Archive for the ‘Ajai’ Category
Five-Gang Charge
Gang Starz finalists in high spirits, seen here with the production crew and programme advisors.
Of the five finalists, Indonesia’s D’Reborn may clinch Gang Starz Season 2 with its unfaltering professionalism but DENNIS CHUA writes that there may just be a surprise winner in the wings.
D’Reborn has been the most consistent group.
COME Sunday, at 9pm, the second season of Asean talent search Gang Starz will draw to a close in a colourful and much anticipated showdown between five groups.
The two-hour extravaganza to be staged at Stadium Melawati in Shah Alam will be a contest between Malaysia’s One Nation Emcees and Akasia, the Philippines’ Paragon Child and 3.5, and Indonesia’s D’Reborn.
The semi-finals on Aug 10 eliminated Indonesian harmony trio D’Raz, which obtained the least number of Short Messaging Service (SMS) votes from viewers.
Initially, only four groups were predicted to enter the finals but the fourth and fifth-placed groups scored equal marks and producer TV3 decided to admit both.
Twelve bands - three each from Malaysia and Indonesia and two each
from the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore - had entered Gang Starz Season 2. Thailand’s PZG and Steps finished 12th and eighth respectively while Singapore’s Faith and Brown Tone finished 11th and 10th respectively.
Malaysia’s South Trio finished ninth and Indonesia’s Three Voices finished seventh.
Of the five remaining groups, D’Reborn, Paragon Child and the four-member One Nation Emcees appear to be the stronger contenders for the grand prize of US$100,000 (RM320,000) and a recording contract.
R&B trio 3.5 (comprising Stephanie Lazaro-Bainbridge, 28, Sherylad Deza Virgen, 27, and Jellica Mateo, 24) has improved greatly and may yet pull a surprise victory if it chooses the right songs.
The group gave a decent delivery of Indonesian pop queen Kris Dayanti’s haunting Menghitung Hari.
Another all-girl quintet Akasia (Suria Ramlan, 26, Siti Halijah Dolah, 27, Noorhafizah Sulaiman, 20, Nurul Ahmad, 25 and Ezdianie (Nanie) Omar, 22) is now more confident and entertaining, having discovered its strength in ethnic songs.
However, it commands considerably less support than the three strongest contenders.
One Nation Emcees’ Shamimi Amalina Norhisham, 21, and Fareezan Murtaza (Kozae), 25, Norzaidi Edris (Zydee), 26; and Hasan Baias (Jojoe), 32, almost always receive the loudest cheers at the weekly Sunday night concerts held in Wisma MBSA, Shah Alam.
Singaporean judge Sheikh Haikel regularly applauds them with “One Nation Emcees, I love you!”
Shamimi, Kozae, Zydee and Jojoe often give energetic performances accentuated with stylish dance moves. Fans even observe that they could grow into Malaysia’s very own Black Eyed Peas.
Judge Ajai often commends the four for their creativity and seriousness in winning the competition and was very impressed when the group gave its very own hip-hop interpretation to folk songs Sayang Kinabalu and Dikir Puteri, and creatively merged Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s Gelora with Offspring’s Come Out And Play.
Paragon Child, which comprises dashing Rainner Melgarejo, 24, Jerwin Nicomedezi, 18, and Julius Lacunda, 20, has been praised for taking the competition seriously and giving fans great vocals and superb dance moves.
It easily won the hearts of Malaysians by mastering Malay songs and singing them well, most notably Anuar Zain’s Lelaki Ini.
However, both Ajai and Sheikh Haikel have ticked the trio’s members off for occasionally “trying to outdo each other” when singing.
Ajai had once told the trio that they were flawless when harmonising but needed to “define their respective roles” when singing as individuals.
D’Reborn has by far been the most consistent group, winning the judges’ praise for teamwork and vocal harmony.
Sheikh Haikel told siblings Christy Marcelona, 23, and Raymond Loke, 22, and their close pals Alex Nubatonis, 23, and Daniel Tomodok, 28, that he was “finding it hard to detect their flaws”.
D’Reborn, which excels in R&B songs, is seen as One Nation Emcees’ closest competitor, owing to its gender composition and good chemistry amongst its members.
The 13-programme Gang Starz 2 began on May 11. The process for determining the winners remains the same as last year - 50 per cent is based on the judges’ marks and the remaining half on Malaysian viewers’ SMS votes.
It is hosted by award-winning rocker Faizal Tahir of One In A Million fame and award-winning television and radio personality Fara Fauzana Mohd Fadzil of Hot FM and Melodi fame.
The contestants’ team of advisers comprises composer and lyricist Azhar Abu Bakar (or Azmeer), singer Damien Seet of V.E. and choreographer Sazlan Mat Adnan.
