IN Anugerah Juara Lagu 38 (AJL 38), pop legend Ziana Zain is one of two senior contestants besides pop king Datuk Jamal Abdillah.
Ziana, 56, is overjoyed to be back on AJL, the show that made her a household name in 1992, the year her hit single 'Madah Berhelah' competed in AJL 7.
"It's good to be back in AJL after 14 years. I made it to AJL 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 23, and won the Ballads category in AJL 13 and 17," said Ziana at an AJL 38 meet the fans session at Central Market, Kuala Lumpur recently.
MAGICAL MOMENTS AND SURPRISES
AJL 38 sees Ziana teaming up with singer-songwriter Hasif Upin in 'Waktu'. It also features a Disney-inspired music video that Malaysianises the 'Sleeping Beauty' cartoon with Ziana as the witch Maleficent.
"My children are Disney fans and they are excited to see me play a Disney villainess with a Malaysian twist," said Ziana who described AJL as Malaysia's Grammy Awards.
Ziana's fondest musical memories were when she "carried" her babies to the concert.
"I was not always a performer but a spectator first. I came as a mum-to-be, meaning some of my children 'attended' with me."
Ziana emphasised that the annual music awards show's real stars were the songs.
"Singers don't win, unless it is Best Performance and Best Vocals. The top award is for the song — for the singer, songwriter and composer, and more often than not they are three different people."
Ziana added that winning AJL was like winning a lottery.
"Many surprise results have sprung up over the years, and the song which AJL fans love most is not always picked by the judges."
MORE COMPETITIVE
Ziana's niece, singer-songwriter Ernie Zakri, 31, is marking her fifth AJL. Performing the ballad 'Astana', Ernie said that it was always an honour to compete with Ziana.
"Having Ziana on board makes the show more competitive," said Ernie.
Sabahan singer and actress Marsha Milan Londoh, 39, said that her performance of 'Darah' will be "thematic".
"It will be simple yet colourful," she said, adding that AJL 38 was her third AJL.
AJL's reigning Best Vocalist and Best Performer Aina Abdul, 30, said that competition had become stiffer.
"I plan to emerge on stage with another amazing outfit," she said, adding that even though the contest gave her lots of pressure, she took it in her stride.
RETURNS AND DEBUTS
Singer-actress Shiha Zikir, 37, is honoured to have entered AJL four times.
"My new song 'Kalam' is spiritual. Even though I have yet to win, it is a great honour to be in AJL. We are all winners here," she said.
Kuching-born singer-songwriter Amir Jahari is also a "comeback kid" in AJL 38. He last entered AJL 27 11 years ago with 'Tanpamu', and this time he will perform 'Hasrat'.
"I didn't expect to be back so soon. I want to thank all my fans for their love and support, and I will do my best on the night of the concert," he said.
'Gegar Vaganza' Season 6 winner Naqiu is marking his debut in AJL, performing Faizal Tahir's song 'Santai'.
"Faizal chose me to perform this song as he believes in showcasing various talented artistes, old and new. Even though I'll sing 'Santai' my way, I will still adhere to Faizal's guidelines," said Naqiu.
The concert's other first-timer Aisha Retno said that she might be the "baby" amongst the contestants but she planned to give a performance that packed a punch.
"I've followed AJL since I was a kid. My song 'Sutera' is one with deep meaning," she said.
FIVE AWARDS
Hosted by Sherry Alhadad, AJL 38 will be screened live from Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, KL at 8.30pm on March 3 on TV3 and streamed exclusively on www.tonton.com.my.
The show's theme is MUZIKAVERSE signifying the convergence of the world of singers, lyricists and composers converge to create musical magic on the big stage.
A dozen songs will compete for five awards namely Best Song, Second-Placed Song, Third-Placed Song, Best Vocals and Best Performance.
