Congratulations Ning

Today marks a new chapter in the life of my Diva. My Ning is officially a married woman! Congratulations Ning & Chris, may this will be a most blessed union of souls.

I have been a Ning fan since forever... I even rank her higher then my other idols, Madonna included (jangan mare hadzryzal). I remember buying my first Malay album in 1994, or cassette at that time, 'Ning' , just to test out the audio capabilites of the new hifi system my father bought. Ning was, after all the face and voice of Sony Tru-Vox. I was astounded by her voice: unique and soulful beyond anything that has been offered in the Malay music at that time.

My love affair with her continued unwavered, despite the episodes of ostracising and controversies that had plagued througout most of her early carrier. Yet Ning preserviered, like a pheonix rising from the ashes triumphant....she is a SURVIVOR. And the tears of joy when she went up on stage to recieve the AIM award of the swansong 'Awan Yang Terpilu' must have been felt by all of her fans throughout the nation, me included.

So once again, congratulations my dear Ning, may your soar to greater success in love, carreer and life...

Anugerah Juara Lagu 22

One of the biggest night's in Malaysian entertainment has descended upon us again. While the AIM award for Best Song is technically the highest achievement award for songwriting; the anugerah Juara Lagu is always dear to many, and as such always wrought with emotion and controversy because of its live performances that makes for a true competitive atmosphere. It is on the Juara Lagu stage that a many memorable 'magic' moments are created, and i look forward to experiencing more this coming Sunday night. Here are my predictions:

Pop Rock(Composer/Lyricist/Performer)

• Angan Dan Sedar - M.Nasir/Loloq/Mawi
• Janjiku - Taja/Tass/Sofaz
• Farhana(Bumi Kenyalang) - Denai/Andy Rahman/Jinbara
• Destinasi Cinta - Lin Li Zen/Pssn/Datuk Siti Nurhaliza
• Sembunyi - Aidit Alfian/Loloq/Misha & Andy
• Itu Kamu - Estranged/Rachael Lawrence/Estranged
  

Balada

• Izinku Pergi - Azlan Abu Hassan/Sulu Sarawak/Shahri
• Harapan - Hazami/Hazami/Fazli Zainal
• Mahakarya Cinta - Audi Mok/Mohd Shariza Shamsiri/(undecided)
• Kasih Tercipta - Ajai/Shuhaimi Baba/(undecided)
• Ceritera Cinta - Ross Ariffin/Habsah Hassan/Jac & Lah

Irama Malaysia & Etnik Kreatif

• Samudera - Johan Nawawi/Ahmad Fedtri Yahya/Nora
• Kasihnya Balkis - Adnan Abu Hassan/Moharis Yaakup/Aishah
• Dirgahayu - Radeen Sri/Hairul Anuar Harun/Ramlah Ram

ANUGERAH JUARA LAGU

• Mahakarya Cinta / Audi Mok / Mohd Shariza Shamsiri / (undecided)
  

Diesel SS08 Advertising Campaign: Live Fast

Our increasingly fast-paced, transient and multitasking lives have become the subject for Diesel's Spring Summer 2008 advertising campaign. Though clearly tongue and cheek, the campaign, entitled 'Live Fast' does not stray that far from the truth, as we struggle in our daily lives to balance body, mind and soul. Heck if we are to struggle, might as well do it in style, right?


_________________________________________
Agency : Marcel Paris
Photographer: Laurie Bartley
Executive Creative Director: Frederic Temin / Anne de Maupeou
Art Director: Nicolas Chauvin / Romin Favre
Copywriter: Eric Jannon / Dimitri Guerassimov
Country : France

Adidas Originals Denim by Diesel

Remember the Adidas+Diesel collaboration I mentioned last year? Well, here are some sneak previews of several models of the highly anticipated jeans. From the looks of it, it is indeed a winning combo. I will most definitely be making a stopover at the Adidas Originals store in Singapore this coming February.

ADIVIKER - DarkBlue Treated

ADITHANAZ- SuperBlack

Faizal Tahir (Aku.Muzik.Kamu)****

Sometimes it takes an epiphany in a form of a reality show, to reveal the true destiny of an artist. Faizal Tahir is one such individual. Formerly from a religious singing group, his ‘true calling’ is a complete 180 degree turn: he is and always has been a rocker at heart. As such, in the 1 in a Million competition, Faizal finally unleashed himself to the Malaysian music industry. Though ultimately did not win the grand prize, his raw talent and gusto is undeniable… proving once and for all that second place is most definitely not the first loser.

His efforts have culminated into the debut album: Aku.Muzik.Kamu. While obviously first billing, the album it is also as much a showcase of the genius that is producer Audi Mok. Co-writing and producing the bulk of the material, the album demonstrates Audi’s prowess as a versatile melody maker bar none. Prime example is the rousing MAHAKARYA CINTA, in my opinion, the front runner of this year’s Anugerah Juara Lagu.

In other tracks, the first single BATU & GOLEK and up-tempo KERNA KAMU is very indicative of Faizal’s brand of radio friendly pop-rock sound. His appreciation of his influences is also apparent in the album; evoking Aerosmith in the majestic anthem AKU PUNYA KAMU and channeling Queen in the thumping LA DA DI DUM (listen carefully for the Taylor Hicks reference!). Meanwhile, songs CUBA and Faizal’s own favorite SAMPAI SYURGA reveals his tender side without ever drifting into outright melancholy (though the inclusion of the delicate ‘Kasih Tercipta’ from the Waris Jari Hantu OST into the album would have been most desirable).

By and large this is a highly listenable album, so much so that it may even convert non-rock genre fans into Faizal’s growing legion of ‘rockensteiners’. And, perhaps more importantly, in his own admission, is that the album is proudly 100% Malaysian made.

TRACKLISTING:

1. Invitation (Audi Mok/ Faizal Tahir)***
2. Batu & Golek (Audi Mok /Faizal Tahir)***1/2
3. Kerna Kamu (Audi Mok/ Faizal Tahir)****
4. Aku Punya Kamu (Audi Mok/ Faizal Tahir)*****
5. Sempurna (Omar K / Faizal Tahir)***1/2
6. Cuba (Audi Mok/ Faizal Tahir)****1/2
7. Sampai Syurga (Audi Mok / Faizal Tahir)*****
8. La Da Di Dum (Audi Mok / Faizal Tahir)***1/2
9. Mungkin Ku Tak Bisa (kuncidemak)***1/2
10. Mestikah Ada Yang Lain (kuncidemak)***
11. Mahakarya Cinta (Orchestra Version) (Audi Mok / Shah Shamshiri)*****
12. Sampai Syurga ( Acoustic Version) (Audi Mok / Faizal Tahir)*****
13. Gemuruh (Aubrey Suwito / Tessh RS)***
14. Mahakarya Cinta (Audi Mok / Shah Shamshiri)*****
    

To the left with 2007, Hello 2008!

DIESELFREAK wishes everyone a very Happy 2008!.

May it will be the most successful year in our lives ever!