The ‘Ironman’ in Alif
Alif ’s a Jack of all trades and master of one, writes Dennis Chua
HE sings well, acts well and has a strong following as a co-host on entertainment programmes. He is both “wholesome and hunky”, winning over parents and daughters alike.
Alif Satar, 30, rocketed to nationwide fame after his third prize win in OneInA
Million (OIAM) 14 years ago.
He admits he is a “jack of all trades” in showbusiness. However, instead of “master of none”, as the proverb continues, Alif insists he is “master of one”.
“Singing will always be my first love, the very reason why I chose to be part of the Malaysian entertainment scene,” he said at a press conference where it was announced that he would co-host Anugerah MeleTop
Era 2020 recently.
The Press conference, held at Menara TA One in Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, was also attended by his co-host, Nabil Ahmad.
“I’ve got to sing every year, else I’m not the Alif that my family, friends and fans know. Even if I have only one musical showcase in a year, it’s good enough. It’s ‘soul food’,” declares Alif, who began singing during his schooldays in Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.
Alif’s inspiration are many and if he has to choose, it would be the late Datuk Nassier Wahab, who’s also a relative.
“Uncle Nassier once lived with my father before I was born. And when I arrived, he frequently visited my parents, and even played the piano and sang with us,” said Alif.
Nassier spotted Alif’s singing talent and encouraged him to enter singing contests. “He supported me all the way in OIAM
2006. Even though I got third prize, he was happy for me,” said Alif.
Whether as an actor or as host in entertainment programmes, Alif took after Nassier.
“Uncle Nassier told me it is always better to give your fans ‘added value’. In the United Kingdom, the United States and Hong Kong, many singers also act and host entertainment programmes. Justin
Timberlake and Andy Lau are two famous examples,” he added.
As for joining the annual triathlon Ironman Langkawi, Alif said that Nassier indirectly inspired him to do it as he was always a health-conscious person.
“Health is always more important than wealth. If you have a strong body, you will get to entertain fans all over the world and always better yourself. That’s what Uncle Nassier always told me,” said Alif, who was active in sports during his schooldays.
“I always love challenges. That’s why I decided to participate in Ironman Langkawi. For me, it’s a miniature version of the entertainment industry — whoever works hard enough becomes the ‘king’ or ‘queen’ of entertainment,” he said.
Nassier’s death at the age of 57 from gum cancer last year understandably dealt a cruel blow to Alif.
“I was devastated. My sifu always inspired me and believed in me. Alas, God loves him more.”
To honour the memory of Nassier, Alif vows to “keep pushing himself” as an entertainer by improving his hosting, acting and singing skills.
“I also hope to guide and mentor the budak baru or new kids of Malaysian music, just as how Uncle Nassier had guided me.”
Alif, is married to Sha Dila Halid since 2014, is the proud father of two girls and a boy. The eldest, Alisha Anugerah is 5, while the second, Ariana Mecca is 3. On Sept 19 last year, Alif and Sha Dila welcomed their son, Muhammad Ali. The date coincides with Alif’s 29th birthday.
“They take after me. My eldest girl sings along when we karaoke and the second is a pretty good dancer. As for my son, he loves it when I sing him to sleep,” he said.
Does Alif plan to have his own YouTube channel for fans to follow his activities and get to know his family better?
“I did consider it but decided against it as my wife prefers a low profile. Having the whole family appear in short videos on my Instagram account is good enough,” he said.
Alif often appears as the “serious guy” when partnering zany co-hosts but he says he will “spring some surprises” during the awards show on April 12.
“I may look serious but I’m quite the funny, crazy guy at heart. Nabil and Jihan may ‘rib’ me on stage but I’ll be getting back at them. Wait and see!” he said.
Alif previously co-hosted reality talent show Akademi Fantasia 2016 with comedian Zizan Razak as well as talent searches Idola Kecil, Rockanova and Big Stage with Sherry Alhadad. He was also the host for quiz show Clever Girl and awards show Anugerah Juara Lagu 33. He has his own talk show, It’s Alif, on ntv7.
“I’m also in the running in three categories in Anugerah MeleTop, namely, MeleTop Singer, MeleTop Host and MeleTop Couple with my wife. My co-hosts are also up for some categories, so we are even,” he said.
There are 15 award categories. With the theme Epik Glam, it will be held at Axiata Arena at 9pm on April 12 and broadcast live on Astro Ria (104).
Actress Mira Filzah and singer Siti Nordiana have the most number of nominations with four each.
Mira is up for MeleTop Television Actress, MeleTop Film Star, MeleTop Versatile Artiste and MeleTop Fashion, while Siti Nordiana is up for MeleTop Song, MeleTop Singer, MeleTop Versatile Artiste and MeleTop Group/Duo with singer Khai Bahar.