Motherhood has changed her

In the eight years she has known her husband, Ning Baizura has not been able to celebrate his birthday on Aug 30.

With Malaysia's Independence Day being on Aug 31, the Malaysian singer is often invited to perform at functions and corporate events.

Unfortunately, it'll be another missed birthday this year. Bad new for her husband but good news for Ning's avid fans.

Ning, who turned 39 last week, will be performing her first solo show here on Aug 30 as part of Esplanade's annual arts festival Pesta Raya.

Fans will be treated to well-loved hits - both old and new - spanning her 22-year career. This includes songs like Dugaanku, Curiga and Pelangi Untukmu, which was written for her 17-month-old son Ryan Sky Dalton.

Ning spoke to M in a telephone interview from Kuala Lumpur where she was busy playing mother to Ryan while making arrangements for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

"My family is very understanding. For this show, of course I'd love for them to be there with me. That'll be my gift for my husband," said Ning.

She also revealed dinner plans to celebrate the birthday of her British manager-hubby, Mr Omar Sharif Christopher Layton Dalton, the day after the show.

These days, the mother-of-one admits to being more family-oriented and even "picky" when it comes to shows.

'LENIENT'

Ning said: "Ever since I gave birth, I have been 'lenient' when it comes to work. I made the choice to be a mother and my focus is on watching Ryan grow up."

"Thankfully for me, people have been very understanding. I really love motherhood," said the bubbly hit-maker.

Ning and her husband tied the knot in 2008, and their son was born last year.

The doting mother said that being a parent has changed her.

She said: "It taught me patience for sure - lots of it. Also endurance and forgiveness.

"I think about how I used to rebel as a teenager. But now that I'm in my 30s and a mother, I have to be someone whom Ryan can look up to and call a friend - like my mother is to me."

Motherhood has also taught her to pay extra attention to her husband.

Ning said she chose to learn from friends whose marriages suffered, or even ended, after having children.

She said: "It's not easy juggling everything, but I always remind myself that as a wife, my first duty is towards my husband.

"I make an effort to communicate with him, even if it's for a few minutes."

But when it comes to her career, Ning is as busy as ever.

She released her 13th album, Kekal, last year and a new one is also in the works.

She is also heavily promoting her eponymous perfume brand and her handmade jewellery line, Sky Design - both of which will be made available during her show here next month.

"Fans not only get to hear my music but get to have an extra personal touch from me as well," she said.

FYI

PELANGI UNTUKMU DI SINGAPURA (RAINBOW FOR YOU) BY NING BAIZURA

WHEN: Aug 30, 8pm

WHERE: Esplanade Concert Hall

TICKETS: $30, $50, $70 and $25, $45 (concession for students, NSFs and senior citizens)

ashikinr@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on July 2, 2014.
Get The New Paper for more stories.