Bigger notes for Endang Hyder
The violinist tells Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli her life has changed since her videos of cover songs went viral
“CHECK out this blouse I’m wearing! And these shoes!” Endang Hyder gushes prior to the photoshoot for this article.
“And see my make-up? They’re all sponsored,” adds the 31-year-old excitedly.
Having led a simple life, the violinist has every right to be in a gleeful mode. Her career, although long, has been rather mundane of late. It all changed though, in July this year after Endang, who’s also a violin instructor, posted her violin covers of hit songs — Projector Band’s Aisyah, especially — on YouTube. It went viral.
As a result, her YouTube subscribers increased from around 300 to 10,000 overnight.
“I didn’t even know until my students informed me. Soon, my schedule was packed with performances and talk show interviews. I’m so thankful to my sponsors. It was around my birthday too, so I consider it as rezeki (opportunity). It’s crazy how much my life has changed!”
Endang, whose real name is Ell Zain Hyder, admits she didn’t know how to handle the situation.
“I’ve never led a fancy lifestyle or had a glamorous image, so I’m extremely grateful for all of the help I can get,” she says, laughing.
HER STORY
Endang’s interest in the violin developed from watching Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s iconic film Anakku Sazali, where the main character played the instrument. When her father saw her playing with a makeshift violin made of sticks, he looked for an instructor in their hometown, Malim Nawar in Perak.
“There weren’t any but within a week, an opportunity came in the form of an art programme that offered violin lessons. I guess it was meant to be,” she says, smiling.
Endang was 10 when she started her lessons. At 15, she sat for her Grade 8 exams under the Royal Schools of Music; at 17, she obtained her diploma certification in music, and at 19, she sat for the exams to obtain the Associate of the London College of Music qualification.
Endang also took up the erhu at 16. She was the only Malay erhu player at the time, and performed in Aizat Amdan’s awardwinning Anugerah Juara Lagu performance of Pergi in 2010.
Not only did the multi-talented mother-of-three take up piano as her Grade 8 elective when she was younger, she also excelled in archery and equestrianism.
“I adapt easily to new things but, overall, the violin is my strongest passion. With my days packed with activities, I didn’t feel stressed at all back then. Dad made sure that I not only attended all my lessons but also maintained good academic performance.”
Thanks to her musical talents, Endang had started earning an income at 16. She taught violin lessons to beginners in Ipoh and Sitiawan as there weren’t many instructors around.
“At the time, I was excited because of the pay. I was able to treat people to meals and pay for my own expenses.”
Endang is very grateful for all the opportunities she received over the years, including invitations to perform overseas. One of her most memorable experiences was busking in Paris when she was only 13.“I have accomplished much, performing around the world and for very important people. Back then there were no social media platforms, so no chance to go viral,” she says jokingly.
However, Endang decided to stop performing overseas in 2013. “I’d given birth to my first child, and Dad had fallen ill. I just couldn’t afford to be away from home for long.”
Since then, her source of income had been uncertain, until recently when her viral videos earned her a new lease of life. CHOICE OF SONGS
The songs Endang has covered include Luis Fonsi’s international hit Despacito,
Bruno Mars’ That’s What I Like, Faizal Tahir and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s duet Dirgahayu,
Aiman Tino’s Permata Hati and Wany Hasrita’s Menahan Rindu.
Apart from nailing hit songs, Endang tries to cover diverse music as well, such as Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka, the soundtrack from Hindustani film Devdas, Taiwanese artiste Jay Chou’s Chrysanthemum Terrace and Aku Negaraku for the recent Merdeka celebration.
She even covered anime series Naruto’s third opening theme song Blue Bird, and the 1996 instrumental Song From A
Secret Garden by Irish-Norwegian band Secret Garden.
For a unique performance, check out Endang’s cover of Search’s Isabella 1998, where she played the violin with her yearold baby Jaafar, in her arms. Since Endang is not well-versed in technology, her students help out with her video editing.
Although Endang has many performing job offers lined up, she plans to focus more on expanding her YouTube account, since her videos, once monetised, can generate income. “I can also work from home that way and be with my kids as they grow up.”
Endang currently has six students under her. Her viral covers has led to an increase in her student applications, mostly from youngsters.
“They actually think they can be as good as I am within a month,” she says incredulously. “Some even signed up just to take a photo or video for their Instagram before quitting!”
Endang says her six students are around her age, and truly understand the learning process.
“When I first started playing, I didn’t want to show off, but with imagination, the melody took me to places that I’ve never been to.”
Endang does not push her children to take up a musical instrument. “My 5-yearold daughter has shown interest but I’ll let her take lessons when she’s older.”
Meanwhile, she hopes to highlight the fact that all musicians should be valued and recognised more. “The fee we receive, for instance, doesn’t quite cover our expenses and efforts. The crew don’t even want to entertain our request for a longer sound check prior to a show’s recording. Now that I’m more popular, I am finally getting better treatment. I’m blessed, but the double standard is disappointing.”
I adapt easily to new things but, overall, the violin is my strongest passion. Endang Hyder