taken from The New Paper, 16 November 1994
By Norenshah Sahari
“We cannot easily say it (mass appeal numbers) is bad for our culture or that we lose our roots. We don’t have enough good products to counter this culture.”
— M Nasir (above)
BE prepared for an empty notepad, I was told by frustrated colleagues.
M Nasir, 37, music man extraordinaire, has a reputation for being “difficult” and a dislike for the notebook and pen brigade.
An attempt to speak to him during the Malaysian Film Festival three years ago drew zilch. He was a man of monosyllables.
This time around, Nasir was asked to speak or forever hold his peace.
“Me, difficult?” he said. Silence. He looked perplexed. “No. If reporters ask me questions, I answer,” he added, shrugging.
Usually with just a yes or no and a full stop. But this time, over fish and chips, Nasir — the weaver of tales, creator of stories untold, in melodies never before imagined — spoke.
Gingerly at first. Has he become approachable because he has more acting roles under his belt, and now, singers to promote?
Silence. Three minutes later, a response: “I’m still the same.”
Singapore-born Nasir, a graduate of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, left for Malaysia in the '80s in search of greener pastures. There, he made a name for himself as singer and songwriter.
Later, he set up a production company and studio, Luncai Emas, which became a veritable gold mine of hits.
Nasir has now launched his own record label and three new singers under his wing.
Why a record label? After all, Nasir produces albums and songs across the board, irrespective of the record label. Fledglings, singers desperate for a comeback and chart holders wanting to maintain star status, all turn to Nasir for that Midas touch.
His ingots range from the Alleycat hits in the '70s to rock chart toppers like Sejati (Wings) and Fantasia Bulan Madu (Search) to film scores such as Azurah, which won Best Original Song and Best Original Score in the 1991 Malaysian Film Festival, Kembara Seniman Jalanan (Street Artist) and Tsu Feh Sofiah.
Nasir, himself, has recorded 12 solo albums and is making a name as an actor, having starred in five films including the award-winning Selubung (Veil).
In slow, barely audible tones, Nasir said: “It’s a continuation of my plan to be self-reliant. It’s a step-by-step development.”
Ah, talking about music is where he is in his element.
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