Riz's Is Living His Dream

Despite the slow market, Riz hopes to record a full album.

By : SHUIB TAIB

Riz already has three singles under his belt, fresh from coming in first runner-up in this year’s Akademi Fantasia. But the lad is not resting on his laurels, as SHUIB TAIB finds out.

TAKING part in this year’s Akademi Fantasia (AF) was the best thing to have happened for Riz. He won prizes worth RM100,000 as first runner-up but it is nothing compared to seeing his parents back together again.

The reality TV star, who took part in TV3’s Gangstarz and 8TV’s One In A Million (first season) earlier on, was among the few AF students who performed consistently week after week.

But being completely cut off from the outside world, Riz (whose real name is Mohammed Idris Mohd Zaizizi) said that he was in limbo during his AF days.

“When I entered the academy, my parents had kind of separated. During the first week, my dad did not come to see me perform. Only my mum came. In the second week, I saw both in the audience but they did not sit together.“By the third week, I spotted them in the audience and this time they were sitting together. Although my heart leapt, I wasn’t sure whether they had reconciled. Having no contact with the outside world didn’t help either so I assumed that they were back together,” said Riz.

True enough, his parents had reunited. For Riz, that was the best present ever.

Now, the singer, who is often likened to Indonesia’s actor-cum-host Nicholas Saputra, is living his dream.

His first single, Harus Ku Yang Pergi, composed and written by Ajai is enjoying regular airplay.

His second single, Bermula Semula (Ajai/Abie), and third, Ku Pinjam Satu Bintang (Ajai/Slen), are expected to follow suit.Riz dueted with Alya, One In A Million contestant and former Fabulous Cat member, in Ku Pinjam Satu Bintang.

They recently flew to Jakarta, Indonesia to shoot a video clip for the song. It is believed that the video costs RM80,000.

“I feel that every sen was worth it. We hired famed Indonesian director Hady to direct the clip. He has directed music videos for Anuar Zain (Lelaki Ini and Ketulusan Hati) and Indonesia’s Agnes Monika (Matahariku),” said Riz.

Needless to say, he is pleased with the results.

Asked why he did not use local talents to shoot the clip, Riz, 21, said that Ajai and Hady go back a long way.

“Yes, we have local talents but Ajai and I wanted something different. Hady is well known for his work.”

While in Indonesia, Riz observed the professional work culture there.

“The production crew was alert and accommodating. Whenever someone called ‘cut’, we would be offered a drink or a chair. They treated us like stars.

“Hady always knew what to say to get what he wanted out of me and Alya,” said Riz.

The music video will be available for viewing by year end.

Apart from the three singles, and Hanya Sandiwara (Shaliza Abu Bajar/Dean), which was specially written for Riz for the AF final, he plans to record a full album.

“All I need is another four new songs before I can release a full album. I am still collecting material and I hope fans can wait. I don’t want to rush it and come out with a half-baked, half-hearted album,” said Riz, adding that it’s his dream to record songs by Aidit Alfian, Audi Mok, Hazami and Indonesia’s Melly Goeslaw.

Does he want to team up with any other female singer?

“Oh definitely! I really adore the vocal stylings of my former AF colleague Nadia, Jaclyn Victor and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza,” said Riz who flew to Gold Coast, Australia several months ago to shoot TV programmes for Astro in conjunction with Hari Raya.

(Fans can catch him on Konsert Superstar AF6, Rumah Terbuka AF6 and Corak Coret Raya, all over Astro Ria.)

Any tips for those planning to take part in next year’s Akademi Fantasia?

“First of all, you must have talent. Before you enter AF, karaoke as much as you can for practice. Don’t go for glamour; if you do then the show is not for you. It’s really for those who are passionate about the arts and knowledge.

“Try to get used to not having a handphone. Going without can drive you up the wall!”

Info & Pic Credit to : New Straits Times Press (NSTP)