Wisely upgrading herself
Vocal powerhouse Asmidar Ahmad has been off the radar of late, and Dennis Chua learns that she has become a ‘cikgu’ to future stars
ADECADE ago, Asmidar Ahmad was a regular in entertainment shows, and even sang Visit Malaysia Year anthems in music videos bursting with vibrant colours. However, with the arrival of 20-something singing sensations, who mostly honed their skills on social media, Asmidar appears to have gone “under the radar”, fuelling speculation that she has called it quits as a singer.
MARRIED TO MUSIC
Nothing can be further from the truth, for the 36-year-old Perakian — who is named after actress Fauziah Ahmad Daud’s iconic heroine in the 1980s romantic comedy Ali Setan — remains “married” to music.
“I’m currently teaching as a performing arts lecturer in the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy (Aswara),” said Asmidar at a recent Ramadan event.
“It’s been three years now, and I love my job as it helps me discover the next major talent in Malaysian music and musical theatre.”
THEATRE AND DANCE
Asmidar teaches traditional music and traditional musical theatre, both of which are close to her heart.
“I’ve always loved traditional Malay pop, as well as traditional Malay theatre and dance,” she said, adding that young Malaysians like her had a duty to keep the nation’s rich cultural heritage alive.
“And that is why I’ve chosen to specialise in these genres as a ‘cikgu’ in Aswara, my alma mater.”
TEACHING ONLINE
Asmidar, who graduated with a music diploma from Aswara and counts the highly-respected Datuk Syafinaz Selamat as one of her mentors, teaches in classrooms as well as online.
“It’s always been my dream to educate young Malaysians in music and performing arts. While becoming a successful singer is always my first aim in life, sharing my talents with others has always come a close second.”
THANKFUL TO PAK NGAH
Asmidar, who grew up in Kuala Lumpur singing traditional Malay pop songs at birthdays, weddings and festivals, has also performed as a back-up singer in traditional Malay cultural showcases produced by the late Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain, or Pak Ngah.
“Pak Ngah greatly encouraged me to shine as a singer of traditional pop. I will always be thankful to him for his advice,
to entertain as well as educate,” she said, adding that joining Aswara was her way of “repaying” society for supporting her singing career.
FINISHING SECOND
Asmidar first found fame as a finalist of Bintang RTM 2001.
Other popular singers discovered in the talent programme included Misha Omar, Farawahida Razali, Azharina Azhar and the late Siti Sarah Raissuddin.
She ended up winning second prize, losing narrowly to Azharina.
“We’ve all been dear friends over the years and have constantly kept in touch.
“Sarah’s demise last year was a cruel blow to me, as she was a most wonderful, generous and compassionate soul,” said Asmidar, adding that she looked forward to perform in a Siti Sarah tribute concert someday.
WINNING IN HOLLYWOOD
A decade after Bintang RTM, Asmidar participated in the first season of reality show Vokal Bukan Sekadar Rupa and won the top spot.
And in 2009, she did the country proud by winning three gold medals, three silver and two bronze in the World Championship Of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Hollywood, the United States.
“Many of my songs, such as Biar Sampai Ke Bintang, Memoir Rindu, Haruskah and Separuh Hatiku have become part and parcel of the soundtracks of various television dramas and telemovies,” said Asmidar.
“I’m honoured to have my songs played on television at the start and finish of a drama. But once it’s over, viewers might forget them.”
PROUD OF ACHIEVEMENTS
Asmidar admits she is not as “lucky” as Azharina, Misha and Siti Sarah, who have all become household names after Bintang RTM.
However, she is always proud of their achievements and does not believe in comparing herself with them.
“In singing competitions, the top winner does not necessarily become the biggest star in town.
“While his or her vocal prowess is important, what makes him or her a star also depends on having a good producer, composer, lyricist and marketing team,” said Asmidar.
Whenever her fans tell her that it is a “pity” she has not achieved massive stardom, she always replied that everything is God’s plan.
“As the age-old saying goes, man proposes but God disposes. My singing career may not have rocketed sky-high, but I’m happy to have many fans who remember my songs and praise me for my voice,” she said.
“Many great singers took years to be recognised. Not all of us will strike gold within a short time, and I always believe that one day, my time will come.”
COLLABORATION WITH NEWBIES
When asked about collaborating with new singers, Asmidar said she always looked forward for such opportunities.
“I’m a great fan of Malaysia’s promising young singers and songwriters. Some of them are also good friends of mine and we catch up on social media all the time,” she said.
She also hopes to perform tunes written and composed by the industry’s talented newbies.
“Collaborations between old and new artistes can add lots of value to the music industry. If any one of them invites me to do a duet, I would readily jump for joy.”
MUSICAL THEATRE
Another avenue in show business that Asmidar loves to explore is the musical theatre.
“Since I teach traditional music and theatre, I’d love to star in costume dramas, especially those in Istana Budaya that are based on timeless legends and historical events,” she said.
“I’d rather do plays that are set in ancient times since I’m more into traditional arts. However, if I were to star in a modern play, perhaps one set in the time of Tan Sri P. Ramlee would be great.”
And the one actress Asmidar would love to share the stage with is Fauziah or Ogy.
“Kak Ogy is a legend in every sense. A great actress, singer, judge, mentor and host. I always dream of working with her,” said Asmidar.
SIMPLE RAYA AFFAIR
Asmidar is spending her Hari Raya in the Klang Valley as most of her relatives live here.
“Raya is a simple affair where we visit our immediate relatives. I do visit some of my relatives in Perak from time to time, but since most of them are in the Klang Valley, the celebration is here,” she said.