THE minute Datuk Siti Nurhaliza walked onto the red carpet at the recently concluded Anugerah Industri Muzik 22 (AIM22), every activity on the fourth floor of the Putra World Trade Centre seemed to cease.
Dressed in a flowing blue sequin dress, Siti was all smiles as she posed for the cameras.
The crowd thronged to see the 37-year-old Pahang-born singer, who launched her career in 1995.
BIG WINNER
Siti, who has been taking part in the bi-annual award show since 1997, has won more than 30 AIM awards, a dozen for Best Vocal Performance In A Song (Female) and six for Best Album. To date, she is the record holder for the most awards won in those categories.
At AIM22, Siti was nominated in seven categories and won five, including Best Vocal Performance In A Song (Female) for her song Menatap Dalam Mimpi, Best Album (Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Unplugged) and the People’s Choice Award.
Her winning streak continued when she also took home Best Nasyid Song for Mikraj Cinta in which she worked with acclaimed composers and lyricists Hafiz Hamidun and Fedtri Yahya.
“I did not expect to win anything. Menatap Dalam Mimpi was challenging to record. The lyrics were very emotional and I had to stop myself from crying. But I love the challenge the song presented,” she said at the Press interview.
She added that it was one of the best gifts after years of hard work. “I am thankful to those who have supported me and my music.”
Siti, who once shared the stage with acclaimed musician, music producer, composer and songwriter David Foster at the latter’s concert in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, will be working on a new album next year.
“It will consist of 10 songs. I am currently meeting with local and international music producers. The style is still the same but with a more mature sound,” she said.
Next April, she will be releasing a new live concert album, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza & Friends Concert, via the digital platform.
Asked whether she plans to retire, Siti said the time has yet to come.
“I love what I do and hope to do this for a long time. I am not worried about being replaced by younger artistes. The day will eventually come and I welcome it.”
DOING COUNTRY PROUD
Meanwhile, Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Yunalis Zara’ai or Yuna was awarded the Anugerah Kembara, which was last given to Mizz Nina in 2012.
Anugerah Kembara is given to artistes in recognition of their dedication and success abroad.
“It is a great encouragement for me to work harder in the future. The award shows that I am being appreciated for my work. I want to share it with my fans and supporters,” said Yuna, who is known for Terukir Di Bintang, Crush and Pulang.
She added that anyone can go far as long as they’re willing to make sacrifices.
“Always be brave and step out of your comfort zone. Just keep working hard.”
Yuna, who is from Kedah, made the nation proud when her song On Ghost Ridge was featured in a documentary on Native Americans, 100 Years: One Woman’s Fight For Justice. It has been longlisted for Best Original Song at next year’s Oscars.
“I was approached by documentary director Melinda Janko, who asked if I could sing for the film. It’s a great honour,” she said, adding that she would love to collaborate with British rock band Coldplay and American singer Stevie Wonder.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Elsewhere, Best Pop Song winner Faizal Tahir said he did not expect to win.
“I believe there is still room for improvement in my music. I always sing from the heart. I hope to leave a strong impact in the industry,” he said, after receiving the trophy for his song Sejati.
Meanwhile, veteran singer Datuk Sheila Majid was awarded the Sri Wirama award. Also known as Lifetime Achievement award, it honours those who have contributed to the local music industry.
“I feel so blessed to have received this award. I never thought about pursuing music as a career. It was a hobby. There were times when I almost gave up but decided to go on because I love music,” she said.
The Sinaran singer’s acceptance speech took five minutes as she recounted her three-decade journey as a singer.
“To survive this long is not easy. It takes discipline, dedication and sacrifice to stay relevant in the industry,” said Sheila who is known as the Queen of Jazz.
WINNERS’ GALORE
Akim Ahmad of Akim & The Majistret won Best Vocal Performance In A Song (Male) for Potret.
Akademi Fantasia 2015 runner-up Syamel Fodzly took home Best New Artiste while Altimet and YouTube singing sensation Takahara Suiko won Best Hip Hop Song (Janji).
Hip hop artiste and rapper SonaOne won Best Local English Song (Firefly).
There were 730 nominations this year, compared to AIM21’s total of 610. AIM22 also saw the introduction of five new categories — Most Downloaded Song Of The Year, Most Streamed Song Of The Year, Most Viewed Official Music Video On YouTube, Highest Ring Back Tones Song and Best Malaysian Singer.
Composer Aubrey Suwito led the jury. Judges included Ad Samad, Joe Wings, Eddie Hamid, Fauziah Latiff, Helen Yap, Genervie Kam, S. Atan, Fauzi Marzuki, Azmeer, Datuk M. Nasir, Aizat Amdan, Omar K and Syafinaz Selamat.
Performances for the evening included Yuna and SonaOne (Crush and Pulang), Siti and Faizal (Dirgahayu), Ameng (Pasrah Di Jalanan), Sakura Band (Polaroid) and Akim & The Majistret (Obses, Potret and Lygophobia).
AIM22, which aired live on Astro Ria, was co-hosted by Harith Iskandar and Adibah Noor. View the full winners’ list at www.aim.org.my.