THE name Syamel Fodzly is presently linked to his self-penned song Hidup Dalam Mati, which was withdrawn from the coming 31st Anugerah Juara Lagu because of its similarity to composer Ayai’s Ku Kejar Bayangmu.
Fortunately, he does not see it as a setback but a minor hiccup which has made him more determined to prove himself as a lyricist and composer.
Promoting his second single Lebih Sempurna, the Akademi Fantasia 2015 runner-up is determined to excel in writing, composing and collaborating, three elements he lists as vital for new singers to progress.
Syamel says: “Lebih Sempurna is a sequel to Hidup Dalam Mati and it’s co-written and co-composed by Edry Abdul Halim, Boy Anaz and myself. While the earlier song was about a man’s inability to move on after a break-up, Lebih Sempurna sees his life improve after he finds a new love.”
Aiming to become a good collaborator, Syamel has become a contestant of Astro Ria’s latest reality show Duo Star, which finds the best new duet performers.
“I decided to join Duo Star because I want to be a good singing partner. For me, a successful singer not only sings well but writes, composes and performs duets with male and female partners,” he says.
And his partner in the eight-week show is Bintang RTM 2009 champion Ernie Zakri. He admires her vocal prowess and her passion for music. “I’ve known Ernie for more than a year now, and she’s a serious artiste who doubles as a music teacher. We both like ballads and are fans of singers Aizat Amdan, Farhan Azizan, Edry and Datuk M. Nasir.”
THE PREP
Syamel is prepared to sing various genres of duets in the competition, and he is rehearsing with Ernie in preparation for its first show on Dec 25. “It’s not easy to sing a duet. One has to be an ‘equal’ with his partner in a song, and there are times when I lag behind Ernie, but I’m going to do my best and take the judges’ feedback into consideration. Edry watches me, and I value his constructive criticism.”
Syamel says he will focus on pop-rock songs with messages that reflect the challenges of life. “Love songs in the style of the 1990s are becoming a trend, such as those by Sufian Suhaimi, Aiman Tino and Projector Band. I’ll do what I love and hope people can accept it.
“What makes me satisfied is when my songs are popular with listeners, to the extent that they inspire them to excel. For this I’m prepared to work hard and meet seasoned entertainers to learn new ideas.”
Syamel is thankful that Edry, his principal in AF 2015, gives him tips on creating good songs.
“I’ve got a long way to go in writing and composing, and I’m fortunate that Edry is a great help. I plan to collaborate with Nasir and Ajai, superb songwriters and composers, next.”
The 23-year-old who plans to record in Indonesia next year, already has five new songs which he co-wrote with Edry. “Indonesia is a huge market, and there’s a steady pool of fans of Malaysian music there. I hope to promote most of my future songs in the vast neighbouring country, and record duets with its reputable singers.”
The one-time busker and winner of SuEra 2015, looks up to his AF seniors Aizat and Farhan. He hopes to record duets with them. “Aizat and I are neighbours in Ampang, and I occasionally seek guidance from him in songwriting and composing, while I performed a duet with Farhan at a dinner three months ago. They are reality stars whom I deem the cream of the crop.”
A FIRST FOR ASTRO
Duo Star will see eight teams (comprising junior and senior singers) competing within eight weeks.
Astro Malay programming head Raqim Ahmad says: “Duo Star is a first for Astro, a challenge to find the best new duo in the industry. The vocalists are given the freedom to choose their respective partners, based on their compatibility.”
Marks are awarded by the judges, and there will be no Short Messaging Service (SMS) votes, he says. “Every week, the two teams with the lowest marks will be given a second chance to stay in the race. They will return to the stage a week later to perform a ‘song of fate’ that is picked by the production team, and the team that gets the better score, stays,” he adds.
Duo Star, which will be aired on Astro Ria (104) and Ria HD (123) at 9pm on Sundays, will have producers and composers Datuk Hattan, Datuk Acis and singer-actress Adibah Noor, as judges.
The show will be held live at Wisma MBSA, Shah Alam and the other teams include Ning Baizura and Harris Baba, Aweera Norhisham and Asfan, Sarah Fazny Mahadzir and Ronnie Hussein, Awi Rafael and Kaka Azraff, Ila Damia Johar and Yasin Sulaiman, Haiza and Aepul, and Firman Bansir and Ayai.
To be hosted by Datuk AC Mizal, the winning team will take home RM100,000 and the runners-up will receive RM50,000.
On top of that, every week, the best performing team will win RM5,000 and RM1,000 Go Shop vouchers.
The show was launched recently at Ruyi & Lyn Restaurant in Bangsar Shopping Centre,KL.