#SHOWBIZ: Faizal Tahir: 'Music is my contribution to the nation'

AFTER more than two decades in the local music industry, hitmaker Faizal Tahir is turning to his art to instil national pride and deep-seated patriotism in the younger generation.

The 48-year-old musician revealed that the Suara Rakyat theme proposed by organisers was the ultimate catalyst behind his decision to return to the stage for a solo showcase after a three-year hiatus.

"Patriotic songs were the biggest deciding factor behind my agreement to stage Faizal Tahir: Suara Rakyat," he shared during a recent press conference for the event at Bendang KL.

"When the concept was brought up, I realised that a lot of my recent releases carry patriotic elements.

"The energy in these patriotic numbers feels vastly different from my earlier works, like Mahakarya Cinta, which focused heavily on romance.

"At my age, while I can still perform romantic tracks, the emotional resonance just isn't the same anymore," he said.

MATURING ARTISTRY AND GROWING CONCERNS

It is a natural progression for an artist whose musical trajectory has continuously evolved since his meteoric rise as the runner-up of One in a Million in 2006, where his trademark high-energy performances quickly established him as a force to be reckoned with.

Now, as a father of seven—and someone who holds a diploma in Communication and Media Studies from UiTM—Faizal expressed growing concern over the heavy influence of social media and Western trends on youth, which he feels is eroding traditional values.

"Watching my children grow up under the heavy sway of social media makes me worry," he noted.

"Our Eastern and Nusantara identity, as well as our sense of unity, is fading because of Western influences.

"I cannot bear arms, I do not hold a seat in Parliament, and I cannot govern the nation.

"So, what I can offer as a Malaysian with 20 years in this industry—and as a father who wants his children to cherish Malaysia—is music. This is my contribution," he said.

His extensive overseas travels, alongside his humanitarian work through his charitable foundation IAMFAITHMEN, have further deepened his appreciation for his homeland.

"When you observe other nations, you come to realise that Malaysia is still the best," he reflected.

Faizal also emphasised that patriotic anthems need not rely on grand orchestral arrangements or traditional marching beats to be effective.

Citing his ballad Darah Bangsa, written for the film Pendekar Awang, and Datuk Francissca Peter's classic track Setia, he argued that powerful lyricism and melody often leave a far deeper impression.

BRIDGING GENERATIONS THROUGH MUSIC EVOLUTION

To effectively reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha, Faizal believes music must evolve alongside youth culture.

"I cannot just create music for my own generation because the youth will be the ones steering the nation's future," he explained.

"The music needs to capture their attention, featuring accessible lyrics that aren't overly complex. If we cannot connect with the song ourselves, how can we expect the audience to feel it?" he said.

Preparations for the upcoming concert are currently underway, with Faizal and his band engaged in intensive rehearsals.

Selecting the setlist proved one of the toughest challenges, expanding from an initial 20 tracks to 30 before being trimmed back down with concert director Jennifer Thompson.

"We decided on around 27 or 28 songs to allow enough room for banter and interaction with the crowd, ensuring the concert doesn't feel rushed," Faizal added, noting that his recent hit Aku Berjanji will be included in the showcase.

FULL CIRCLE REUNION ON STAGE

Adding a full-circle moment of nostalgia, the upcoming concert will feature guest performances by nasyid group Mirwana.

Faizal was a member of the group in the early 2000s before embarking on his multi-award-winning solo career, making their stage reunion a poignant highlight for long-time fans.

Faizal Tahir: Suara Rakyat, presented by Hitman Solutions, will take place on Oct 3 at Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil.