Family is everything to Ning

Songstress Ning Baizura reflects on her life and career. finds out what motivates her

IT was a wet, gloomy Wednesday afternoon when the legendary Ning Baizura welcomed me into her studio-cumfashion boutique in Medan Damansara called The Conversation Studio, a retail business she established with well-known public relations practitioner Selena Yeop.

Ning’s happy-go-lucky spirit and positivity were a contrast to the sombre weather. Despite her hectic schedule (she was prepping for a music video shoot after the interview), she accommodated a last-minute session with

Her down-to-earth personality clashed with the “singing diva” label she is often associated with.

The absence of a glam squad or a personal assistant to help her prep for this photoshoot was evident. It’s not something you’d expect from an award-winning singer who has been in the industry for close to a quarter of a century.

MOVING FORWARD

Admittedly, Ning has been quiet in the music scene since the release of the album, a remastered compilation of her greatest hits, in 2013.

But the vocal powerhouse showed she is still very much focused on her musical pursuit when she released her Hari Raya Aidilfitri single, recently.

The catchy Raya tune is composed by Alwin Santiago with lyrics by Shah Shamshiri.

Ning wanted an upbeat Raya tune to lift her spirits as she recently faced challenges coping with a sick parent.

“My 87-year-old father had a heart attack a few years ago and since then he has symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately his health has improved but his memory isn’t very good.”

Ning admitted she nearly fell into a depression but stayed positive and surrounded herself with friends and family.

“It’s never easy, but I feed my mind with positive thoughts, read motivational books and watch heart-warming films to ward off negative thoughts.

“Being positive reminds me to be grateful for the things that I have. Positive thoughts help me power through the day.”

Ning and her siblings take turns to care for their father.

“My brother recently quit his job to see to our father’s needs. It is very noble of him to do so.”

Through the catchy Ning also wanted to spread good vibes, especially in the light of the bullying incidents which took the lives of T. Nhaveen and Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain.

AGE FACTOR

The hitmaker, who celebrated her 42nd birthday on June 28, said she took time to reflect on what she has learnt from her challenges.

For one, it taught her to appreciate the elderly more. She hopes the younger generation will do the same instead of being too engrossed in their own lives.

“Perhaps it’s time for all of us take a step back and reflect on the values we hold as individuals,” she said. “Maybe it’s the age factor, but I’ve come to realise that life isn’t just about ‘you’. It’s about building great relationships with people.

“Millennials are too engrossed in social media. It’s time to focus on time with loved ones.

“Family is everything and I cherish every moment I spend with them.”

NOSTALGIA

Ning will be hitting the studio soon to record a full album. Her days will be filled up with recordings in the mornings, before attending to the rest of her commitments.

“It’s important to ensure your vocals get enough rest before the recording. The key element to a good voice is practice, practice and practice.”

Even though the current market thrives on singles instead of albums, Ning believes in keeping the traditional album alive. However, she admitted feeling a little worried about not receiving sufficient airplay.

“Will people like it? Will the stations play my songs?”

The upcoming 13th album, tentatively set for a November release, leads up to her 25th anniversary in the music scene next year.

“I’m spoilt for choice in terms of song selection as there are some 200 tunes that I need to listen to. And then there is the task of selecting the most suitable tunes to be featured in the record.

”This is the most difficult part.”

Ning added that her album will feature ballads, a genre which has always been in her music DNA.

“At the same time, I like to see a mix of songs especially rhythm and blues. Jessie J,