#SHOWBIZ: Joey's vision with 'Wamwamsam'

New Straits Times

19-06-2025

ALMOST 30 years without recording a song, Joey Daud has now come out with a single titled 'Wamwamsam', which was officially released on May 20.
The last time Joey or his real name, Zulkifli Daud, 51, released an album was in 1996, the self-titled 'Joey'.
Prior to that, his debut album, titled 'Beradu Suratan' was released in 1994.
Both were released under the Luncai Emas label, the company owned by Datuk M. Nasir. He was discovered and signed by the music maestro himself then.
After both his albums were banned, he then left singing, to concentrate on acting, particularly as a comedian. He began acting in 2000.
After close to three decades, Joey says that he still has doubts about making a comeback as a singer.
"I don't know if people can accept me as a singer anymore or not, as I'm not young any longer.
"If this song still cannot relaunch my singing career, maybe this will be my last try," he says. Joey admits that his past still haunts him.
"With the bans on the two previous albums, don't you think it's only natural for me to have some doubt?"
Joey excelled in acting, especially as a comedian. However, his mentor Nasir thinks he is a much better singer than he is a comedian. Hence this is the sole reason why he persuaded Joey to give singing another try.
His wife, Watie Sadali, was also the one who encouraged him to sing again.
oey adds that 'Wamwamsam' is also song which is a nod to his character Daud M, a character created by Mamat Khalid for him in the drama series 'Kampong Pisang Bersiri-siri'.
While the word 'wamwamsam' is not an actual Bahasa Malaysia word, it is actually "wawasan" (vision), pronounced by someone who has a speech impediment, i.e. Daud M. Joey says that when he agreed to record a single he had to think about the concept, and decided to create one in reference to that character.
According to him, the single is not just an ordinary song but an experimental pop rock comedy work, full of character, wit and deep meaning.
He adds that the lyrics of the song raises the theme of the importance of education.
"Behind the vibrant rhythms and its deep lyrics, there's a powerful message for all," shares Joey.
While he originally came up with the idea for the song, the single was perfected through a collaboration with young composers and brothers Ilham Nasir and Hidayat Nasir, who gave it a touch of pop and a bold musical arrangement.
"I produced this song based on life experiences, social observations and old memories. It's a guide to life.
"While the word 'Wamwamsam' may sound funny, the meaning is deep," said Joey.
To add strength to the song, it also features a special rap segment by A.D., a member of the creative hip-hop group from Sabah, Isohbatos.
"A.D.'s touch brings fresh and unique elements, with a Borneo Malay-language rap style that reflects the spirit of Malaysians from the east," Joey says.
"My collaboration with A.D is a bridge that connects the music market from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
"It's not just a song for one region, it's a song for the whole of Malaysia. When A.D came into the studio and brought his own style, we knew this song was going to be something extraordinary," he says.
Adding to the excitement of the single's release, the official music video for 'Wamwamsam' was produced with a cinematic concept in the style of a short film, thus becoming an exclusive
teaser for a film under development, 'Daud M', a spin-off film from the drama series.
The music video (and subsequently the film) is directed by Amen Khalid, the son of the late Mamat Khalid, who has inherited his father's magical touch in conveying folklore in a funny, cynical and value-packed way.
The song will also be the original soundtrack for the film, which is scheduled to begin filming in December.
Nasir is also said to be in the film, playing the role of Daud M's father.