RELEASED last year in September, the tune Segalanya marked the start of young singer Haqiem Rusli’s journey in the music industry.
His debut single, which was uploaded on YouTube soon after the release, has received close to six million views.
For Haqiem, who did not win any television reality talent shows, it’s a pleasant surprise to be in the spotlight.
“I’m thankful to get some recognition, especially after I’ve experienced several failed attempts to win at TV reality talent shows,” he said recently.
He said his entry into such shows was motivated by the first singing competition he entered at the age of 6, where he won first place.
From then on, his mother believed there might just be a future for her son as a singer.
However, that champion title seemed to be out of his reach. The closest he got was in the 2008 Idola Kecil when he took the runner-up spot.
He was 10 then and experienced his first ever upset.
Eight years on, he entered another major TV reality show, 2016 Mentor Milenia. He auditioned to become singer Black’s protege, but Lady Luck did not shine on him and his journey in the show was cut short.
“It was another major upset for me when I didn’t make it through. I guess it was never meant to be. I admit I wasn’t in my element when performing that night.
“I was also upset because when I failed to make the cut, my mother was a little disappointed because she was so confident I would be selected. She has always been my No. 1 supporter.”
However, as they say, when one door closes, another opens. Right after that, FMC Music signed him up.
It goes to prove that one doesn’t need to be the champion of a reality show to make it big in the music scene.
Segalanya, composed by Gouffran, Ibnu and Suffian Suhaimi, was picked to be the official soundtrack for TV3 drama series Lara Cinta Ameena (starring Tiz Zaqyah and Raja Afiq), which aired for three months beginning last November, cementing the song’s popularity among music fans.
Initially, many thought that the song was by award-winning singer Hafiz Suip.
“When people first thought it was Hafiz, I didn’t mind. Being vocally compared with Hafiz is an honour, really. He is a great singer,” said Haqiem.
For the Hulu Langat-born artiste, what is important for him is the fact that he has contributed to the local music scene.
“Honestly, I did not expect Segalanya to be a big hit,” he confessed.
Haqiem is in the midst of wrapping up his second single, also a ballad, titled Tergantung Sepi.
Composed by the same trio, it is set to be released next month.
Although his future in music seems brighter now, the
18-year-old is not forgoing his studies. Haqiem is planning to take up music or business studies soon.