EQUAL CHANCE TO SHINE
Anugerah Juara Lagu 31 sees fresh faces compete with veterans and familiar names, writes Dennis Chua
YOU’D be forgiven if you think budding singer Aiman Tino is the son of veteran pop singer Herman Tino. But he has nothing to do with Herman, apart from admiring the curly-haired veteran.
Aiman, 18, took part in TV9’s Idola Kecil at 12, but did not make it to the finals. However, his passion to become a singer never waned.
Singing Ku Rela Dibenci, a song about standing up for oneself penned by Riena and composed by his father, Yusry Ishak (ACK), Aiman is Anugerah Juara Lagu 31’s (AJL 31) youngest vocalist among the 12 finalists.
“I’ve always wanted a career in music. My parents have been behind me from day one but they would like to see me penning and composing my own songs,” he says.
Naming Datuk Sudirman Arshad and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza as his heroes because they “speak” to fans, he says: “I like songs with meaningful lyrics, and I’m striving to sing with more passion. I know I have a long way to go, but I’m making small steps towards that, and earning a spot in AJL is a bonanza.”
Aiman studied at Sekolah Menengah Ampang Pecah, Kuala Kubu Baru, and helped manage his parents’ food stall there.
Singer-songwriter Sufian Suhaimi is also making his debut in AJL 31.
The mass communications student of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin in Kuala Terengganu is riding high with ballad Terakhir written by his friend Sirkhan and composed by Sirkhan and Rinkarnaen.
“I’m with my university’s band Demahameru, with Sirkhan and Rinkarnaen, and besides Terakhir we’ve also got Segalanya,” says Sufian, 24, from Johor Baru.
He admires Sudirman and Sam Smith, and likes mature voices and lyrics. His songs deal with life’s challenges.
“The stories behind Terakhir and Segalanya are about learning from mistakes and building character. They empower people,” says Sufian who wants to be a composer and lyricist.
Aiman and Sufian are not viewed lightly by seniors in the industry, especially reigning champions Akim And The Majistret, who sang last year’s best
song Potret. “We’re thankful to fans for their support, which has helped land us another spot in AJL 31. Our single, Obses, has been getting a lot of airplay, but there’s more competition, so we have to give a performance with oomph!” says lead singer Akim Ahmad.
Hazama Azmi, who has been in AJL since 2012, is counting on his hit, Di Amaran Mama (composed by Ajai and written by Ad Samad).
“I’ve yet to clinch an award at the AJL but nothing comes easy. However, being in AJL consistently is a great step toward winning,” says Hazama.
Hanifah “Black” Hanafiah, who has been in AJL thrice since 2009, agrees. The soulful winner of Mentor 3 is performing Anugerah Terindah, written and composed by Omar K.
“This is a patriotic song and a love song. Omar creates meaningful lyrics,” says Black.
Alif Satar, who will see his first duet with Shila Amzah, Selamanya Cinta ,is
delighted to be part of the awards’ history. “It’s a lucky year for me; I’m also hosting Anugerah Skrin,” says Alif.
Actor and director Syamsul Yusof is happy to be in AJL with his catchy duet
Kalah Dalam Menang with Mawi as he “loves hip-hop laced with spirituality, so Mawi is the right man to partner”.
Primeworks Studios entertainment manager Sufian Isa says the seven jury members in the Muzik Muzik semi-finals will be increased to 10 in AJL.
“The judges are headed by Datuk Ramli MS, and judging will be based on the performers’ creativity and musicianship,” he says.
The 12 songs were revealed at Seri Pentas 2, Plaza Alam Sentral, Shah Alam after Muzik Muzik 31’s semi-finals last week.
The other contenders are Misha Omar and Hafiz Suip (Terimaku Seadanya composed by Ajai), Dayang Nurfaizah (Lelaki
Teragung composed by Natasyah), Elizabeth Tan and Awi Rafael (Setia written and composed by Faizal Tahir), Projector Band (Sudah Ku Tahu), and Khalifah (Hang Pi Mana).