AIM-ING FOR THE BEST
After last year’ s postponement, Anuge rah Industri Muzik 22 is expected to sizzle with its selection of established and hot ne w artiste s, write s Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
IT’S no surprise that Datuk Siti Nurhaliza has received the highest number of nominations for this year’s Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM22). Her seven nominations include Best Vocal Performance In A Song (Female), Best Nasyid Song, Best Pop Song and Album Of The Year.
Since her participation in 1997, Siti has accumulated over 30 AIM awards. A dozen alone are for Best Vocal Performance In A Song (Female) and six for Best Album, making her a record holder for the most awards in those categories.
“I really look forward to AIM every year because when I produce an album, I always strive for the best quality and result,” the singer says in an interview, adding that being nominated is always a blessing.
“I believe that every individual that I have worked with on my music is the bestin their respective fields, and AIM is the platform that best recognises these talents.”
Also vying for Best Vocal Performance are Dayang Nurfaizah,
Najwa Mahiaddin, Jaclyn Victor and Nona, whom she says it is an honour for her to compete with. “It will depend on how we perform our respective songs and how the jury evaluates them. We’ve given our best, so now we leave it to the professionals,” says Siti.
Najwa, who won Best New Artiste at AIM18 in 2011, is over-the-moon to be nominated alongside her industry idols. “I’m extremely surprised! I didn’t expect my name to be there with the greats whom I look up to. I’m very thankful,” says the singer-songwriter who is also nominated for Best Vocal Performance In A Song (Duo/Collaboration).
“I know it’s cliche to say that I’m elated just to be nominated and I should leave it to God, but it’s true. I didn’t expect this at all, so even if I don’t win, I’m still blessed.”
She adds that it will be just like in the past when she cheered for her favourites as she watched the telecast on TV. “However, I’m now one of the nominees. I want them to win but at the same time, I’ll be really happy if I do.”
On Siti’s trail with the highestn umber of nominations are singer-songwriter Faizal Tahir (with five nominations, including Best Vocal Performance In A Song (Male) and Best Pop Song) and rapper Sona One (with four, including Best Hip-Hop Song (two nominations) and Best Local English Song).
LUCKY ROOKIES
Nominated for Best New Artiste, new band De Fam is naturally thrilled to be part of this prestigious event.
“We’ve only been in this industry for over a year with two songs out, so it’s great to be recognised,” says member Azira.
The trio will go up against Syamel, Bella Nazari, Lyia Meta and Projector Band. “We will be lucky to win but the competition is intense. We’re most scared of Projector Band,” another member Sophia reveals with a laugh. “We’re such big fans and their song Sudah Ku Tahu is awesome. In fact, we sing it every day!”
Another Best New Artiste finalist is Akademi Fantasia alum Syamel, whose self-composed and written song Hidup Dalam Mati is nominated for Best Pop Song. “I’ve watched AIM since young, and I noticed thatthe judging system is no joke. That’s why I feel so blessed to be nominated.”
This is Syamel’s first nomination for an AIM, which is Malaysia’s equivalent to the Grammy Awards, and he says he will cherish the experience atthis prestigious event.
TUNEFUL STORYTELLING
Singer Fynn Jamal’s music video for Suatu Pernah is nominated for Best Music Video. Its director is actress Sharifah Amani, who says it was a passionate project for her sisters Aleysha and Aryana and her.
“I’m her fan and Suatu Pernah has always haunted me. I love Hindustani films and stories of unrealised love. This song describes that tale in such a wondrous way. Lots of ideas came to me so I just had to make the video.”
The video featured several local stars including Zahiril Adzim, Nadiya Nisaa, Iedil Putra and Nadia Aqilah.
“I don’t think I’d have been able to feature them if they weren’t my friends,” Amani jokes. “I just told them ‘Hey, let’s hang outand chill. I promise the catering is awesome.’”
HEALTHY COMPETITION
There are 730 nominations this year, compared to AIM21’s total of 610, which proves that the local music industry is thriving.
AIM22 organising committee chairman Rosmin Hashim says: “We’re pleased to see that the list of nominees features a variety of artistes, comprising both top names and new industry talents.
“The selection of not-as-widely known artistes and songs also show that AIM recognises works based on quality, not popularity.”
Albums and singles produced between July 1, 2014 and June 30 this year are eligible. Five new categories have been introduced: Most Downloaded Song Of The Year, Most Streamed Song Of The Year, Most Viewed OffiVideo cial Music On YouTube, Highest Ring Back Tones Song and Best Malaysian Singer.
The category Best Malay Language Song Performed By A Foreign Artiste was dropped in order to focus more on recognising local talents.
Rosmin says: “AIM is always different every time it is held. Its categories and nominations reflects the currenttrends in the local music industry.”
Composer Aubrey Suwito heads the jury for AIM22. The panel of judges include Ad Samad, Joe Wings, Eddie Hamid, Fauziah Latif, Helen Yap, Genervie Kam, S. Atan, Fauzi Marzuki, Azmeer, Datuk M. Nasir, Aizat Amdan, Omar K and Syafinaz Selamat.
FOR THE FANS
A series of AIM22 road tours will be held, where the public can mingle with this year’s nominees.
The venues are AEON Tebrau City Shopping Centre, Johor (Nov 5), AEON AU2 Setiawangsa Shopping Centre (Nov 13), AEON Mall Klebang, Ipoh (Nov 19), AEON Mall Kota Bharu, Kelantan (Nov 26) and AEON Mall Shah Alam (Dec 3).
Showcase AIM22 will be held on Nov 6 at Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur from 3pm. Entry fee is RM60. It will feature top names such as Akim &The Majistret, Black, Hazama, Kaka Azraff, Najwa Mahiaddin, Projector Band, Salammusik, Syamel, Projek Pistol, De Fam, Juwita Suwito and Vince Chong. Details at www.aim.org.my.
bibiramli@nst.com.my