By Marfika Adnan Haris Fadzilah
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Welcoming the positive trend of more young artistes venturing into the Creative Ethnic music genre, Malaysia’s Queen of Rhythm, Noraniza Idris, has reminded them to ensure their works are grounded in knowledge and an authentic understanding of the country’s artistic heritage.
Having spent four decades championing traditional arts, she said she was delighted to see the younger generation becoming increasingly active in producing music, proving that the nation’s artistic heritage continues to hold a special place in the hearts of modern audiences.
However, she cautioned emerging artistes against rushing into the scene or simply following trends without understanding the roots and traditions of the art form.
“I just want to remind them not to get carried away or be too eager to fill a perceived gap. Before creating a work or composing a traditional song, seek knowledge and make sure you understand it thoroughly.
“Knowledge is not difficult to acquire. Consult those with greater expertise and ask plenty of questions so that you do not lose your way,” she told Bernama recently.
At the same time, she stressed that modern technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), should be used only as a supporting tool rather than replacing the true “soul” that gives ethnic music its essence.
She also praised emerging talents such as Aisha Retno for their strong artistic identity, particularly in performing Makyong rhythms and Kelantan folk songs with depth and feeling.
“The active involvement of new talents demonstrates that traditional music has tremendous potential to continue evolving within a modern framework while remaining true to its roots,” she said, urging the public to take pride in preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural heritage.
Commenting on her latest single, Noraniza said Salam Kaut, composed by Hafiz Hamidun with lyrics by Ahmad Fedtri Yahya, was beginning to receive an encouraging response on YouTube.
“Through this song, we convey the message that the younger generation should uphold good manners and etiquette. We want to encourage young people to rediscover the values and proper conduct that define our society. We can embrace modernity, but courtesy and good manners must never be neglected,” she said.
She said the single marked the beginning of preparations for her upcoming album, Indai Malaya Edisi Pertama, which will feature at least six songs and is expected to be completed and released in September next year.
Meanwhile, speaking about preparations for the Gema Bumantara Concert at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil this Saturday, she said everything was progressing smoothly and she was excited to share the stage again with National Songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin.
“I am focusing fully on vocal rehearsals and building up my stamina to ensure that this special collaboration at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil creates beautiful and lasting memories for all the fans attending the concert,” said Noraniza, who will perform two duets with Siti Nurhaliza.
-- BERNAMA