MULTI-TALENTED, Canadian-based singer-songwriter Zelle Eliz finally got her chance to return to Malaysia on Dec 24, and she spent a good 12 days in Kuala Lumpur catching up with her loved ones.
It was her "sweetest homecoming" as she had planned it three years ago, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic and the ensuing two years of Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb its spread.
"It's so good to be home at last. I've been away from Malaysia since becoming a university student in Canada in 2019, and there's been a lot of wonderful things from home that I've missed dearly, most notably good old home cooking," said the 23-year-old of Malay and Filipino descent in a recent interview.
CONCEPT ALBUM
While in Canada and back home, Zelle whose real name is Izabelle Merican, has been busy promoting her concept album "Abloom", which was released in 2021 in aid of victims of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines and Malaysians affected by the great floods that year.
"The funds were channelled to the international humanitarian organisation World Vision Philippines to help rebuild homes and provide supplies to those affected.
"The process taught me a lot about resilience and hope, despite how much uncertainty there had been over the last four years," she said, adding that the album has been a success.
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Vancouver-based Zelle is set to complete her international studies degree in the middle of next year. Once she graduates she will look forward to "diving back into music".
"When I was 19, I was eager to pursue a degree in international relations. I was inspired and encouraged by my surroundings growing up in Malaysia and Southeast Asia," said Zelle, who initially thought of studying music in Berklee College of Music in the United States.
"I did some research on Berklee, but eventually decided to pursue my present degree and perhaps revisit Berklee as a second major.
"Both international studies and music provide added value to each other," she said, adding that she would not have been able to participate in the "Abloom" project without the knowledge garnered from studying international relations.
"I began working in Canada halfway through university, after the pandemic and it has been a great experience, which has definitely helped me overcome homesickness."
FILM, THEATRE AND DANCE
Zelle said that after graduating, she looked forward to exploring different interests, and would love to join the film and theatre industry and dance again.
"Vancouver, British Columbia is considered the Los Angeles of Canada. I'd love to compose and act in the film industry," she said.
Zelle admitted that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught her about the importance of family, hope and community-building.
"My biggest fear at that time was the wellbeing of my family, but I quickly learnt that we are blessed in this day and age to have technology.
"I also found the inspiration to write more songs with the changes and through the unconditional love and support of people around me," she said.
FILIPINO CONNECTION
Zelle's work with the humanitarian organisation World Vision dates back to her teenage years.
"I worked with them and my family, along with the Filipino community in Malaysia, in numerous fund-raisers such as the one for Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.
"As an ambassador of World Vision Philippines, I am always grateful to have been given the opportunity to travel and channel my passion for community projects."
LEWIS PRAGASAM
Several notable individuals have inspired Zelle and her musical career.
"First, the late Indonesian musician Idang Rasjidi, his insight and talent have always inspired me, and we were able to connect throughout the years," she said.
"Second, the late legendary Lewis Pragasam, Malaysia's virtuoso drummer and world music icon who was a father figure since I was a child, I grew up listening to him and his concept of 'regifting', inspired me to use my own gift for my advocacies. He was the first I chose to review my compositions for 'Abloom'.
"Third, music executive adviser Sandy Monteiro, it was a pleasure being able to gain valuable insight on my career from him."
MUSIC FESTIVALS
Zelle believes that there are a lot of performing arts spaces in the country and would love to perform in Malaysian music festivals.
"I've been keeping in contact with fellow Malaysians who work in the creative industry and it is my dream to one day be part of a music festival."
GAME FOR MORE
Zelle also dreams of coming up with more music videos for her songs in Malaysia.
"The music video for one of my songs on the album 'All Or Nothing' was shot in Kuala Lumpur. It was my first time working on a music video and we did it in two months."
As for performing in the Philippines, Zelle looks forward to work with some of the best producers and sharing the stage with artistes in the music, dance and theatre industry in the years to come.
