Double treat
Siti Nurhaliza’s duet with young talent Khai Bahar for Hari Raya, Cinta Syurga, is a hit with fans and very timely, writes Tahir Alhamzah
Siti Nurhaliza is happy to sing with young talent Khai Bahar on her new spiritual single
CINTA Syurga may not even have an original melody — it shares the same melody with Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin’s previously released single Comel Pipi Merah — but the single has been well-received by fans.
The song, a duet which Siti recorded together with singer Khai Bahar, had only been released less than two weeks ago but it has already garnered more than 800,000 views on YouTube.
“The inspiration for this song came after my management saw a video uploaded onto YouTube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-S2SvlzTRE) by Ustazah Amira Faiz of Maahad Johor.
“In the video, two of her students used the melody of Comel Pipi Merah to perform zikir (short prayer recitals),” shared Siti, 39, when met recently during the launch of the single, which was held together with Silaturahim Ramadan Sitizone 2018 at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn, Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
“The song is probably catching on as it is easy to remember the lyrics and its catchy melody.
“Since fans are already familiar
Comel Pipi Merah’s ‘ting ting tang ting tara ke ting tang ting’ chant, I thought it’d be a good idea to incorporate zikir to it.
“It’s also timely that it’s released during Ramadan as I do not have a new festive song or album,” she added.
DECIDING ON A DUET
The new mother says that both she and her manager
thought that it would be a good idea for her to duet with another singer.
“I picked Khai, a young and talented singer who has a versatile singing style. His voice is perfect for this single.
“I’ve always wanted to sing with him on Smule (an app). I would not have guessed I’ll finally have the chance to sing with him in a studio,” said Siti, of her duet partner who rose to fame through the singing app.
“It sure won’t hurt either that he is quite popular,” added Siti.
Meanwhile, Khai, whose songs include Bayang and Luluh, also did not have to think twice when he was informed of Siti’s plan.
“When my management told me of her (Siti’s) intention, I said yes immediately,” says the 24-year-old Perlisborn Khai.
Of course, for someone relatively new in the industry, such a collaboration with the country’s No. 1 singer was an opportunity that he could not resist.
The duo headed for the studio on May 8 and took only an hour each to record their vocals.
For the project, Siti and Khai were guided by Bazli Hazwan of nasyid group UNIC, who helped them with the pronunciation of Arabic words besides doubling up as their back-up singer.
SMOOTH SINGLE
Siti adds: “During the recording process, I was impressed with Khai as he recorded his part without much problem. It was quite a smooth experience.” Khai, on the other hand, seemed a little nervous at the launch event, being seated next to his famous duet partner for Cinta Syurga.
“It was an honour to be chosen for this collaboration and I still have to pinch myself now and then to remind me that this unbelievable experience is real,” he confessed.
Who were the other possible contenders for the duet? “There are a few young talents such as Ernie Zakri and Syamel. And there’s Hael Husaini, said Siti.
Meanwhile, besides promoting her new single, Siti will also be busy preparing for an upcoming music festival in Japan which will be held from Oct 1 to 5. “I will be representing Malaysia for the sixth time at this biennial festival,” said Siti excitedly.