GETTING BACK TO THE START
Reigning ‘Anugerah Juara Lagu’ best vocalist Dayang Nurfaizah returns to her roots, working with composer Ajai. has the story
NOT one to rest on her laurels, reigning Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL) best vocalist Dayang Nurfaizah always prepares herself for a performance with a difference at every iteration of the annual awards show.
Next year will be no different, and the Muzik Muzik 32 semifinalist has chosen to collaborate with an old friend who helped her win 15 years ago, lyricist and composer Mohd Faizal Maas, or Ajai.
“My first major hit, Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta, was his creation, and I’m forever grateful to him for that,” said Dayang at a recent press conference to announce the 30 semifinalist songs for Muzik Muzik 32 at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur.
“Not only did it win Best Song in AJL 16 in 2002, it also won a similar award in Anugerah Industri Muzik that year. And in Anugerah Planet Muzik 2002, it was the region’s Most Popular Song,” said an excited Dayang.
“I always tell family and friends, Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta was my launchpad into the music industry, and the person who made it happen was Ajai!”
Describing Ajai as a nice guy but a perfectionist, Dayang said it was always good to work with the Johorborn composer because he knew exactly what an artiste wanted.
“He’s extremely knowledgeable, and encourages me to come up with ideas for my performances. He always tells me that to be a winner, I must be different every time, because fans want each new performance to be original, not a copy of the previous one.”
Dayang will be singing Separuh Mati Ku Bercinta at the second semifinals concert held at Seri Pentas 2, Plaza Alam Sentral, Shah Alam, on Nov 5.
“It’s a ballad, too, but it sounds different from the previous years’ tunes. I admit it’s a sad song, but it’s also filled with hope, and reflects the reality that every cloud has a silver lining,” said Dayang, adding that she and Ajai were both optimists.
Dayang may have won best vocals for Lelaki Teragung in AJL 31 last January, but she does not see herself as the defending champion.
“Every AJL season is a new challenge with different players in the game.”
“There will always be surprises in AJL, and competition is always stiff. The number of promising acts in the coming semis clearly points to this,” she said.
Dayang, who vows to work hard and give her best, has been in the semis eight times. She has won best vocals for the last three seasons of AJL.
AJL 32 will be held at the Axiata Arena (Putra Stadium), Bukit Jalil on Feb 11, and 12 songs will make it to the awards show.