KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian singer Elizabeth Tan’s dream of working with Disney Channel has come true.
While she won’t be lending her voice to an animated character in the channel’s latest animated series, Elena Of Avalor, the 23 year-old has been given the honour of performing Kini Masaku, the Malay version of the series’ music anthem, My Time.
“It’s most people’s dream to work with Disney. I almost couldn’t believe it when the offer fell into my lap!” said the Knock! Knock! singer during a media preview of the animated series, held at The Bee restaurant in Publika today.
Tan admitted she was initially nervous to take on the project when her manager called to inform her that she had been shortlisted to sing the Malay version of the song.
“I said I will try, but honestly, I wasn’t confident I could do it because I was not sure whether my vocals would suit Disney’s requirements. I mean, what if I am unable to deliver the high notes?” she said.
But before the recording even started, Tan was informed that she the job was hers.
“I took it up as a challenge and I was fortunate to be working with an amazing sound engineer who aided and guided me through the process, including the emotions that I had to have when performing the tune,” Tan said, adding that the recording was done locally in under four hours.
“I sang the song in my own style, and I hope the audience will enjoy it,” she added.
My Time, or Kini Masaku, is a song about empowerment and self-belief. It resonates with the series that follows Elena’s journey set in an enchanted fairytale land of Avalor. The brave and adventurous teenager, who saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress, must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen.
“Even though it’s a children’s show, Disney always has a way of capturing the hearts of both the young and the old. Elena herself is a character that has all the attributes and qualities of a great role model, so I think a lot of people can relate to that,” Tan said, adding that the music video will debut on Nov 1.
Created by Craig Gerber, Elena Of Avalor is highly-anticipated in the US, as she is introduced as Disney’s first Latina princess.
Elena will be making her royal debut in Malaysia through the animated series this coming Nov 13 on Disney Channel (Astro Channel 615) at 11am.