Music icon Datuk Zainal Abidin’s resilience and positivity has led to his iron will which was sparked by so many scars in the past, uncannily he finds inspiration in the face of failure, viewing it as a compelling force propelling him to strive for greater heights.
Today, the 63-year-old virtuoso’s focus extends beyond personal accomplishments, as he endeavours to guide and inspire the emerging generation of musicians and artists in Malaysia.
In an exclusive interview with BusinessToday, music legend Datuk Zainal Abidin shared the inspiration that fuels his illustrious career spanning 45 years in the industry. Surprisingly, it’s not the triumphs but the setbacks that have ignited his creative flame.
“What I’m trying to do now is to encourage the young and upcoming new musicians and artistic people in Malaysia, to go for modernisation, but not Westernisation,” he said.
Advocating for modernisation without losing sight of cultural identity, Zainal Abidin’s wisdom serves as a beacon for those navigating the dynamic landscape of the music industry.
In response to probing questions about his extensive 45-year long music career, Zainal Abidin whose first album “Hijau” shook the entire music industry, sheds light on his unique approach to addressing societal issues through his music.
Recognising music as a language unto itself, he underscored the powerful impact that well-crafted lyrics and meaningful messages can have on the audience.
“Music is a language by itself. If you have good lyrics, you have good messages, you will give a big impact” he said.
Delving into the specifics of his advocacy, Zainal Abidin highlights his decades-long commitment to addressing environmental concerns through his musical endeavours.
His comprehensive approach has resulted in an impressive 90% awareness among Malaysians regarding environmental preservation, a testament to the influential reach of his musical contributions.
However, he candidly acknowledges that turning awareness into action remains a challenge, with only a fraction, approximately 35%, actively participating in environmental conservation efforts.
Undeterred by this gap, Zainal Abidin expresses a firm commitment to intensify his efforts, recognising the potential of music to not only raise awareness but also to inspire tangible change.
“For the past 32 years, I’ve been talking, yelling, doing some seminars, but through music, it is more effective.”
Nurturing Future Generations
Talking about his upcoming edutainment concert this 20 January (Friday), Zainal Abidin revealed that the nature of the ‘Sound Spirit ZainalAbidin: The Legacy Of Sound’ goes beyond traditional entertainment.
By blending the four key elements—passion, learning, sharing, and education — Zainal Abidin envisioned a concert experience that transcends mere entertainment.
Zainal Abidin underscored the significance of the four pillars as essential components for aspiring professional musicians and entertainers.
The emphasis is on encouraging musicians to broaden their horizons beyond catering solely to local preferences.
Motivated by a desire to propel the Malaysian music industry onto the global stage, Zainal Abidin critiqued the prevailing focus on catering exclusively to the local audience.
He advocated for a paradigm shift, urging Malaysian artists and musicians to explore beyond the confines of the domestic market.
Zainal Abidin believed in the untapped potential of Malaysian talent and envisioned a future where the nation’s artists venture abroad, gaining recognition on the global stage.
The event will incorporate speakers like Michael Veerapen and Steve Thornton, who will share their insights and experiences. Veerapen will delve into songwriting and musical arrangement, while Thornton, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, will shed light on becoming a global artist.
The technical aspect of being an entertainer will be covered by Sunil Kumar, addressing crucial elements like lighting, sound systems, and other technical requirements on stage.
For Zainal Abidin, the ‘Sound Spirit ZainalAbidin: The Legacy of Sound’ concert is a profound mission to share his 45 years of industry experience with emerging musicians and artists.
Zainal Abidin’s commitment to education extends beyond the stage. Sponsoring over 500 tickets for deserving students from institutions like Aswara, UPSI, and UiTM, he aims to provide them access to an enriching experience that goes beyond their financial constraints. By supporting their attendance, Zainal Abidin hoped to contribute to their academic success and fulfil their passion for music.
The ‘Sound Spirit ZainalAbidin: The Legacy of Sound’, with its unique blend of education and entertainment, serves as a catalyst for a more adventurous and internationally oriented Malaysian music scene.
Zainal Abidin’s intentions crystallise in his plea to break free from the limitations of local music and create a distinctive Malaysian sound with an international flair.
Through this transformative approach, he envisions positioning Malaysia’s music industry as a formidable player on the world stage, fostering a future where the nation’s musicians and artists are celebrated and recognised globally.
Hijau
Producing his iconic album “Hijau,” where he sought to create an authentic Malaysian sound by blending Indian, Chinese, and Malay influences, the album’s standout track, “Hijau,” not only achieved popularity but also served as a poetic reflection of Malaysian society.
Zainal Abidin’s musical creation, characterised by its versatility, transcends the boundaries of specific genres.
His songs, uniquely his own, seamlessly traverse various musical landscapes, accommodating elements of rock, jazz, world music, and mainstream commercial sounds. It’s a genre defined by its openness and accessibility, resonating with a diverse audience.
Zainal Abidin’s pioneering work stands as a testament to his ability to forge a genre that not only defies conventional classification but also remains universally appealing.
His musical journey, deeply rooted in cultural diversity, continues to shape the landscape of Malaysian music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Zainal Abidin candidly acknowledged the accolades he has received globally, such as the Golden Award from Japan and collaborations with renowned artists like Phil Collins and Steve Thronton.
However, these achievements, as significant as they are, represent just a part of his journey.
Humble Past
Rooted in a family steeped in musical traditions, Zainal Abidin’s familial backdrop becomes a symphony of diverse genres. His grandfather’s contributions to British and Japanese orchestras, alongside his grandmother’s immersion in traditional Ronco and Gazal music, provided a dynamic soundscape within the walls of his home.
Fuelled by the desire to explore uncharted territories, he embarked on a musical exploration that developed his current Afro-Asian musical styles.
Domestically, Zainal Abidin has attained the pinnacle of recognition, earning titles like Best Male Singer, Best Entertainer, and more. Yet, he sees these accolades not as the endpoint but as a platform to give back to the industry.
Zainalabidin Mohamed or better known as Zainalabidin was born on the 4 November 1959 in Johor Bharu. Zainal Abidin, as he is better known as, is an accomplished musical phenomenon bearing The Legend status with his unique and very own trademarked sound. Coming from poor yet humble roots he has always been known for his unique creative style and his undying passion for music from a very young age.
Born into a family of 10 and being the 5th child, Zainal Abidin was musically inclined since the age of 5 years old with a keen interests in the drums hence his current flair on the percussions. The talent that runs through him was inherited from his beloved parents, wherein his father was a musician and jazz vocalists for the British and Japanese army in his era and his mother was a well-known Ghazal performer in the Johor Bharu area.
The musical career of Zainal Abidin began at the tender age of 15 years old, when he used to play the trombone while accompanying Chinese funeral processions from the funeral parlour to the cemetery with a miniscule salary of only RM5 per funeral. This hobby cum part time job soon became a valued source of income to support his family. His sheer hard work and sacrifice has gone down the hallmarks of music history.
