'My music must be the best'

'My music must be the best'

Singaporean singer Awi Rafael has come a long way since he made his foray into Malaysia in 2010.

Scoring a contract with Warner Music Malaysia, the singer-songwriter has released two albums, a string of successful singles, formed a girl group called Girl Republik (under his publishing and artist management company Runaway Productions) and has, recently, written singles for others like Siti Nurhaliza and Aliff Aziz.

His song for Siti Nurhaliza, entitled Mula Dan Akhir, was handpicked by the pop diva herself.

"I was told that she loved it and that's enough for me, all I needed to hear. Oh no, I hope I don't sound like I'm boasting," Awi told M in a telephone interview from Kuala Lumpur last week.

The 28-year-old, who has been gaining popularity since his move across the Causeway, revealed that he is almost a workaholic.

 

His love for music

"I'm always creating and will continue doing so. I just love music so much that I don't think of it as work," he said.

Awi will be in town next month for his show, Runaway with Awi Rafael, as part of Esplanade's annual Pesta Raya.

Fans can expect his well-known hits like Asalkan Aku Ok and Pulanglah at the one-night-only show.

"It has been a while since my first proper showcase, so I feel that it's nice to get everyone together again. It'll be relaxing, which is what I like to think of my music," he said.

For now, Awi is stealing time from his hectic schedule to work on a mini album.

He also has plans for his first English-language album. When asked what his maxim for making music is, Awi revealed: "I'm a normal guy. But my music cannot be normal... It must be the best."

 

Runaway with Awi Rafael

WHEN: Aug 30, 9.30pm

WHERE: Esplanade Recital Studio

TICKETS: $25, $19 (concession for students, NSFs and senior citizens), $45 (packaged with love.life.light performance by Tengku Adil)


This article was first published on JULY 2, 2014.
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