'It's to ensure a safety net': Malaysian super diva Khadijah Ibrahim encourages musicians to move into business
According to her, the entertainment world sometimes can be unstable and even fickle at times so therefore, young celebrities are encouraged to use their popularity as a springboard to build a strong personal and business brand from the very beginning.
"I have seen many of my musician friends who have fallen into despair after no longer being active on the entertainment stage. When their names are no longer mentioned, job offers are decreasing, and eventually, they lose their source of income. I don't want this to happen to the younger generation today. I have seen it so many times that I just want a better world for the younger ones," said Khadijah.
Khadijah, who is also the Chairman of Karyawan, Malaysia's association for music industry staff, said it is also good for celebrities to be creative in their career and venture into other fronts that can help their career.
And using their popularity to push themselves in the business is not at all a wrong step to take as it also gives them another avenue to look for extra funds for their future.
"Learn about the ins and outs of business. Don't just be an ambassador or 'name' for a product. Go out into the field, find out about marketing, management, and production. If we don't understand it ourselves, others will easily take advantage," Khadijah added.
Khadijah also shared her experience as an artist who transitioned into business by establishing her own food company, including the brand Sos Cili Ibu, which is now increasingly gaining a place in the hearts of consumers both domestically and internationally.
"Doing business gives me satisfaction because it not only generates continuous income, but also opens up job opportunities for others and contributes to the national economy. I'm happy to be involved in the food industry now.
"I started with a product that I loved and my love for food. I also know Malaysians love spicy food, so I created an original, locally made chilli sauce, now known as Sos Cili Ibu," he said.
Khadijah and Sos Cili Ibu Meet Her Fans at Singapore Expo
Khadijah has big plans for her product. She showcased her product at the Singapore Expo an event which was held in conjunction with the Malaysia Fest from July 31 to Aug 3.
Many of her fans in Singapore crowded the show hall when Khadijah introduced the product to Singaporeans. On top of that, her Sos Cili Ibu was also given the thumbs up by top Malaysian artistes, including the likes of Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Ifa Raziah, Zaiton Sameon, Jasmin Hamid, dan many more.
"I was overwhelmed by the support from fans and visitors at the Singapore Expo. Many came not just to buy sauce, but also to take pictures and share memories of my musical heyday. It was a pretty sweet experience," she said.
Khadijah also announced besides Singapore, the chili sauce is also available in Indonesia and Brunei. On top of that, she and her team are also in talks with a major distributor who has chains in 23 other countries.
For the record, Khadijah, better known as Kathy Ibrahim, has been an active singer since the 70s and is also one of the few artists in Malaysia who has produced her own album every decade since then.
Her famous song "Kupendam Sebuah Duka" is a glorious ballad that is played in almost every household to this day.
One of Malaysia's most profound vocalists, she continues to mesmerise music fans to this day. Besides being a brilliant musician, she is also an established actress and now an inspiring businesswoman.
At the age of 66, many of us will be thinking of slowing down and even thinking of retiring from the workforce. For Khadijah, she is now making a name for herself in the business world. And for sure, fans will be wishing her the best of success in her new venture.
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