Ziana Zain

Ziana Zain
Ziana Zain during AJL 23, Rehearsing Dingin
Background information
Birth name	Siti Roziana binti Zain
Born	May 2, 1968 (1968-05-02) (age 41)
Origin	Kampung Simpang Merpati, Melaka, Malaysia
Genres	Pop, soft rock, ethnic
Occupations	Singer, actress, model, spokesperson
Years active	1991–present
Labels	BMG Music (1991-2002) EMI (2002-present)
Associated acts	Zig Zag Beat
Website	Official Site

Siti Roziana binti Zain (born May 2, 1968 in Kampung Simpang Merpati, Malacca) is a Malaysian pop singer-songwriter, model, and actress. Ziana emerged as a sensational star after she was discovered by Rahim Othman. In 1990, she released her debut album Madah Berhelah, establishing herself as a viable pop artist in South-East Asia.

Ziana gained her international recognition in 1993 after winning the 1993 Asian Pop Queen Festival held in Fukuoka and Hiroshima, Japan, defeating already established singers from neighbouring countries such as Hetty Koes Endang from Indonesia and The Smokey Mountain from Philippines. She has been dubbed as Asia's Pop Queen since then.

Life and Music Career

1990 - 1992: Early life and career debut

Ziana was born in Kampung Simpang Merpati, Malacca to Zain Abdullah, a retired police inspector and Robiah Abdul who is a full-time housewife. She received her early education at Shah Alam Primary School and Sultan Abdul Aziz Secondary School.^[1] As soon as she finished her secondary school, Ziana worked as a cook in school canteen before working as an operator for 7 months in JVC factory at Shah Alam. She later worked as a cashier in Holiday Inn Shah Alam before she started her career as a flight attendant for Malaysia Airlines for two years.^[1] Her passion for singing transpired during her years of working as a flight attendant which catapulted into participating in many singing competitions, and winning most of the competitions, among them was Bintang Selangor in 1984.^[2] At that moment, nobody really knew that she is actually the elder sister of Anuar Zain, her younger brother who rose into stardom since he was young.

Ziana's talent was later discovered through her participations in singing competitions and consequently, she was given a contract to record an album under BMG Asia Pacific (which has now become BMG Music). In 1991, she released her debut album Madah Berhelah. The album sold 40,000 units and was certified Gold by Recording Industry Association of Malaysia.^[3][4] The album really proved her vocal ability and it established herself as one of the singers with the highest notes at that period of time.

She released two singles from the album, the first was the album-titled track "Madah Berhelah", which was a commercial success. The song received frequent radio airplay at that moment and is considered to be Ziana's signature song. Although the lead single was considered to be a success for a newcomer, Ziana's early career was much criticized due to her inability to perform the song live well in many occasions. Ziana attributed the cause of it to her hectic flight schedule resulting in lack of rest before the performances. The single "Madah Berhelah" managed to get into the final round of Anugerah Juara Lagu in 1991. However, it did not win any major categories. In 1992, the second single of the album was released which was "Riwayat Cinta".

1993 - 1997: Popularity establishment and commercial success

Ziana's second album, Ziana Zain was released in 1993 and it was certified Platinum^[2] for having sold more than 85,000 copies.^[3] The album featured one foreign language track, "Chitose Bashi", which was an experimental attempt for Ziana in singing foreign language song. The lead single of the album, "Anggapanmu", was also well-received, topping the charts around Malaysia at that moment. Ziana later performed the song in Asia Golden Voices Award in Tokyo at 1996, winning her the gold medal. In late 1993, her second single of the album, "Putus Terpaksa" was released. The song received mixed reviews due to its high-pitch structure and it arguably became the most high-pitch song Ziana had ever performed.^[5] Both singles managed to go into the semi-final round of Anugerah Juara Lagu 1993. However, none made it to the final.

In October 2 & 3, 1993, Ziana gained an international exposure after winning the Asian Pop Queen Festival which was held in Fukuoka and Hiroshima, Japan. She competed against already established singers around Asia and has since been dubbed as "Asia's Pop Queen". Her international success continued when she was featured in the international album Colors of Love, singing two tracks from the album namely "Feel Me Out" and "Groove Me", a duet with Philippines' singer Jo Awayan.

Ziana's third album, Setia Ku Di Sini was released later in 1995 and she worked very closely with local composers. The album went to sell 175,000 copies all over Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei and was certified 3x Platinum.^[2][3][6] The album garnered her the award "Best Female Vocalist in an Album" category at 1996's Anugerah Industri Muzik award.^[4][7] Ziana released five singles from the album and the lead single, "Kemelut Di Muara Kasih", was another commercial success. It managed to get into the final round of Anugerah Juara Lagu 1996 in Best Ballad Song category. However, it was lost to Siti Nurhaliza's "Jerat Percintaan". Four other singles, "Bersama Akhirnya", "Setia Ku Di Sini", "Sangkar Cinta" and "Tiada Kepastian", went to top significant charts across Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei. The song "Bersama Akhirnya" garnered her Best Solo Performance category in Pujaan 10 Nescafe award. That same year, Ziana was voted as Malaysia's most popular artist of 1995 in Anugerah Bintang Popular.^[2][7] She also walked away with three major categories in the award show that night, namely "Most Popular Female Singer", "Most Popular Actress in Supporting Role" and also "Most Popular TV Entertainer".^[2][7]

Later that year, Ziana became the first Malaysian singer and citizen to have her name in Malaysian Book Of Records after winning the grand prize of Voice of Asia which was held in Kazakhstan.^[2][4][7] Because of the progressive achievements, Ziana was also selected to be part of Asian Voices Project that featured almost 200 singers from all over Asia, in which Ziana made it to the Top 10.

