On a Nusantara mission
Twins Zaf and Syaf, better known as The Mirza, are filled with the Malaysia Boleh spirit, writes Dennis Chua
HARDLY known locally since Jakarta is their base, singing duo and twins Zaf and Syaf found nationwide fame singing for a celebrity chef. The 20-year-olds, better known as The Mirza, were the guest singers at the second bersanding ceremony of Datuk Fazley Yaakob and his wife Datin Azrene Aziz at Lanai Tamu, Neo Damansara, Petaling Jaya late last year.
At the ceremony attended by Fazley’s family and close friends, The Mirza performed their first two singles, Telah Berubah and Jatuh-Jatuh Cinta, written and composed by Indonesians Tengku Shafick and Irawan Basso, respectively.
The sisters, who earned a roaring applause from Fazley, have just launched their third single, Lelah Mengalah in Malaysia.
It has been getting good airplay on Indonesian airwaves since its Jakarta release early last year but Zaf said a mini controversy “erupted” back then.
“The song was composed by Ratna for Indonesian singer Nayunda. It was her pop-oriented version that received lots of airplay,” said Zaf at the single’s launch in Fazley’s restaurant SukaSucre in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur recently.
Syaf said: “Nayunda subsequently left our mutual Indonesian record label 18 Musik, and Ratna offered us a chance to re-record the song.”
When The Mirza’s version of Lelah Mengalah went on air, fans of Nayunda’s version claimed that they had plagiarised the song.
“We were accused of being penyanyi ciplak or ‘copycat singers’. Fortunately, 18 Musik cleared the air and today, our Lelah Mengalah is quickly becoming popular,” said Zaf, whose real name is Norzafira Mirza Rafiq.
The Mirza’s version of Lelah Mengalah, a song about not giving up in chasing one’s dreams, was recorded in Jakarta within a day last November.
“We subsequently returned to Malaysia to shoot a music video, our very first, at Pulau Indah in Port Klang last December,” said Syaf, whose real name is Norsyafira Mirza Rafiq.
“This, too, was wrapped up in a day, and we hope to have similar videos filmed in Malaysia for our two earlier songs.”
Zaf, who is older than Syaf by seven minutes, said Lelah Mengalah had garnered 3.5 million views on YouTube over the last three months.
“The number of views are climbing, and that’s great news. Nevertheless, Nayunda’s version is equally good, and we wish her success in her career.”
Zaf and Syaf are easily identifiable, as the elder twin is chatty, while the younger one is reserved.
“I’ve always been the loud one while Syaf only talks when necessary. But what unites us is our passion for music, which began during our schooldays,” said Zaf.
Zaf and Syaf, who were born in Kepong,
Kuala Lumpur, learnt to sing when they were 9.
At 13, they learnt to play the guitar, with a little guidance from childhood friends.
“We were members of our school Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Ehsan, Kepong’s nasyid troupe,” said Syaf, adding that everyone in their family could sing.
The sisters are the second and third of eight siblings, and their parents exposed them to the music of Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza during their pre-teens.
“Siti is our idol but we also admire Faizal Tahir and Indonesia’s Judika. Faizal and Ezra Kong are our dream team of composers and lyricists whom we would love to collaborate with someday,” said Syaf.
Based in Indonesia since 2017, the sisters had their first major concert in Bandung in March last year. They joined X-Factor Indonesia 2013 winner Fatin Shidqia Lubis on stage.
“Fatin is a good friend who has given us lots of support and encouragement. She’s got a successful musical career, winning multiple music awards and singing movie theme songs,” said Zaf.
The Mirza uploaded cover versions of popular Malaysian songs, including those by Puan Sri Saloma on YouTube after completing Form Five in 2015.
At first we wanted to stay in KL, but with our parents’ encouragement, we decided to leave our comfort zone and ‘go Nusantara’,” said Syaf.
“We soon made a leap of faith and travelled to Jakarta. Our reason, Indonesia and Malaysia share a common language and culture, and choosing to base ourselves there will not give us a culture shock,” said Zaf.
She also said that going overseas was part of their lifelong aim to promote Brand Malaysia internationally.
“It challenges us to be the best in our craft and do our country proud.”
The Mirza is happy that Tengku Shafick took them under his wings. “He’s a great man to work with, he knows what we wants and how to bring the best out of us,” said Syaf.
The twins who love pop songs and ballads, as well as Asli music, plan to write and compose their own songs in the near future.
“We are also looking at furthering our studies in music in Indonesia later. We believe it’s good for us to upgrade ourselves as we progress in our work and careers,” said Zaf.
The sisters, who are among 25 artistes under 18 Musik, are fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, having mastered it in two years.
“We take turns to speak Malay and Bahasa Indonesia on 18 Musik’s YouTube channel. On some days, I speak Malay while Zaf speaks Bahasa Indonesia, and vice-versa,” said Syaf.
The Mirza will have its first major Malaysian concert in George Town, Penang in September. They will be the opening act for Indonesian rock group Noah (formerly Peterpan).
“We are looking forward to that concert, and hope Malaysians from all over the country will join us,” said Zaf.
“From today until then, we are likely to be back in KL for a number of corporate events,” said Syaf.
Zaf and Syaf are managed by Fazley’s company SukaSucre Creatives.
Fazley said The Mirza’s determination to “conquer” the Indonesian market was admirable.
“If our artistes find fame overseas, it’s a bonus for Malaysia. Daring to think out of the box and reaching for the stars — this is the spirit everyone should have,” he said.
Lelah Mengalah’s music video is at youtube/0mlcsdecMYk.