What exactly lies beneath the exterior of that cool, calm & composed soulman whom we know as Taufik Batisah? Check out the following sections to learn more about the man.
Taufik featured in Channel News AsiaCNA: 3 December 2008
Family boy with musical talent
SINGAPORE: Dressed in a Ripcurl T-shirt and a pair of dark wash jeans, Taufik Batisah is just like your cool guy-next-door.
He openly jokes with you about how guys will "have their game on" whenever they spot an attractive stranger and sounds slightly embarrassed about his recent experience on the new reality television show "Don’t Forget The Lyrics".
"It was tough because I am not an expert at remembering lyrics!" he exclaimed.
Thankfully, taking a longer time to memorise lyrics has not stopped Taufik from being passionate about music.
Since his rise to stardom four years ago at the first season of Singapore Idol, the 27-year-old never rested on his laurels.
While his strong local and overseas fan base prove his popularity, the numerous awards he has earned have established him as a remarkable musical talent, with singing, performing, composing and producing abilities.
For two consecutive years in 2007 and 2008, he has scooped up the Most Popular Artiste-Singapore award at the Malay Grammy-equivalent Anugerah Planet Muzik.
Taufik was also awarded national honour - the Singapore Youth Award 2008 (Arts & Culture), the highest youth accolade in Singapore for his achievements in the local music scene and for being an inspiring role model to youths from all walks of life.
New experiences from new album
After more than a year of preparation and anticipation, his latest Malay album "Suria Hatiku" finally hit the stores last month.
Judging by his efforts, Taufik could be a one-man show for his album. He wrote eight out of the ten songs, and produced five of them himself.
He also feels that this is "personally one of (his) best works" as it highlights a different side of him.
Pushing the boundaries and moving away from the rhythm and blues (R&B) genre that most listeners would associate with him, Taufik decided it was time to showcase his musical versatility and to "explore rock, alternative genres, (including) ballads".
The new album also gave him the opportunity to work with top Malaysia music composer and producer in Malay music, M Nasir.
"Working with him was such a privilege, I learnt a lot," he said of his highly respected 'sifu' (master in Mandarin) whom he collaborated two hits with.
His 'Suria Hatiku' or the light(s) of his heart
The title of his forth album, "Suria Hatiku" which is loosely translated as "The Light of My Heart", is a tribute to "the people who have been there for him" for "they are the guiding light" in his musical career.
For Taufik, the "guiding lights" are his family and fans.
"Without them, I would not be where I am today... and (this album) is a thank-you song for everyone," he said gratefully.
And how apt that his mother, brother and four-year-old niece take on cameo appearances in his songs!
He claimed that this full family effort was “accidental”, for it started with a casual request for his brother to sing part of the chorus of "Suria Hatiku".
"I was excited when my brother agreed. You can also hear an outburst of laughter belonging to my niece at the beginning of the song,” Taufik shared as he smiled fondly at the memory of having to tickle her then.
His mother also provided the background vocals for the song.
Other collaborations on his new album
Taufik’s album is also significant as it showcases the first song recorded by winners from both seasons of "Singapore Idol" - Hady Mirza and himself.
The duo had done gigs even before the nation-wide singing competition was aired on television but have never recorded a song together.
"Hady liked the song, and feels strongly for the message as well," Taufik said.
So what was the message?
"It’s a song about when things go bad in life, and you don’t know what to do... just calm down and bring yourself closer to God (for) He will lead you back to what you are supposed to do. Sounds cliché but it’s true."
Taufik said the song was written to inspire people, and it is also what he hopes for himself.
He also collaborated with "Singapore Idol" judge and mentor Ken Lim on the song "Gadis Itu".
The groovy song is infused with Latin beats and which “took a while to get into a flow”.
While Taufik loves listening to Latin-inspired music from the likes of The Gypsy Kings, Santana and Marc Anthony, getting him to salsa is another matter altogether!
“Salsa’s pretty difficult man! But that would be interesting, I would have to style (my dance steps) in a way that would look cool, and it can’t be too cheesy,” he said.
Looking forward
Given the time and opportunity, Taufik hopes to produce a collaborative album of local Malay music.
“It’s just an idea in my head that I have never told anyone before... I want to write and produce songs while my friends sing them, and all proceeds (from the CD sales) will go to charity,” he said.
His reason?
“It kills two birds with one stone. Not only does it build up the local music scene by giving the rising artistes more attention, it will also help people in need,” he shared.
In addition, full English album might be in the pipeline but do not get your hopes too high yet, for "it boils down to the demand".
At present, he wishes to “better his Malay song-writing skills” and it is no surprise then that his determination and desire to strive for more has led him to scale new heights in the music industry.
"Suria Hatiku" is available exclusively at all CD-Rama stores.
- CNA
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