A musically inclined teacher uses social media to boost his students morale and groom local artistes
TALKING to Othsaimi Othman, it was clear that he had never forgotten his first love, which is music. The 46-year-old teacher picked up a guitar when he was 13, a young boy hanging out on the boulders of his home street. Though career whisked him into classrooms instead of performance stages, his passion for sound and songs never ceased.
The founder of Wadizam Record (https://www.facebook.com/wadizamrecord) has a diploma in music education at Maktab Perguruan Tuanku Bainun in Penang before finishing studies with a degree in TESL at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Perak.
Now a 22-year veteran in teaching, Othsaimi had been looking for ways to give back to the community, and is currently teaching at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sg Tukang Sidin in Perak. With technology, he knew his passion could lead the way.
MUSICAL JOURNEY
When Othsaimi started Wadizam at his home and began composing songs, he never thought he would end up working with local talent and registering as a music maker with organisations such as Music Authors Copyright Protection (MACP) Bhd, Recording Performers Malaysia Berhad (RPM), Recording Industry Association of Malaysia (RIM) and more.
He began using the name Shai Mie to credit his compositions.
"My lengthy foray into music and education eventually led me to compose songs and even publish albums. To date, I have been involved in the making of three albums, among which is the single Perak-slanged Jom Balik, which featured Malaysia's renowned cartoonist Boy PJ as lead singer. Two other albums featured Nasyid songs, including an Aidilfitri number entitled Takbir Bergema," said Othsaimi.
Today, Wadizam Record helms artistes, such as Soutul Aminin and Band Brothers Solah, each with their own set of followers. Wadizam music products are accessible via YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, iTunes and even in compact discs at Shopee (wadizam_record).
"Music is a very significant part of my life. It is an element loved by many. Music has helped me expand and explore ideas adaptable to daily life," he said.
ATTRACTING STUDENTS
So much so, that when the nation was gripped by the Movement Control Order (MCO), Othsaimi was able to use music to attract students to his online classroom.
"Skipping school was a serious problem during the early days of the pandemic, thus teachers like me had to be creative to revive the students' waning interest in learning.
"As a teacher, I am aware that each learner has multiple types of intelligence. Hence I chose to approach my students through music. I'm glad to note that I was even able to grab the attention of students deemed problematic. Explaining new topics becomes easier when you present the information to them using a medium they like," revealed Othsaimi.
Be it in the classroom or studio, Othsaimi admitted that he could not have gotten far without picking up and delving deep into the latest technologies.
"A YouTube channel is not only a means of delivering a topic clearly and extensively, it also saves time and money. For example, a physical piano would cost a bomb but a software version costs only a fraction, and students will still be able to learn the instrument and related concepts," he said.
On that note, the composer cited DariMie being the channel for his music, while a separate channel is being maintained to feature his teaching sessions for students to review.
EMBRACING SOCIAL MEDIA
Othsaimi recently embraced the trend of conducting Facebook Live to market Wadizam products. Every other week or so, his home studio would transform into a talk show area where musical talents are invited as guest speakers and viewers also get to watch performances.
He would take the opportunity to introduce young talents, such as his studio's latest protege, Ilmi, who had just released an Irama Malaysia single called Insan Ku Rindu.
On the side, he also helped fellow friends and colleagues to use the avenue as a means to conduct campaigns. Via Wadizam's Facebook Live talkshow/variety programme called Ok, Apa Cerita, he recently featured a fellow teacher's quest to help parents of students who are struggling to lessen the economical impact of Covid-19.
The teacher, Zarina Mohd Khairi, was invited as a guest to speak about the cottage business run by mothers of students who are struggling to make ends meet. Cookies made by these mothers were promoted during the session and have helped boost sales.
In Ok, Apa Cerita, Othsaimi would be armed with his guitar to provide music while another homegrown talent, Muhamad Shafie Abdullah, would play host. The show has featured professionals and local talents from the Hilir Perak district as guests.
"Powerful yet accessible software, new applications and robust equipment have given wings to my passion and vocation. These days even a small home-based studio like mine is able to churn out tunes and programmes without needing as much funds as before," he concluded.
