Six months after the release of her hit single Semakin, the artiste has finally released the music video.
SINGER Siti Sarah Raissudin is taking Semakin up a notch, with the release of its official music video.
The song and its lyrics video, released more than half a year ago, have garnered more than 11 million views on YouTube.
“When we decided to start the project for the single’s official music video, many asked why the need to do so since the lyrics video itself has already recorded a high number of views. It attracted nine million views at the time.
“The answer is simple. I want a music video created out of our own idea — mine and Shuib’s (her husband). There’s that certain satisfaction when you finally produce both the song and its video all by yourself,” shares the 34-year-old artiste.
Semakin is written and composed by her husband comedian Shahmira Muhamad a.k.a. Shuib.
“We initially wanted to shoot the video last year, but only managed to do it early this year, on Jan 5,” says Siti Sarah.
Prior to that, the husband-and-wife team created quite a fuss among fans and followers on social media when they announced they were looking for the perfect male actor to star in the music video directed by Shuib and CK Faizal.
They held the “campaign for Cabaran #MVSemakin” on their social media accounts for the purpose.
A few names cropped up, including Remy Ishak, Zul Ariffin and Fikry Ibrahim.
“I left the decision to Shuib. I trust him with making the best decision for this project,” shares Siti Sarah.
On Jan 15, when the music video was released on YouTube channel of Indigital, actor Syafiq Kyle was featured.
While some fans suggested Shuib himself, Siti Sarah decided against it from the beginning.
“I believe that if Shuib were in the video, instead of evoking emotions, it would tickle viewers instead.
“As Shuib is comedic, it’s hard to erase that image from our minds,” she says.
Siti Sarah launched the music video at Redbox, The Gardens here recently.
NOT HER FORTE
On featuring Syafiq Kyle in the music video, Siti Sarah admits that he was her first choice all along, even though she left the final decision to both the co-directors.
“I told the boys that I wanted a professional actor. And it turned out that my choice is perfect. Eye candy aside, working with him was super easy,” she says.
“Acting is not my forte. I needed an actor to guide me into giving my most natural performance. A good acting partner can rub off some of his talent onto another.”
Siti Sarah says that it has been amazing working with the 27-year-old Syafiq to evoke the right emotions for the music video.
“I’ve never had to act in such a serious scene before this. It was a little awkward and if to my own devices, I’d come out all stiff and wooden,” says Siti Sarah who is a fan of Syafiq too.
The one scene she found challenging is the one where Syafiq pulls her scarf from behind.
“He guided and told me this trick to make it easier for us.”
PERFORMING AT AJL33
Semakin is a finalist at TV3’s 33rd Anugerah Juara Lagu on Feb 3 and Siti Sarah admits how nerve-wracking it has been just thinking about it.
It also marks her first time competing at the prestigious annual song competition, after being a singer for 15 years.
Although Siti Sarah is one of the best female vocals in the country, she feels blessed that Semakin has helped her entry in AJL33.
“I’m really nervous and I feel the pressure. I’m not worried about expectations from fans, but more so about delivering my best at the finals.
“I’ve been watching this song competition ever since I was a kid. And since I’ve never made it to the finals, I don’t know the feeling of performing on that stage,” adds Siti Sarah.
For her AJL33 preparations, the mother of three is being extra careful about what she eats and has also started stamina exercises.
“I’ve cleared my schedule. I have no singing engagements until AJL33. My focus is on giving my best performance yet at AJL33,” she says.
