KUALA LUMPUR: New singer Hasif Upin has a special message for all haters: "Thank you for belittling my singing talent."
Hasif, whose duet with veteran singer Ziana Zain titled 'Waktu' made it to Anugerah Juara Lagu 38 (AJL38) at the Axiata Arena last Sunday, said the song's "arrival" at the annual music awards show was proof that fans and judges appreciated his talent.
"Throughout my musical journey which began on TikTok five years ago, I have always been criticised by haters. But I paid no heed to their toxic comments," said Hasif in a news report today.
"Now that I have finally qualified for AJL38, I want to 'thank' all of them for putting down my singing talent. I feel vindicated to have finally performed live and received a standing ovation."
Hasif, 33, whose real name is Hasif Shaharudin, regretted that some of his "haters" were his old friends.
"All your 'hate mail' sent to me has made me more determined to succeed. Thank you."
Hasif said that he would always "look ahead" in his career and ignore naysayers.
"I believe in surrounding myself with people who encourage me. They motivate me to do my best and rise higher," he said.