Azmeer and Damien coach the contestants in their vocals and performances while Sazlan takes care of their choreography.
Azmeer believes that Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have an equal chance of winning the competition.
“All five have an equal chance of winning. What is most important at this stage is picking the right song and making it the contestant’s very own,” he said.
Faizal said he greatly enjoyed hosting Gang Starz this year as there was far stiffer competition than in the first season.
“It’s really hard to predict who’s going to win, and that’s good because it makes the show all the more exciting.”
New Straits Times
Starz Still Shining
Malaysia’s One Nation Emcees.
Though the newcomers who added flavour to the talent search programme got booted out, Gang Starz still sizzles with the remaining acts, writes DENNIS CHUA.
Paragon Child.
THE second season of Asean talent search Gang Starz has been made more exciting with participation from the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.
For the first time, all five original member countries of the regional grouping have their representatives in Gang Starz, a production of TV3 which kicked off last year and saw Indonesia’s The Lima emerging champions.
Original participating countries Indonesia and Malaysia fielded three teams each, while newcomers the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand fielded two each.
Both Singapore’s representatives, Faith and Brown Tone, bowed out early, in the third and fifth elimination concerts respectively, despite their praiseworthy performances.
Thailand lost its less-than-commendable boy band PZG in the second concert and Step which was “colourful without solid vocals” in the seventh.
Host Malaysia lost one of its teams, the Johor Baru-based South Trio which was shown the door in the sixth concert.
While this group showed initial promise, it failed to display the consistency required by contest critics Ajai of Malaysia and Sheikh Haikel of Singapore.
Of the seven remaining groups, only the Indonesian representatives D’Reborn and D’Raz, the Philippines’ versatile “divos” Paragon Child and four-member Malaysian hip-hoppers, One Nation Emcees, appear to be serious contenders for the grand prize of RM100,000 and a recording contract.
However, in the last concert on July 13, all of these groups performed poorly. Ajai and Sheikh Haikel both lamented that they were “all in danger of being shown the door tonight”.
Fortunately, no eliminations took place that evening, as in the fourth concert.
The Philippines’ all-girl R&B trio 3.5 is fast improving, both image and vocal-wise, but for the first few concerts it failed to move beyond its “lounge singers” mould where strong vocals are held back by poor showmanship.
Malaysian all-girl quintet Akasia faced a similar problem but has since improved a little and, together with 3.5, is set to stay in the race a little longer than expected.
Indonesia’s only all-girl group 3 Voices, comprising twins Bianca Nelwan and Athina Nelwan, both 19 and Shinta Haryono, 20, showed initial promise but the quality of their performances is on the decline.
The youngest of the contenders, this cutesy group’s members have displayed good teamwork most of the time despite Shinta’s less-than-satisfactory vocals. Bianca, the youngest and most admired member, is also a talented keyboardist.
Both Malaysia and the Philippines have a good chance of dethroning reigning champion Indonesia this season as they have credible representatives in One Nation Emcees and Paragon Child, respectively.
One Nation Emcees, comprising Kedahan beauty Shamimi Amalina Norhisham, 21 and Sabahans Fareezan Murtaza (Kozae), 25, Norzaidi Edris (Zydee), 26 and Hasan Baias (Jojoe), 32, never disappointed Sheikh Haikel before July 13.
Most of the group’s performances earned the judge’s remark “One Nation Emcees, I love you!”
Shamimi, Kozae, Zydee and Jojoe often give energetic and entertaining performances which are well co-ordinated with stylish dance moves. Fans even remark that they could grow into Malaysia’s very own Black Eyed Peas if they keep it up and win.
Ajai has often commended the four for their creativity and seriousness in winning the competition and was very impressed when the group gave its very own hip-hop interpretation to folk songs Sayang Kinabalu and Dikir Puteri.
Paragon Child, which comprises dashing Rainner Melgarejo, 24, Jerwin Nicomedezi, 18 and Julius Lacunda, 20, has been praised for taking the competition seriously and giving fans great vocals and superb dance moves.
It easily won the hearts of Malaysians by mastering Bahasa Malaysia songs and singing them well, most notably Anuar Zain’s Lelaki Ini.
However, both Ajai and Sheikh Haikel have ticked the trio’s members off for occasionally “trying to outdo each other” when singing.
Ajai once told the trio that they were flawless when singing in harmony but needed to “define their respective roles” when singing as individuals.
D’Raz and D’Reborn have by far been the most colourful and sociable, besides winning the judges’ praise for their consistency, team-work and vocal harmonies.
