Syahirah Mokhtazar
As it inches closer, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza speaks about her preparations
THE last thing a singer extraordinare like Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza needs are vocal lessons, one would say. But because she wants nothing but perfection at her upcoming tour, she will be going through several rounds of vocal training, just to ensure her vocals are on track.
If you tell her that she needs no training for her soulful voice, she’ll humbly respond with “Oh no, there’s always room for improvement.” It’s no wonder she is still well-loved by Malaysians. Her humility remains even after more than two decades in the music industry.
Of course, only the creme de la creme of vocal gurus will be training Siti, who is more fondly known is TokTi among her fans. Stephanie Fischer has previously trained singers like Alicia Keys. She will be flown down from New York for Siti’s practices before the tour starts.
“I’m blessed that the organiser behind the tour, Shiraz Project, has arranged for vocal training sessions from the very best. There’s always room for improvement in anything you do, even if you’ve been doing it for a long time,” she said.
“Other preparations have been going well, I am sticking to my exercise routines and healthy diet to ensure my fitness is on track,” she said.
Siti will be touring Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Indonesia. She was happy to share that tickets are almost sold out in Singapore and selling fast in Jakarta. As for the proposal to hold another concert in Royal Albert Hall in London, it looks like she will perform at the prestigious venue once again after 14 years — on April 22 this year.
MUSICAL BEFORE 50
The singer of the hit song Anta Permana, Siti is a big dreamer, but what led to her success was her determination to chase after those dreams. Though about to embark on her biggest tour yet, there is yet another dream that Siti wishes to fulfil before she turns 50.
“I have always wanted to stage a musical based on my life story, especially for my fans. It will be interesting to take my fans for a walk down memory lane to relive some of the best moments, from the early days of my career till now ,” she said.
It would be extremely challenging to stage a musical, she pointed out, so Siti and her management team will only focus on realising that plan in the next few years, at least before she turns 50. “My manager told me that I can’t retire from the industry for as long as this musical isn’t staged,” she said with a laugh.
“A lot of work needs to be put into it to make it happen. We would need to get the funding, set up auditions, stage the props and practise for months.
“With age catching up, I have to be true to myself and the fact that I am not as energetic and young as before.
“It takes a lot of energy and focus to ensure a great production, with a story timeline that runs for over 20 years. She intends to stage the musical at Istana Budaya.
A SPECIAL CELEBRATION
Come March 19, Siti’s daughter Siti Aafiyah Khalid will turn one. “We plan to host a birthday bash for her but have yet to decide on the details. “Before we shower her with a birthday party, we will celebrate her birthday at an orphanage.
“I want her to always think of the less fortunate and be appreciative of what she has, so we want to start her young on that,” she noted.
TOUR DATES
Siti will kick off the tour on Feb 21 at Istora Senayan in Jakarta, followed by the Singapore Expo in the Lion City on March 2. The singer will then wrap up her tour with a culminating concert at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on March 16.
Tickets are priced at RM1,295 (meet & greet), RM495 (diamond), RM355 (platinum), RM255 (gold), RM155 (silver) and RM105 (bronze).
The tickets are available at www.mytickets.asia. Visit www.shirazprocjects.com or call 012-2560082.