02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Siti champions traditional music
RENOWNED songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin is determined to keep traditional music alive, vowing not to let it fade into obscurity.
She has even called on popular younger-generation singers to include at least one traditional song in their albums.
Siti believes that rising stars such as Ernie Zakri, Aina Abdul and Nadeera have the vocal prowess needed to deliver in the genre.
"Even if their albums are mainly pop or contemporary; there's nothing wrong with including a traditional track," she said at a recent event held with Yayasan Nurjiwa and organised by Inayah Beauty.
Search for traditional tracks
The 46-year-old award-winning singer is currently sourcing material for her upcoming traditional album, set to be completed by October.
Siti has reached out not only to established composers but has also enlisted the help of the Malaysian Copyright Protection Body for Composers (MACP) to invite submissions among its members.
"Praise be to God, I'm grateful for the overwhelming response. So far, we've received more than 50 song submissions. I'm excited, but it's also challenging to make a selection," she said.
"We have to be meticulous in filtering the songs. To be fair, we can't just favour composers we already know."
Siti added that she and her team are still open to receiving new submissions, but stressed only completed songs will be considered, not mere hums or drafts.
"We have many talented composers in the country, but they haven't been given the opportunity to showcase their work," said, explaining her reason for extending this opportunity to a wider pool, especially those who are new or lesser known.
Building a traditional legacy
"Now that I'm producing a full traditional album, this is a great opportunity for them to highlight their talent."
When discussing Siti and traditional tunes, it's hard not to reflect on her popular traditional songs composed by the late Pak Ngah (Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Zain), who was well-known for his golden touch in that genre.
She also urged the public not to compare today's composers to the late composer, who left behind a unique legacy in traditional music.
"Each song submitted carries the distinct identity of its creator."
Siti's fifth traditional album is supported by a funding grant from MyCreative Ventures.
Consistent humanitarian efforts
At the same event, Siti also continued to demonstrate her extraordinary commitment to humanitarian causes through Yayasan Nurjiwa.
The foundation delivers food aid to 10,000 Palestinians every day.
According to Siti, food donations are distributed twice daily — once in the daytime and again at night — through representatives stationed in Palestine.
"Praise be to God, we have been able to sustain our food aid efforts for our brothers and sisters in Palestine by ensuring they receive food every day," she said.
"Although the food is primarily in the form of grains and legumes, it is consistently delivered twice a day through our team on the ground."
Siti, who recently released a new single 'Menamakanmu Cinta' (composed by Indonesian Ade Govinda), shared these details during the Yayasan Nurjiwa X Inayah Beauty donation handover ceremony held recently.
She also expressed her gratitude for the public's continued trust and support, which has allowed the foundation's charity mission to progress smoothly.
"Our foundation ensures transparency by sharing every activity and development with the public."
Aiding Malaysians I
Siti said the foundation's efforts are not limited to Palestine alone. "We also extend help to those in need within our own country."
"For instance, we provide food donations every Friday to university students from the B40 income group at selected educational institutions," she added.
The donation event was also graced by the presence of other celebrities like Fasha Sandha, Bella Astillah, Elisya Sandha, Watie Hanifiah, Intan Ladyana, Intan Najuwa, as well as Muar MP Syed Saddiq.