Sheikh Haikel told four-member D’Reborn from Maluku comprising siblings Christy Marcelona, 23, and Raymond Loke, 22, and their close pals Alex Nubatonis, 23, and Daniel Tomodok, 28, that he was “finding it hard to detect their flaws”.
D’Reborn, which excels in R&B songs, is seen as One Nation Emcees’ closest competitor, owing to its gender composition and good chemistry amongst its members.
D’Raz, comprising Jakarta-born Ayu Purnamasari, 27, Zul Chattab, 25, and Rio Sokhifao, 24, not only steals the show in its weekly performances but also excels in the occasional sideshow Cabaran Gang Starz (Gang Starz Challenge).
Ayu, Zul and Rio won two of the sideshow’s challenges of composing and writing jingles for sponsor Hotlink and official radio station Hot FM.
The talented trio which has been as praiseworthy as D’Reborn is seen by fans as the “new The Lima”, albeit one with a female “captain”.
The 13-programme Gang Starz 2 began on May 11. The process for determining the winners remains the same as last year - 50 per cent based on the judges’ marks and the remaining half based on Malaysian viewers’ Short Messaging Service (SMS) votes.
It is hosted by award-winning rocker, Faizal Tahir, of One In A Million fame and award-winning television and radio personality, Fara Fauzana Mohd Fadzil.
The show is divided into four slots namely, the Gang Starz Concert at 9pm on Sundays, Aksi Gang Starz at 5.30pm on Sundays, Blog Gang Starz at 7.28pm Mondays to Fridays and Teropong Gang Starz at 8.30am Mondays to Fridays.
The contestants’ team of advisers comprises composer and lyricist Azhar Abu Bakar or Azmeer, singer Damien Seet of V. E. and choreographer Sazlan Mat Adnan.
Azmeer and Damien coach the contestants in their vocals and performances while Sazlan takes care of their choreography.
New Straits Times
Winnie Berani Hadapi Risiko
Oleh Ramlah Zainal
roses@hmetro.com.my
PENYANYI tempatan yang sudah ada nama pun, sukar menembusi pasaran muzik Indonesia. Kalau ada pun, memang boleh dikira dengan jari seperti penyanyi nombor satu tanah air, Datin Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin dan Ratu Jazz, Sheila Majid.
Namun pendatang baru dalam industri muzik Melayu, Winnie Kok atau kini ingin dikenali sebagai Winnie K, 27, berani mengambil risiko berkenaan. Semuanya demi menjayakan impiannya melebarkan sayap ke negara seberang itu.
Demi album solo Melayunya juga, Winnie atau nama sebenarnya Kok Mui Kuan sanggup berulang-alik selama tiga bulan termasuk menguasai bahasa Indonesia sekali gus mencuri perhatian penggemar muzik di sana.
“Sejak awal lagi, semua orang sudah bertanya kenapa saya melancarkan album di Indonesia lebih awal dan selepas itu baru di tanah air sendiri?
“Maklumlah, bukan sedikit cabaran untuk saya menjual album di sana. Selain tidak fasih berbahasa Indonesia, pasaran album di Indonesia juga jauh lebih besar daripada di sini. Malah, sepanjang mempromosikan album di sana, rata-rata orang sana hanya kenal Siti dan Sheila.
“Apatah lagi, dalam kegawatan pasaran album ketika ini, ramai artis kita putus asa untuk bikin album. Tapi saya pula semakin bersemangat dan berusaha sedaya upaya untuk menyahut cabaran dalam bidang muzik sekarang.
“Apapun pandangan orang, saya lebih suka melihat dari sudut positif kerana saya juga tampilkan lagu dan muzik segar.
“Saya sedar artis baru seperti saya mengambil masa yang panjang untuk mendapat tempat di Indonesia. Saya anggap diri masih baru dalam industri muzik Melayu dan lebih suka bersaing dengan cara yang sihat dengan mereka,” katanya.
Kehadiran Winnie yang mendapat jolokan ‘Siti Nurhaliza versi Mandarin’ di Indonesia pada Mac lalu bukan dengan tangan kosong sebaliknya penyanyi jelita ini mempertaruhkan album solo Melayunya, Kau Ada Di Mana yang dilancarkan di sana.
Selepas Indonesia, album solo Winnie menjengah pasaran Malaysia pada 26 Jun lalu. Jika diikutkan, kata Winnie, dia sudah lama memasang impian untuk mempunyai album solo Melayu sejak dulu lagi.
Sejak berkecimpung sebagai penyanyi sejak 1999 sampai sekarang, Winnie sudah mempunyai tiga album solo berbahasa Cina dan album terakhirnya pula diterbitkan pada 2003.
