explore other avenues, writes Tahir Alhamzah
HE may have burst into the local entertainment scene as a singer but Sabahan Sabhi Saddi, 32, is putting singing on the back burner to make way for acting.
“Singing will always be my top passion. But for the time being, acting seems to be my calling,” he says, adding that his management company, LOL Entertainment, also feels that he should focus on acting.
Sabhi, who started acting three years ago, explains that singing is still part of his plans for the future.
He began his career in 2004, as a member of hip hop trio Esdeco, which also included Adam (of Akademi Fantasia fame) before he joined the popular TV reality show. Sabhi’s stage name at the time was Boyce.
Two years later, while still actively performing with the group, he released his first single Sayang Giler, as a solo artiste. The track was composed by Edry Abdul Halim for the soundtrack of hit movie Cicakman 2.
Several other singles were released later and some were used as soundtracks for drama series and movies: Nadiku (released in 2010) was the soundtrack for TV3 drama series Tari Tirana) and Tanpamu (featuring Indonesian singer Helena) was released in 2011 as the soundtrack for Nur Kasih The Movie).
However, unlike his first single, his releases were all in the R&B genre.
“I decided to focus on that as I liked it the most,” says Sabhi, who by then, had already switched back to using his real name.
His other singles include Gemerlapan, Jalan Pulang, Seperti Dulu Lagi (featuring Indonesian Vienna Fridiana), Waktu, Cinta Sesungguhnya (featuring Marsha Milan), Tiada Lagi Cinta and Kisah Kita (featuring Nieyl).
BUFFED
Sabhi’s first taste of acting was in the 2013 drama series Antara Laut China Selatan, aired on TV2, which also starred Zizan Nin, Jue Aziz and Aiman Hakim Ridza.
“I was just filling up my time and thought that I’d give acting a shot. I figured that it would be a good exposure for me too. Who knows, I might have some hidden talent in acting,” says Sabhi smiling.
When he received an acting offer for a role of a male model in a HyppTV drama, Puteri Gunung Ledang last year, Sabhi, who was a little overweight then, hit the gym to make himself look leaner for the character.
“I weighed 89kg but I managed to lose 10kg. I’m aware that I cannot get too excited in building up muscle. I have been advised to not overdo it as too much of a beefcake is good only for a professional body builder, not an actor,” says the father of two daughters, aged 2 and 3.
Acting offers kept falling into his lap when he looked buffed and Sabhi was offered to act in TV3 drama Bodyguard, appearing alongside other hunky actors such as Fattah Amin, Azrel Ismail, Idris Khan and Lan Siro.
One production led to another and so far, he has appeared in telemovies Air Mata Darah and Cok Siti which were aired on TV3’s Cerekarama slot.
“After working out and going through some physical changes, I’ve been busy as a bee,” he says.
Recently, he completed comedy series Abang Sado Boleh Beres (in which he plays the lead role and is slated to air on TV3 in October) and supertelly Qabul Pun Berzikir (in which he stars alongside experienced actress Fasha Sandha, to be aired on Astro First).
“Of course I prefer singing. But I’m not complaining. Besides, through acting, I hope I would soon lose my thick Sabahan accent,” says the Sandakan-born artiste, who is married to Kelantanese Rosi Aswani Abdul Razak.
SHORTER WORKING TIME
Sabhi’s schedule is full until March next year. He is filming a TV9 drama series titled Amsyal and Astro drama Awak Sangat Nakal.
He admits that shooting several productions at the same time can be tough but so far, he is able to manage it.
“Luckily, my commitment for Amsyal is only for a four-day filming. So it’s not that difficult to juggle the schedule,” he says.
“Another thing that may be a problem for a new actor like me is that it can be a little confusing to get into different characters for different sets in the same period of time.”
Soon, Sabhi will also be playing the character of an ustaz (religious teacher) in a drama produced for Astro.
Besides shooting those two drama series, he is busy hosting a documentary programme for RTM. Titled Legenda Seni, the show interviews performing arts activists such as actor Wan Hanafi Su, flutist Mohar of Mohram, dikir barat activist Halim Yazid, performing artiste Roslan Madun, actor-cartoonist Imuda and singer Noraniza Idris.
“Hosting is new to me. It is definitely a challenge. Initially, I was very nervous on the first day of shooting. However, thanks to Abang Nuad (the director and producer of the show), I’m improving as we go along. However, sometimes, my Sabahan accent just keeps popping out,” he says with a laugh.
Sabhi is getting the hang of hosting. He enjoys the fact that it involves a shorter working time and that he is not burdened with having to memorise the script.