-by JOE LEE -
COMPOSERS and lyricists are too often left standing in the wings, but TV3 aims to turn up the spotlight on songwriters to give them due credit.
While it’s programme in the weekly Muzik Muzik culminating in the grand finale of the Anugerah Juara Lagu pays homage to the real hitmakers, more recognition is needed to highlight the contribution of such professionals to the music industry.
TV3 entertainment, sports and recreation general manager Azhar Borhan said more recognition was needed as many tend to forget that AJL celebrates songwriters and not just artistes like every other event.
“We will consider the possibility of including two more awards for AJL, honouring the cream of the crop of songwriters.”
While he was unable to say when it would be implemented, Azhar said the idea of two extra titles, recognising the efforts of a section of the industry often overlooked was relevant to the objective of the show.
“We’ve stressed repeatedly that the AJL is to honour songwriters and many tend to forget that, though we can’t deny it’s understandable considering it’s the singer who’s fronting the song and who’s visible onstage.
“It would be nice to offer more recognition to songwriters who have contributed a lot to the music industry while also handing out a trophy to promising newcomers who show potential in helping to build the credibility of compositions.
“I, however, would like their peers to decide among themselves. We will think about including it in the AJL.”
Azhar was speaking after the drawing of lots to decide the line-up of performances of the top 30 tunes competing in the semi-finals of Muzik Muzik 21 in the three categories — Pop Rock, Ballads and Irama Malaysia and Ethnic Creative.
It was announced that the semi-finals would be aired at prime time, away from its usual allotted time in the evening.
The semi-finals begin with the Irama Malaysia & Ethnic Creative category on Nov 24, followed by the Ballads category on Dec 1 and Pop Rock on Dec 8.
Azhar said while the usual evening slots attracted a viewership of 1.5 to 1.7 million, he was sure that the more appropriate prime time slot of 9.30pm to 11pm, would increase that figure.
Big names like sifu M.Nasir leads the pack with not just three compositions but also fronting his hit, Juwita Citra Terindah.
Other expected names, comprising mostly seasoned campaigners, making up the bulk of the nominations include Suhaimi Mohd Zain (Pak Ngah), Edrie Hashim, Mohd Azhar Abu Bakar (Azmeer), Azlan Abu Hassan as well fresher names like Norkamal Hazami Ahmad (Hazami), Raizan Zainal Abidin (Neves) and Farish Ramli (Cat Farish).
Hit songs include a diverse range from the mellow, ethnic-flavoured Warkah Buat Laila to the weepy Kian, all the way to the upbeat drumline of Caramu.
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