MARKING an incredible 25-year journey in music, super singer Dayang Nurfaizah Awang Dowty has unveiled 'Janji', her 11th and latest album.
More than an album, 'Janji', or Promise, represents a powerful declaration of Dayang's unwavering commitment to her beloved fans, and her promise to keep soldiering on her artistic journey to raise the bar higher in Malaysian music.
TESTAMENT
A testament to Dayang's dedication and passion for music, 'Janji' presents 13 songs that have been carefully sequenced by the singer herself in a specific order to create an emotional journey through life's most defining moments — heartbreak, healing, weakness, strength, pain and resilience.
Carrying the message that love is the ultimate source of strength, the album weaves together a rich musical tapestry of soul-stirring ballads, triumphant anthems and intimate melodies, that offer something special for every fan.
POWERFUL
Dayang said the album's first single 'Lemah' was a powerful number penned by Hael Husaini Razmi and was released with a poignant music video.
"Audiences have connected with its heartfelt message and artistic presentation.
"The cinematic storytelling of the video weaves together a stirring musical masterpiece, and sets a magnificent prelude to the album," said Dayang, whose commanding vocal presence prevailed in every song.
IMPRESSIVE
The album brings together an impressive ensemble of talents and features collaborations with composers and songwriters Aubrey Suwito, Ajai, Audi Mok, Aisha Retno and Najwa Mahiaddin or NJWA, among others.
"Each of them brings his or her unique artistic vision, and 'Mencintai Cinta' composed by Ajai is a very special song," said Dayang.
FATHER FIGURE
This song was the last for Dayang to be penned by a special friend and father figure in her life, the late entertainment journalist and lyricist Rudy Imran Shamsudin or Iman Imran.
Rudy, who died in 2022, was the man behind Dayang's poignant, award-winning songs 'Lelaki Teragung' and 'Di Pintu Syurga'.
'Lelaki Teragung' was dedicated to her major fan the late Premier of Sarawak Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who died in 2017, while 'Di Pintu Syurga' was dedicated to all of the victims of the two tragic Malaysian Airlines flights of 2014, namely MH370 and MH17.
"Rudy was like a father figure to me, my ultimate sifu in life and his demise shattered me.
"'Mencintai Cinta' is my labour of love to him, and a testament to our wonderful artistic collaborations over the years," said Dayang, adding that the recording process for this song was a challenge as she broke down many times.
ROOTS
Dayang also revisits her roots in this album with a new version of 'Hakikat Cinta', her debut single from 1999.
"It is produced by Genervie Kam and honours my 25-year journey. This offers longtime fans a nostalgic treat that beautifully displays my musical evolution.
"It is a perfect blend of past and present and links my beginnings to my current musical groove."
Dayang added that the new 'Hakikat Cinta' was her tribute to the great man who discovered her and created the song — the late composer Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan, whom she affectionately called Abang Dee and also misses dearly.
LAST ALBUM
Dayang hinted that 'Janji' would be her last physical album as listeners mostly preferred to obtain their favourite artistes' songs online these days.
"My last album did pretty okay with 2,500 units sold. However it is getting more costly for us artistes to produce physical albums now."
If all goes well, Dayang hopes to have her 25th anniversary concert next year.
"Finding the right event organisers can be a challenge, but my team and I will do our best."
FANS
Dayang said: "To all my incredible fans, your unwavering support has been the heartbeat of my music.
"Thank you for standing by me through the highs and lows, your faith in me has always been my strength."
Kuching-born Dayang, 43, met and greeted fans at a recent listening session in the Universal Music Malaysia office in Petaling Jaya.
Her album is produced by DN & AD Entertainment and distributed by Universal.