It’s the ultimate title. The ‘champions’ of TV3 singing competition 3 Juara will battle it out under the watchful eyes of their mentors, writes Tahir Alhamzah
FOR Salma, one of the trio of champions who will be competing at 3 Juara’s Pentas Epik this Sunday, her participation in the TV3 singing competition is a golden opportunity and her second chance to keep on being relevant in the currently bustling local music industry.
The 26-year-old singer, whose full name is Salmah A. Asis, was the winner of another TV3 reality programme, Mentor, in 2011. The winner of the show’s fifth season was the protege of famous singer and actress Erra Fazira.
“When I auditioned (for 3 Juara), I didn’t expect to be selected as I had already appeared in another TV show five years ago. But I was ever so glad to be on this show,” explains the winner of the ballad genre in 3 Juara.
Although she was the winner for Mentor 5, that did not make her rest on her laurels. Instead, she took it as a big new challenge and put in lots of hard work. “That’s because other contestants for this show are excellent and definitely not to be taken lightly,” says Salma, who had recorded three singles after Mentor 5.
SINGLE SWINGER
The singles are Aku Permata, Seruan Jiwa and Maafkan; which had been composed by Taja, Manusia Putih, and Nurfazz, respectively. “But maybe it wasn’t the right time as those singles did not make much of an impact in the industry. I also maintained a low profile, not appearing much on TV, only performing at various live shows all this time.
In 3 Juara, Salma was coached by singer and composer Ajai. Her mentor has already made plans to come up with a new single composed for her. “As he is one of my music idols, this was so much like a dream come true. I can’t wait to record this song, and I really hope that it will be a hit,” says the singer who will be singing with Azlan (of Azlan And The Typewriter) at Pentas Epik for the duet segment with a guest singer.
FINDING AN IDENTITY
“I was hoping that I’d get Azlan because to do a duet with him has been another one of my dreams, besides singing with Saleem (of Iklim),” says Kudien, the winner of the rock genre.
Instead, the 22-year-old champ will be performing with vocal powerhouse Jaclyn Victor. “Don’t talk about being nervous, because at this stage, I’m sure all three of us are way beyond it,” laughs Kudien, whose full name is Muhammad Ariffuden Mohd Rafee.
According to him, they may perform the hit duet made famous by Hafiz and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, titled Muara Hati.
“Although I initially chose to sing one of Jac’s own songs, Edrie Hashim thought it’d be better if we chose this one. We need an easily recognisable tune which is also a really strong number,” explains Kudien, who believes that not all rock singers need to jump up and down while performing.
He agrees that in this age, one needs to find his own style and identity. “With your own image and branding, it’d be easier for you to market your music and secure a place for yourself in these seriously challenging times,” says the young singer, who plans to go all out in marketing and utilising savvy strategies, in addition to producing good music once 3 Juara is over.
Kudien says his worst experience on the show so far was when he performed the song Arjuna. “I screwed up from the first note. As Ajai said, a singer needs to get his or her tone placement right from the start. Once that is naturally in place, even when there’s a technical issue with the stage monitors, we all should be able to perform well,” he says.
UPHOLDING TRADITIONS
“Once you get the first note right, everything else will follow,” chips in another champion, the 28-year-old Azizul, who also freelances as a vocal trainer.
The champion of Irama Malaysia, whose full name is Azizul Haqim Md Anuwar, received solid guidance from veteran composer Pak Ngah. He recalls his mentor commenting that this country lacks young composers who are able to produce relevant and quality songs for the genre.
Azizul takes it to heart and sees it as a challenge for the future. “While there seems to be quite a number of young female singers, there are very few male singers who can croon Irama Malaysia numbers.
“I hope I’ll be able to make the genre as popular as other more conventional ones among the younger generation. While I have never tried to compose any of those tunes, I certainly can create a melody. Maybe in the future, I’ll collaborate with someone who can arrange the melodies I create,” says the classical vocal diploma holder from Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (Aswara), under the tutelage of Professor Dr Siti Chairani Proehoeman.
Born and bred in Johor, Azizul says that among the various branches that fall under the traditional music banner, it is ghazal that he is most comfortable with. Not surprising since he started singing ghazal at 8.
“I have some uncles who are ghazal musicians. Even my parents love the genre. So naturally it is as familiar to me as ABC,” smiles Azizul, who will be paired with Misha Omar to perform Ajai and Nurul’s Cinta Mencintai Kita at Pentas Epik on Sunday.
Makeup: dnarsfarahfarhana
Clothes: Dicky Ishak Couturier
Location: Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Watch 3 Juara’s Pentas Epik live on TV3 at 9pm this Sunday.