Dynamic duo
The music awards event AJL 32 will showcase Syamel Fodzly and Ernie Zakri in a sci-fi theme, writes Dennis Chua
True to the theme, we are encouraging every singer, musician and guest artiste to steal the show, with a little help from reputable fashion designers...
Johan Ishak
dchua@nst.com.my
DUET partners and Duo Star champions Syamel Fodzly and Ernie Zakri may be known for donning fairy tale and bangsawan costumes in their popular song Aku Cinta. The Anugerah Juara Lagu 32 (AJL 32) finalists, however, are doing away with their usual costumes for “something out of the ordinary” on their big day on Feb 11.
Syamel says: “We’ve got a futuristic time travel theme this time. It’s out of this world, literally, and I’m sure fans will love it.”
Ernie adds: “There’s a lot of our interest in sci-fi movies woven into it, so be prepared for some surprises!”
As for his solo number Lebih Sempurna, Syamel reveals that it will have an adventure theme.
“It’s a bit like Indiana Jones meets Lord Of The Rings!” says Syamel who will launch his third single, Biar Cinta, next month.
Ahmad Abdul Rahman or Altimet, the only hip-hopper in the finals, says he “feels the pressure” to give a memorable performance. “It’s my fourth AJL and I’m doing something different from my videos,” he says.
His performance of Amboi will give audiences a peek into his theatre debut Ola Bola The Musical next month, and will also pay tribute to his first movie, Busker, which is showing in cinemas.
“In Ola Bola, I’m a no-nonsense drill sergeant. To prepare for my role, I met a real sergeant and he coached me well,” says Altimet, adding that director and producer Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina felt that he looked “perfectly intimidating”.
Music And Fashion is the theme for AJL 32 which will be broadcast live on TV3 at 9pm from Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
Media Prima Television Networks chief executive officer Johan Ishak says: “Fashion and music complement each other beautifully.
They are elements that brighten up our lives and give our spirits a lift.
“True to the theme, we are encouraging every singer, musician and guest artiste to steal the show with a little help from reputable fashion designers such as Rizman Ruzaini, the man behind our stylish AJL 32 trophy that stays true to the theme.”
ZANY CO-HOSTS REUNITE
AJL 32’s 12 songs are Akhirnya Cinta performed by Salma Asis (composer Ajai/lyricist Slen), Separuh Mati Ku Bercinta by Dayang Nurfaizah (Ajai), Aku Cinta by Syamel Fodzly and Ernie Zakri (Syamel), Aku Yang Sebenar by Hazama Azmi and Penglipur Lara (Datuk M. Nasir/ Ad Samad), Amboi by Altimet (Navigator/ Altimet), Bayang by Khai Bahar (Harry Khalifah/Patrick Anohada), Jampi by Hael Husaini (Ezra Kong/Hael Husaini), Lebih Sempurna by Syamel (Syamel/ Edry Abdul Halim/ Boy Anaz), Menahan Rindu by Wany Hasrita (Ibnu/Gouffran), Sejati by Azmi Caliph Buskers (Faizal Tahir/Mike Chan), Tergantung Sepi by Haqiem Rusli (Ibnu / Gouffran) and Warkah Untuk Mu by Ara Johari (Hang Nadim/Laq).
As for the hosts, singers and actors Alif Satar and Sherry Al Hadad are teaming up for the second time.
Fans of Astro’s rocker search Rockanova last year praised One In A Million 1 runnerup Alif, 27, and Projek Disko Baldi actress Sherry, 33, as being a “perfect match”.
Sherry says: “We love to rib each other and pepper our conversations with a healthy dose of humour.”
“Yes, I often tell Sherry that she’s a hands-down winner in Clever Girl, which I’ve hosted for two seasons now. We promise to bring the roof down with wit and spontaneity,” adds Alif.
The duo have been friends for more than five years and promise to support each other in the event of a slip-up.
“We trust each other 100 per cent, and that’s the key to our good teamwork,” says Alif.
Chips in Sherry: “However, we still rehearse every day. Be prepared or perish!”
If their partnership proves to be a blast, Alif and Sherry may return as AJL co-hosts in the coming years.
“Why not? We both love chatting with musicians. We learn so much about them not just their music,” says Alif.
“We’ve got lots of passion for music and fashion!” adds Sherry.
The guest artistes in the two-hour awards show include Stacy Anam, AG Coco, Edrie Hashim, Waris, Datuk Awie, Siti Sarah Raisuddin, Datuk A. Rahman Hassan and Datuk Jeffrydin.
Nivea and Samsung Galaxy are the sponsors of the event, and Samsung has come up with the Choice Artiste Award.