“Saya sudah lama berhasrat merakamkan album Melayu tapi tidak ada peluang. Semangat saya semakin membara untuk buat album Melayu kerana sambutan lagu Kau dan Aku, ciptaan Ajai yang juga percubaan pertama untuk menembusi industri muzik Melayu tidak lama dulu.
“Akhirnya, impian itu terlaksana juga apabila syarikat rakaman Warner Music menawarkan peluang itu. Apapun, saya bersyukur dengan pencapaian setakat ini kerana perjalanan kerjaya seni saya juga sukar dan tidak mudah seperti disangka,” katanya.
Winnie yang kini bernaung di bawah syarikat rakaman Warner Music berkata, dia mengakui tidak kisah mengambil masa yang lama (dua tahun) untuk buat album solo Melayu itu.
“Saya difahamkan penerbit mengambil masa lama untuk buat album ini kerana mereka susah cari lagu sesuai untuk saya. Saya sabar menanti sekian lama kerana ingin hasilkan yang terbaik buat peminat,” katanya.
“Apa yang menariknya, album ini mendapat sentuhan komposer Malaysia dan Indonesia. Bagi versi Indonesia, lima lagu dirakamkan semula untuk pasaran Indonesia seperti Kau Ada Di Mana, Kekasih Gelapmu dan Tak Bisa Memilih. Antara komposer Indonesia terbabit dalam pembikinan album ini ialah Dewiq dan Yudis Dwikorana.
“Komposer tempatan pula Ramli MS, Ajai, Cat Farish, Audi Mok, Tam Spider dan Siew. Versi Indonesia mengandungi 10 lagu dan pasaran Malaysia pula ada 11 lagu,” katanya.
Katanya, dia juga menimba pengalaman berharga bekerja dengan komposer dari seberang. Bagi Winnie, cara kerja mereka sama saja dengan komposer kita.
“Kalau boleh, mereka ingin saya menyanyi seperti artis mereka (Indonesia) tetapi pada masa sama, mereka juga beri kebebasan pada saya juga,” katanya.
Sekalipun menghasilkan album Melayu, Winnie tidak melupakan perancangannya untuk menghasilkan album Cina. Katanya, selepas ini dia akan buat album bahasa Cina dan bahasa Melayu lagi.
Selain kerjaya nyanyian, Winnie yang juga jurucakap pusat pelangsingan badan Cenosis dan pernah beraksi dalam filem Potret Mistik pada 2004 juga berhasrat mengembangkan bakatnya dalam bidang pengacaraan dan lakonan pada masa depan.
“Saya banyak dapat tawaran buat drama tapi terpaksa menolaknya kerana penggambarannya membabitkan masa yang panjang. Maklumlah, ketika itu saya sibuk buat album dan memenuhi undangan persembahan.
“Jika ada tawaran berlakon selepas ini, saya ingin beraksi dalam filem komedi dan romantik pula,” katanya.
Mengenai gosip hangat hubungannya dengan gitaris kumpulan Ungu, Oncy, Winnie berkata, mereka memang berkawan rapat dan tidak lebih daripada itu.
“Secara kebetulan, saya dan Oncy bernaung di bawah syarikat rakaman yang sama di Indonesia, Trinity Optima Production yang mengedarkan album saya di sana.
“Hubungan kami rapat kerana sepanjang tiga bulan di sana, kami sering buat persembahan dan menghabiskan masa bersama. Apapun, saya belum mempunyai teman istimewa selepas putus cinta lebih setahun lalu.
“Bukan saya tidak mahu mencari pengganti tapi kerana komitmen pada kerja menyebabkan saya tidak ada masa untuk semua itu,” katanya.
>Profil
NAMA SEBENAR: Kok Mui Kuan
TARIKH LAHIR: 16 Mac 1982
TEMPAT LAHIR: Kuala Lumpur
PENDIDIKAN: Diploma Lanjutan dalam jurusan Pengurusan Perniagaan
STATUS: Bujang
PROFESION: Penyanyi dan model
ALBUM: Lian Ai Kuai Le (Mandarin-1999), Change (Mandarin-2001) dan Chang (Mandarin bersama satu lagu Melayu berjudul Kau Dan Aku-2003)
PENCAPAIAN: Juara Asia Bagus di Singapura (1993), Top Ten Artis Cina Malaysia selama lima tahun berturut-turut sejak 2001 dan Anugerah Best Artist dan Malaysia Most Highly Supported Best Artis Global Chinese Golden Art Award (2005)
IKLAN KOMERSIAL: Model Duta Pepsi (2001), Coklat Cadbury (2002) dan
produk kesihatan di China (2003). Lain-lain Cool Fever, Follow Me, Yoko
Yoko dan Gardenia
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