eCentral

Friday July 9, 2010

Girl gone groovy

By SHEELA CHANDRAN
sheelac@thestar.com.my


After a long hiatus, former Teh Tarik Crew member Mizz Nina is making a comeback as a solo singer.

MENTION Mizz Nina and music lovers will immediately associate her with local hip hop outfit, Teh Tarik Crew (TTC). Now, she has switched her adeptness in rapping and rhyming for a new vocation as a solo R&B/pop/rap artiste.

“I’ve grown up and have an open mind towards different sounds. I’ve matured and am ready to experiment (with) new things including expressing myself differently. It’s a huge progression from TTC but I’m certain listeners will like my new image,” said Nina during an interview in Petaling Jaya last week.

It appears Nina has also blossomed in terms of her dress sense. Hip hop tracksuits, cargo pants and sneakers – which complemented TTC’s cool rapper image – have been swapped for dresses and high heels for a sophisticated and sexy image. Sultry looks (think: dark eye make-up, false eyelashes and red lipstick) and long flowy hair are also part of her new persona.

Laid-back and grounded: ‘There are always expectations because of my background,’ says Mizz Nina.

“I used to be a tomboy and never liked wearing dresses. Now, my dress sense has taken a 180° switch. Some think I’ve revamped my look because of pressure to maintain a sexy image as an artiste. I don’t think being sexy should be forced (on a person). Don’t pretend to be what you’re not as style is an individual thing that shouldn’t be over emphasised,” said the articulate 30-year-old, whose real name is Shazrina Azman.

Nina’s comeback

It’s been a while since fans heard anything from Nina. Ever since TTC took a break over five years ago, Nina had kept a low profile as a radio deejay on the now-defunct WOW FM (she hosted a hip hop R&B show), then Red FM (formerly Red 104.9 as a hip hop underground deejay) and followed by Fly FM (she hosted a dance show).

“I took time off from TTC to do my own thing. I went travelling and thought about my future plans which included releasing my solo album. Knowing that TTC members Altimet (Syed Ahmad Alhadad) and DJ Fuzz (Farzwa Emir) released their own albums had further inspired me to release my solo album.

“Some say I’m too old to release an album but I believe age shouldn’t be a factor where music is concerned. Look at singers like Mary J. Blige and Madonna: They have been in the industry for years and are in tune with younger audiences because of their creativity. I am in awe whenever I hear their songs,” said Nina, who cites Janet Jackson and Lauren Hill as her sources of inspiration.

Come July 17, she launches her much-anticipated debut album, What You Waiting For. On the 14-track bilingual (Malay and English) album, recorded here and in Los Angeles, she worked with a slew of producers, arrangers and composers from California, the Netherlands, Singapore and Malaysia.

Vocal collaborators include American pop and R&B singer-songwriter Colby O’Donis, Noh (from local group Hujan) and Mawar Berduri (Ahli Fiqir). Production credits include Uno and AJ (Pop Shuvit), D’Navigator, DJ Fuzz (formerly from TTC), Koko and Syaheed (Bedsty Music), Sakke (from the Netherlands) and Koolade (Croatia).

Cool mix

“It’s really rojak as it comprises elements of hip hop and rap. It also has English and Malay songs to cater for a larger target audience. As a treat for my underground fans, check out hip hop tunes like Hope (featuring Grammy nominee Planet Asia), Never Leave You Behind (featuring local R&B jazz singer Poova) and Sri Kandi (Mawar Berduri),” said Nina, who co-wrote the bulk of the songs and self-penned Never Leave You Behind.

The album also features her single of the same name featuring a collaboration with O’Donis, who is Senegalese singer Akon’s protege.

Since its release last March, the single has maintained a steady spot on local music charts like Carta Negara on XFM, The Freaky Fly 30 (Fly FM) and MET 10 (Hitz.fm). In the United States, it has received airplay on 102.3 KJLH in Los Angeles, California, and Wild 104.9 (KKWD) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“I am still excited whenever I hear it on air. It’s surreal and at the same time, I’m blessed that all of these things are happening,” said Nina, who enjoys listening to music from different genres like hip hop as well as homegrown and Indonesian music.

On Wednesday, the singer was the opening act for Usher’s concert at Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil, KL. According to Nina, performing for Usher was a dream come true as she has been a big fan since young.

“I absolutely love his music, especially hits like You Make Me Wanna, U Remind Me and Bad Girl. Although I didn’t have a chance to speak to him backstage, his concert was simply fantastic. He is a brilliant dancer and performer,” she gushed.

Throughout the interview, Nina appeared friendly and down-to-earth. Sporting skinny jeans, baggy tee and flats, she portrayed the girl-next-door image. When asked about her dress sense, she joked: “Tak kan nak nampak seksi bila pergi kedai mamak.” (“Don’t tell me I should look sexy when I go to the mamak stall.”)

Hence, it took some time to digest that the daughter of AmBank Group chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim was truly laid-back and easy-going.

“There are always expectations because of my background. When I was younger, some people treated me differently while others took advantage. The important thing is I know who I am and have a grounded perspective on life,” said Nina, the youngest of five siblings.

Nina, who hails from Ampang, KL, did her secondary education at Garden International School before obtaining a degree in Media Studies And Public Relations from Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia. Upon returning home, she also completed a music foundation course at KL-based International College Of Music.

During the interview, Nina spoke fondly of her father and mother, Puan Sri Tunku Arishah Tunku Maamor, who helped hone her singing talents.

“In 1988, my mother opened The Singing Shop, a professional vocal-training centre, in Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya. My parents sent me for singing and dancing classes which I dreaded. But I have them to thank for their efforts have finally paid off,” said Nina with a warm smile. (Incidentally, her father, also known as “The Singing Banker”, shares a passion for singing. In the early 1990s, Nina and her father co-recorded Somewhere Out There (American Tale), which is often played at AmBank’s corporate functions.

Besides singing, this svelte lady wears many hats. She serves as The Singing Shop’s managing director and has a clothing line to her credit. Named after herself, the collection features casualwear that reflects Nina’s “chill out” style and easy-going sensibilities.

“My sister Shalina owns Liberté boutique in KLCC. Watching her run the store inspired me to create my own clothing line. Mizz Nina designs feature a funky collection of tees, tank tops, jeans worn by not professional models, but regular teens. All items are below RM200 and will be sold online and hopefully at my sister’s boutique,” said Nina, who will have a simultaneous launch for her clothing line and album on July 17.

Mizz Nina’s What You Waiting For album launch takes place on July 17 (5pm-7pm) at Zouk Club, Jalan Ampang, KL, with a special appearance by singer Colby O’Donis. Admission is free. For details, call 012-268 9111, e-mail yaiz@yzinternational.com. Alternatively, browse yzinternational.com.

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