HE may be just turning seven this year, but little singer Tantari has finally got his debut single out, and it is titled 'Rindu Hatiku Rindu'.
Released on all online music platforms earlier this year, 'Rindu Hatiku Rindu' has become the top trending song on YouTube and its music video has garnered over 4 million views.
Tantari, or Naufal Azahel Mohd Alfian, became a household name last Jan 6 when he sang the less-known 1990s song 'Cinta Melankolia' made popular by the late singer Aan.
The song was uploaded on the TikTok account LoyyGoji and received more than 300,000 likes.
Tantari was subsequently invited by Media Prima Berhad's radio station Molek FM and record company Nova Music to record 'Rindu Hatiku Rindu' which was composed by Eddie Hamid and written by Jaju and Hakim Hakimi.
The new song also received good airplay from radio stations Molek FM and Hot FM.
Eddie said in a recent statement that Tantari was a natural entertainer who could sing, dance and gesture with ease.
"He is a natural-born entertainer, and here's hoping that he will progress with his gift of music," said Eddie, who is marking his first collaboration with a child singer.
"Tantari has a unique voice and is very much at home with 1990s tunes. I pray that he keeps up the good work."
Eddie added that Tantari whose birthday falls on April 23 was "easy to work with" in the studio and wrapped up his task in three hours.
"I never thought this song would be a hit with listeners. Rock kapak still rocks, that's for sure!"
Tantari began his Year One studies at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Rinching in Semenyih, Hulu Langat, Selangor this year.
He has enjoyed singing "old school" melodies since he was 2, encouraged by his father Mohd Alfian Othman.
Alfian said the first song performed at home by his son was 'Oh Fatimah'.
"He joined 'Idola Kecil' when he was 6, at pre-school level, district level and state level. He eventually became Selangor's state champion," said Alfian.
Alfian also said his son's love of rock music was largely the result of his supplying sound systems to a neighbour's wedding reception last year.
"Rock songs from the 1980s and 1990s are regulars in the sound checks I make. Tantari was directly exposed to such songs," said Alfian, who fully supports his son's debut single.
"Tantari did not undergo vocal classes, he just sang his heart out at home. It's rather costly to attend such classes these days, so he just rehearses at home as best as he can."
Alfian said his son could only pursue a singing career after finishing his studies.
"I've always wanted him to be an educated entertainer. An educated entertainer is a lot more bankable than an uneducated one," he said.
"Tantari's vocal prowess is a gift from God. As his father, I must make sure he uses it wisely."
Alfian revealed that he named his son after Tan Sri P. Ramlee's character in the fantasy adventure film '6 Jahanam'.
"Ramlee's Tantari is a brave warrior. My son, however, is an adventurous singer."
'Rindu Hatiku Rindu' is available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.
Its music video is available on the YouTube channel of Nova Music.
