SWEDISH-LEBANESE singer-songwriter Maher Zain says that if he had not become a singer, he would’ve chosen to work in construction.
“When I was younger I developed an interest in building houses and I’ve considered work as a builder,” he says.
“I know I’m probably too old for that now, but if things were to happen differently, I think that’s what I would’ve become,” he adds.
Well, thankfully, that career didn’t materialise for him or his fans would not have been privileged to enjoy his soulful vocals in hits like InsyaAllah, For The Rest Of My Life and Thank You Allah.
Maher Zain needs no introduction since he has performed here in the past, but not as frequently as fans would prefer. The last time he stepped foot on our shores was five years ago, so when news broke that he would embark on a tour across four states here in March, fans — among them, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman — are more than thrilled!
The 37-year-old artiste, who will perform in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu, is equally excited as besides KL, he has never visited the other states before.
“I’ve only been to KL, Sarawak and Langkawi. So far, my favourite is Langkawi as I love to be with nature. I am looking forward to exploring the rest of the states during my tour,” he says.
Maher Zain was at Nu Sentral mall in KL recently to launch his Malaysian tour.
HEARTWARMING
The peak lunch hour saw Nu Sentral buzzing with patrons, but for a moment, all eyes were on Maher Zain the moment he arrived for the Press conference at the centre court.
Fans were excited, but one young fan in particular made others smile with his enthusiasm when he saw Maher Zain in person. When the singer treated the crowd to a few hit numbers like InsyaAllah and Number One For Me, the young boy sang along to every word wholeheartedly. It was heartwarming to see someone that young being so enthralled with Maher Zain’s music.
His performance was only a taste of what’s to come at his concerts. Maher Zain says: “There will be plenty of surprises throughout the tour.
“I can’t give you any hints as it will spoil the fun. If you want to find out what the surprises are, you’ll have to come to the show.”
NEW MATERIAL
Maher Zain, who recorded hit songs InsyaAllah and For The Rest Of My Life in Malay, says he has no plans to add more songs to the list.
However, in the pipeline is the release of two singles this year, and hopefully an album next year.
Maher Zain hopes that fans continue to be inspired by the messages in his songs about Islam.
“I believe that the reason why my fans support me is because they truly appreciate and love the messages in the songs,” he says.
ON THE TOUR
The Malaysian tour is like a dream come true for him as he has long been waiting to return here to perform.
“I hope the concert will also take fans down memory lane as I will perform songs from my debut album (Thank You Allah) as well,” he says.
He will be performing 20 songs in a two-hour concert.
“Every concert will see a Malaysian act too,” he says.
Jointly organised by New Catalysts Resources and My Events International, some 50,000 are expected to attend the concert.
The first venue is Axiata Arena on March 9, followed by Pasir Gudang Corporation stadium in Johor Baru on March 15. Spice Arena in Penang is next (March 16), and it will culminate at University Malaysia in Kota Kinabalu (March 17).
Tickets are available at www.tixmalaysia.com. For information on the tour, visit the Facebook page, MaherZainMYTour2019.