NUR Atiqah Shariffudin, better known by her stage name Eka Sharif, first found fame on the Astro Ria’s long-running reality talent show in 2011.
She was one of the 14 student-contestants of that year’s ninth and supposedly final season — the show subsequently took a year break, before being revived by popular demand in 2013.
Finishing at 13th place, she was voted out after two weekly concerts. “Competition was tough that year, and furthermore we had a super singer in Hazama Azmi who ultimately emerged as champion,” says Eka in an interview at Balai Berita.
“But I have no regrets joining AF9, because it was there that I met one of my idols, Amy of Search, who became our principal.”
Eka describes Amy as a frank and honest critic of her performances, and also a very encouraging person.
“He wasn’t upset when I got eliminated, in fact he pointed out where I had stumbled, and gave me useful tips on improving my performance. And most importantly, he advised me never give up on my dreams.”
Amy pointed out that Eka had the advantage of being a talented dancer, and this would add spice to her performances.
“What he advised me to do was to build up confidence on stage, and go all out when it comes to singing. I also needed to communicate effectively with fans.”
Eka may aspire to be a successful singer, but she first found fame as a dancer with several modern dance troupes. These included Funky Fresh Family (which also comprised the future members of De Fam), Super Sunday and the Wakaka Crew, formed by So You Think You Can Dance Malaysia first season winner Alam Abdul Rahman.
“As members of these dance troupes, and later as a soloist, I backed up performances by Datuk Siti Nurhaliza in some of her concerts. Besides, I also danced at Anugerah Juara Lagu, Anugerah Industri Muzik and My Starz LG.”
SOLO ARTISTE AGAIN
Eka learnt modern dance during her schooldays, because she found it a fun way to exercise and stay fit.
“As for singing, my parents exposed me to music when I was a pre-teen. My father is a big fan of rock music from Search, and still is. I am a rock fan, too, but as I grew older, I began to enjoy ballads because I find them moving and inspiring,” she says. Siti, Faizal Tahir and Indonesian crooner Afgan are her favourite soloists. “At the moment Afgan tops the list... his voice is so romantic.”
After leaving AF9, Eka formed one half of a girl group called Hanarose with AF 2016 student-contestant from Pahang, Riana Azmi.
“We were brought together by producer Cat Farish, and we had a hit with Girlfriend in 2013. Both Riana and I also sang the haunting but sad Deritaku, the theme song for Nora Danish’s horror flick Pengantin Malam, screened in the same year,” says Eka.
Hanarose, sadly, lasted for a mere couple of years. “We decided to go separate ways because of unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, Riana and I still remain friends and I’m going all out to support her in AF 2016.”
Now that she is a solo artiste again, Eka has come up with a single, Mengenal Cinta. “This ballad was co-composed by Ardiv Jauhari and myself. It’s a catchy tune about a young woman who is experiencing love for the first time.”
Eka does not plan to release an album yet, as she’d rather release several singles, in collaboration with other promising local composers and lyricists.