Faizal Tahir has been busy with projects that are both musical and spiritual, writes Tahir Alhamzah
SINGER, songwriter and producer Faizal Tahir is excited about Dirgahayu, his duet with songstress Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin. The pop ballad, composed by Mike Chan and Ezra Kong, is the first collaborative effort between the two singers.
Recorded in July, the single is the result of an offer from Datin Zaiton Mohamad Jiwa’s production house, Global Station, which approached him about doing a possible duet with Siti.
According to Faizal, 38, he worked on the song during Ramadan and Siti recorded her part after Hari Raya.
Dirgahayu will be the soundtrack for Lara Aishah, Global Station’s 100-episode drama, directed by Muhamad Riza Baharuddin. It will be aired on Astro Prima (Channel 105).
“It has been my dream to work with Siti and I’m thankful for the chance. It’s been fairly easy to work with her. This is one of the exclusive big projects that I’m currently busy with,” says Faizal, who says this is a surprise gift for his fans and Siti’s.
ANOTHER ROCKING ALBUM
However, the song will only be included in Siti’s new album although Faizal will release an album soon. Called Anatomi Faizal Tahir, the new album will be in the rock genre, which he is known for.
“The album is basically completed. We’re just doing some fine-tuning and waiting for it to be released next month,” says Faizal.
The album has 10 songs. Besides four different versions of his hit tune Assalamualaikum, the other tracks include Suriram, Sejati, Bukan Yang Pertama and Setia (a different version from the one he performed with Elizabeth Tan).
Also to be released at the end of this month is a single, Negaraku, a collaboration with rappers Joe Flizzow, SonaOne and Altimet.
From its title, one can guess that this will be a song that’s timely for the National Day celebration.
“After Dirgahayu and Negaraku, I’m hoping for another special collaboration, with Aizat Amdan, Noh Salleh and Muadz Zulkifli, for a song specially composed with Syria in mind. It’s titled Kulul Hubbi Minna Lahum (Our Love Is For Them),” says Faizal, who visited a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan last year.
CREATING AWARENESS
Faizal, Aizat, Noh, Muadz and Mizz Nina visited the camp as part of a humanitarian mission organised by activist group Fatiha Shuib & Friends.
After that trip, Faizal himself started his own charity organisation, iAMFAITHMEN Movement.
“Our objective is not only our Syrian friends but also to help those in need. With the reach I have as a public figure, I hope to create a positive impact within our community,” he says.
“Help does not necessarily come in monetary form, but also in creating awareness. I personally think that I will be able to make a bigger contribution if I use the reach I have to create awareness, through my status or even my music.”
Faizal says he can never bear to see people suffering, even as a young boy. He has always wanted to do something to help those who are less fortunate.
Last April, entertainment outlet Red Box & Green Box, local tour agency RedStiletto Camper and Aura White Beauty teamed up to raise money for the Help The Kids Fund, which was then channelled to the iAMFAITHMEN Movement to help abandoned, unfortunate and poor children in the country.
Faizal’s trip to Syria has given him time to think about his blessings, being patient and above all else, about those who are less fortunate.
Next month, Faizal and his group are planning to go to Aceh, which was hit by the tsunami in 2004, and is still in the process of rebuilding.
“Because of the iAMFAITHMEN Movement and my song, Assalamualaikum, some people are saying that Faizal Tahir has finally “kembali ke pangkal jalan” (returned to the right path). Did I stray in the first place?” he wonders.
“I don’t want people to exclusively associate this movement with me or to think that I’m only going to be performing nasyid from now on. I will do what I’ve been doing and I definitely want freedom in creating my music!”