Singer Hafiz excited over Malaysia Day concert
SINGER and songwriter Hafiz Yaziz, a.k.a. Ippo Hafiz, is preparing for his first major concert on Malaysia Day.
The Kuantan-born musician behind television drama theme
songs as Kasih Dalam Hati (from Aku Pilih Kamu) and Rahsia (Teman Lelaki Upahan), will serenade audience alongside guest artistes in a two-hour showcase at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Selangor.
“I’ve not decided on who my guests are, but most likely, they’ll be artistes I’m writing for,” said Ippo at the recording of a Muzik Muzik Ramadan special at Hotel Royal in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Ippo, who is composing songs for Intan Sarafina, Zarul Husin of Umbrella, Qody Rani of Mentor Milenia, Azmil Karim, Shiha Zikir and Indah Ruhaila, added that they would likely be his guests at the 8.30pm concert, which he described as a treat for fans.
Their songs will be out in August or September.
“All of us will perform my compositions, and while it’s mostly an ‘Ippo show’, the guests will render a couple of their own hits, too.”
Ippo, 28, had his first album with 11 tracks launched last year.
Nicknamed “Mr OST” by fans because of his regular contributions to drama series’ official soundtracks, he has been in the music scene for less than five years.
More than 27 television series have featured songs by Ippo, beginning with Teman Lelaki Upahan, for which he performed Rahsia.
“That song was co-composed with AG Coco and co-written with Azma Aizal Yusof,” said Ippo, who previously worked as a kindergarten teacher, production assistant and sound engineer.
Ippo’s other songs are Kekal Bahagia (from Cinta Si Wedding Planner), HidayahMu Ramadan ( HidayahMu Ramadan) and Irama Kita (Cik Cinderella Encik Tengku).
Citing the late Datuk Sudirman Arshad, the late Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan and Datuk Ahmad Nawab as his biggest musical influences, Ippo plans to write songs for some of his favourite contemporary artistes, such as Datuk Siti Nurhaliza and Dayang Nurfaizah.
“It’s best for me to work with the industry’s best.
“Only then will I know my capabilities,” said Ippo, who believed artistes should challenge themselves to be better each day.
His parents, who initially discouraged their son from pursuing a career in the arts, have since become his greatest fans.
“It took me three years to convince them how serious I am about a singing and songwriting career.” By Dennis Chua