AWARD-winning singer Ernie Zakri has found herself a lot more focused than before after becoming a mother to Nur Khawla Soleha now aged three.
She said her child was equally close to her and her husband, singer-songwriter Syamel Fodzly even though she personally thought Nur Khalwa was more of a "daddy's girl" at heart.
"Yes, she's a lot more attached to Syamel and is happier to see him. But at the end of the day, our baby misses us equally whenever one of us is away for too long," said Ernie at the recent launch of her own health food Zeleb+ NMN.
ENERGETIC AND EXCITED
Ernie, 31, said that Nur Khalwa had become the real reason why she was more energetic and excited to go to work these days.
"Making my little girl proud of me, and motivating her to excel in life just like her mother, is what makes me happy, in fact it is my most important goal in life."
TOP OF THE WORLD
Ernie said that Nur Khalwa was her one reason to "reach for the stars" now.
Ernie is busy promoting her runaway hit song 'Masing-Masing'.
She is "on top of the world" after 'Masing-Masing' made her a popular Malaysian singer in Indonesia following its release late last year.
While it began as a solo number, 'Masing-Masing' "conquered" Indonesia after Ernie did a duet version of the song with popular Indonesian singer Ade Govinda early this year.
"I'm so happy that it most recently emerged at the top of the Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) charts. It has really made my 2024 begin with a bang!"
SPEAKS DIRECTLY
Ernie said that the popularity of the song was largely because it speaks directly to listeners, telling them to be brave and strong in the face of breakups and the ends of their marriages.
"It tells women involved in a toxic marriage or toxic relationship to have the courage to say no and walk away, without bearing hatred in their hearts and eventually forgiving their exes.
"It is also a song about parting on friendly terms, but at the same time telling your ex about the truth of his wrongdoings, so that he regrets what he did, and praying for him to change his ways."
HOUSEHOLD NAMES
Ernie is honoured to join the list of well-known Malaysian singers who have become household names in Indonesia such as Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Sheila Majid, Datuk Suhaimi Abdul Rahman or Amy Search and Datuk Awie of Wings.
"Working with Ade was great, as our vocal harmonies blended fantastically. I would love to work with more artistes from Indonesia, either singing duets with them or sharing the stage with them in TV specials in the republic."
FAN CLUBS
'Masing-Masing' has opened up many Ernie fan clubs there, and she never expected her popularity to skyrocket.
"It is not easy to find a strong fan following in Indonesia, and I am thankful to God for making it happen."
Nevertheless, Ernie is a realist and believes that the best way to win over more Indonesian fans is to work with their artistes.
"In Indonesia, music lovers can be very nationalistic or patriotic, and they prefer foreign artistes to collaborate with their very own artistes."
ANUGERAH JUARA LAGU
Ernie has high hopes that 'Masing-Masing' will end up in the finals of the next Anugerah Juara Lagu since she has made it there a few times in the last few years.
"Being there is already a win for me, even though taking home a prize or two is an added bonus."
FOUR WINS
Ernie has won Best Vocals for 'Aku Cinta' in Anugerah Juara Lagu 32 and 'Gundah' in Anugerah Juara Lagu 35.
She has also won Best Vocals for 'Sinar Mata Hati' and Best Song for 'Goodbye Hello' in Anugerah Industri Muzik 23.
JUGGLING HATS
When asked about her health food, Ernie said that it was a product of Surya Malaysia which was supported by her record label Universal Music Malaysia.
"The product gives me added energy to perform, especially since I juggle several 'hats' as a wife, mother and working woman," she said.
Zeleb+MN was launched by Ernie at Arena Watsons in Exchange 106, Tun Razak Exchange, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur recently.