Penangite is Allianze Idol
AT a glance Mohd Nazrin Sinaya Mohd Ilham looks like any other regular college student. However, not many realise that the 19-year-old, who is presently pursuing a diploma in medical sciences, has a voice that could give many up-and-coming singers a run for their money. The happy-go-lucky Penangite, who aspires to become a doctor by day and a rocker by night, beat nine other contestants to win the recent Allianze Idol 2011 talent search contest in Penang.The inaugural contest, modelled after the popular American Idol contest, was organised by Allianze University College of Medical Sciences (AUCMS) in Dewan Milenium, Kepala Batas in Seberang Prai. Mohd Nazrin or fondly known as Naz, mesmerised the judges with his rendition of ‘Lagu Untukmu’, which was originally recorded by local indie band Meet Uncle Hussain.
His ability to hit the high notes in the song and his vocals which resembled those of the band’s lead singer Norazlan Rosle (Lan), scored high points with the judges and the crowd as well. Mohd Nazrin won a three-day-two- night holiday package to Genting Highlands for three persons, RM200, a challenge trophy and certificate. He also won the solo category and received RM300, a trophy and certificate. His father, Mohd Ilham Ganesan Abdullah, 45, a musician-cum-produ-cer, said his son’s passion for singing started when he was 11 years old. He added that he hoped to guide Mohd Nazrin to become a successful singer.
Siti Asidah Salbin, 22, who is pursuing a diploma in nursing, emerged first runner-up in the solo category, with her rendition of ‘Siang Terbayang, Malam Merindu’. The lanky Sabahan who has a sweet voice, similar to 80s local pop singer Salwa Abdul Rahman, walked away with RM200, trophy and a certificate.
Friends Azarul Azman, Zulhafiz Zulkifli and Muhammad Faizal Sapran, who formed the band FRZ, emerged champions in the creative category. The trio, who are pursuing a diploma in physiotherapy, won RM200, trophy and certificates for their rendition of ‘Kebahagiaan Dalam Perpisahan’.
Muhammad Azry Md Daud and Khaisuhana Khadir, who formed the group Azry, emerged champions in the group category, winning RM300, trophy and a certificate.
The competition, which began in March, saw 39 participants compe-ting in several heats in solo, group and creative categories.
AUCMS medical student Shankharee Nadarajan, who spoke eloquently in Malay and English, teamed up with local television drama actor Zuraini Kassim as the emcees for the event.
Akademi Fantasia (AF) artistes — Rosmayati Sidik (Rosma) and Mohd Khairulnizam Wahi (Khai) both from AF1, Nor Salima Habibi (Salima) from AF4 and Mohamad Aliff Mohd Razali (Alif) from AF6, as well as Mohd Razlan Mohamed Yusof (Lan) from pop group Kristal — also performed with the college’s resident band Steps at the event.
AUCMS president Datuk Dr Zainuddin Md Wazir, who obliged with unplugged cover versions of four oldies numbers, later presented the prizes to the winners.
“In our busy campus life pursuing academic excellence, we must also learn to let our hair down and indulge in healthy activities. “In my college days, I used to actively sing in a band to relax the mind,” he said.
By DERRICK VINESH. - The Star
Image By : Irma Suyanti and Ummu Sakimah
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