Melting hearts in Malay
Afrah Saldin :
by Nilma Dole
 Malay singers are definitely a
rare breed, so when one young and versatile songstress goes to push the
traditional boundaries by going as far as recording a Malay song, it
puts Malay music in the limelight. Malay song and dance has been a
closely kept secret within the Malay community, deriving influences from
Malaysia with songs made up in Sri Lankan Malay for special functions.
With greats such as Stanley Omar to even Mohideen Baig, Haroon Lantra,
G. S. B. Rani Perera and several others paving the way, it is difficult
to find any youngsters taking over the reins. More so, it’s not easy to
just sing in Malay despite the popularity of Hindi music in Sri Lanka
and Hindi not even being a national language!
Afrah Saldin is definitely a singer like no other and this was not
because she has chosen to sing in Malay. She has proved that even though
most of us have obstacles in showcasing Malay music to our Sri Lankan
counterparts, it was the confidence to face a general audience and prove
that Malay music is just as beautiful as any other music.
Plus, singing in Malay also gives a good chance for Malay youth to
value and learn their language better!
The first time I heard the melting and soulful voice of Afrah Saldin
was when she sang the theme song at a special event for Malay women
called the WASLAM, the Women’s Association of Sri Lankan Malays or
Persatuan Wanita Melayu Sri Lanka in Malay. The song, produced by
Naushad Rassool of ‘Flame’, was a big hit that helped Malay women better
understand their roles in society and how we can empower our peers.
In showing us the beauty of Malay music, Afrah went on stage to shine
and has the potential to go the extra mile. She said that she doesn’t
really come from a musical background but she was always supported by
her family to go musical.
“When I was about 6 years, I naturally learnt to play the piano even
though it was my elder sister Melathi who took classes” she said.
Eventually, the 20-year old Afrah went to tackle more finer
instruments such as the guitar explaining that she learnt how to play it
by reading musical notations on the internet.
“I actually started becoming involved in drama at school when I wrote
a controversial script about teenage pregnancy called ‘In a Heartbeat’.
This went to win the Best Production award at the Inter-house Drama
competition at Methodist College” she explained. She said she loved to
be on stage and it first started out through her passion for acting.
“The lines of the first song I wrote were rather silly and it went
‘I’m walking down the aisle and waiting for my lover’ and if you think
about it, it doesn’t really make much sense!” she commented with a
smile. It was only at the Mabole Malay Association’s talent show,
‘Bintang Melayu 2009’ that she went to sing Intan Srafina’s ‘Kembali’ to
win the title of ‘Female solo singing category’ winner.
 Afrah is influenced by a multitude of singers which range from Delta
Godrem to even the freaky Lady Gaga. “I have diverse tastes which take
me from liking House music to even oldies,” she explained. What makes it
a surprise is that Afrah highlights that she never really thought of
herself as a singer.
Afrah loves the Malay style and the fact that she can wear nice Malay
costumes when she sings on stage. Afrah even sang at the Malay food
festival held at the Galadari hotel.
“I feel that Malay music has the potential to be accepted but it will
take time” she said. Further she added, “As Malays we need to strike the
right balance between our traditional music and modern remnants. We
should preserve our identity but also be open-minded in accepting change
and the fact that we need to cater to a wider audience to gain
acceptance.”
At the end of the day, Sri Lankans shouldn’t forget that the Malays
have also contributed to the music industry and if Hindi music can gain
so much popularity, so can Malay music! As for future plans, Afrah is
keen on studying architecture and hopes to help others like herself.
The advice she gives youngsters is: “Make sure you’re happy with what
you do and don’t give up on your passion if you believe in it and
committed towards a goal.” She advises wannabe Malay singers not to be
scared to sing in Malay if they really love doing it and strive to be
different.
Afrah thanks her family, friends and everyone who have stood by her
through thick and thin.
Overall, Afrah is a good example of how we can sing in our language
and be comfortable in our own skins!
|