In 1996, Ziana appeared in her first live Unplugged Concert in Life Centre, Kuala Lumpur. She collaborated with Broery Marantika, singing duet for "Dekat tapi Jauh" in the concert. The concert was a huge success with more than 4,500 fans were present.^[8] Due to its huge success, the concert was recorded into a live album. The album was later certified 2x platinum for selling more than 80,000 units^[7][8], and garnered Ziana her second award for "Best Female Vocalist in an Album" in 1996's Anugerah Industri Muzik and earned her the award "Best Solo Performance" in Pujaan 10 Nescafe award show. Ziana's non-album single, "Korban Cinta", was voted as the Most Popular Song in 1996's Singapore Music Award. The song was featured in her film Maria Mariana.

In April 1996, Ziana was rewarded with the recognition as a Prominent Figure in Art and Culture of Selangor by Selangor's Youth Council.^[2] She was once again involved in the making of an international album which is A Musical Salute to Disney in which she recorded two tracks, "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World" for the album.

Ziana released her forth album, Puncak Kasih, in May 28, 1997. The album was a commercial success, selling more than 150,000 copies and was certified 3x Platinum.^[2][8] It won Best Pop Album category in 1998's Anugerah Industri Muzik. The lead single of the album, "Puncak Kasih", was another commercial success. It managed to stay at #1 in Carta Muzik Muzik for 15 consecutive weeks, becoming the only song in the chart's history to stay at #1 for the longest period of time.^[9] The song also won Best Ballad Song category in 1998's Anugerah Juara Lagu. Three other singles from the album were released throughout 1997 and 1998, which were "Berpisah Jua", "Kalau Mencari Teman" and "Terlerai Kasih". Both "Berpisah Jua" and "Kalau Mencari Teman" made it into the semi-final round in 1998's Anugerah Juara Lagu together with "Puncak Kasih". However, "Berpisah Jua" did not make it into the final round.

1998 - 2004: Marriage, pregnancy and post-pregnancy

In 9 May 1998, Ziana married long-time boyfriend, Armin Zaharin Ahmad Zambri Armin, Chief of Flight Attendant who was working with her in Malaysia Airlines back in the days. The wedding ceremony was held in her house at Shah Alam, and it was noted as "Wedding of the Year".

Her fifth album, Ziana Zain, was released in March 9, 1999. The album was less successful to its predecessor, selling only 45,000 copies.^[3] The album's lead single, "Syurga Di Hati Kita", composed by LY, was a given to her as a token for her marriage.^[10] The song managed to make it into the final round of 1999's Anugerah Juara Lagu. However, she did not win any major award. Three other singles were later released from the album, namely "Ada Suara Ada Cinta", "Kesuma Hati", and "Penawar Semalu". The third single, "Kesuma Hati" was one of the semifinalists for Best Ballad Song category for 1999's Anugerah Juara Lagu in 1999, together with "Syurga Di Hati Kita". However, it did not make it to the final round as Ziana had to quit due to her pregnancy cause. In order to support the album, Ziana launched her second live concert called Konsert Zon Perlindungan Ziana Zain.

Her comeback album was released in 2001 right after her post-pregnancy period. The album, Aku Cintakan Mu, sold more than 20,000 copies.^[3] The album won Best Album category in 2002's Anugerah Planet Muzik. The album received a nomination for "Best Female Vocalist in an Album" in 2002's Anugerah Industri Muzik. The album's lead single, "Menadah Gerimis", won Best Ballad Song category in 2002's Anugerah Juara Lagu award. It also won Best Song in Anugerah Planet Muzik that year, apart from being voted as the Best Pop Song Choice award in Anugerah Era.^[2] The song also managed to reach #1 in Carta Muzik Muzik, making it her 15th number 1 single in the chart. It stayed at the top for more than 10 weeks.^[9] Two other singles from the album were released, namely "Bagai Gahara" and "Terkenang Jua". Both of the singles did not make it to the final round in Anugerah Juara Lagu. This album was Ziana's last studio album with BMG label.^[7]

Ziana also launched her third concert, Ziana Zain in the Park. The concert received positive reception that a lot of popular singers were present such as Siti Nurhaliza, Sharifah Aini, and Sheila Majid. Ziana also performed the concert in Brunei at Jerudong Park Amphitheatre, the same place where Micheal Jackson ever performed.

In 2003, Ziana released her second live album under EMI label. The album, Ziana Zain No. 1s Live featured various adapted concert performances such as Ziana Zain Unplugged Brunei and Ziana Zain in the Park. The album also included two new songs which she recorded during the labour of her second child which were "Lembah Asmara" and "Bukan". Both songs managed to win Best Pop Song Choice Award in 2003's and 2004's Anugerah Era consecutively.^[4] The single "Lembah Asmara" became Ziana's breakthrough in Carta Ria Singapura when it shot to #1 in the chart.^[9] The second single, "Bukan", became her 17th number 1 single in Carta Muzik Muzik when it debuted straight to #1.^[9]

By the time Ziana Zain No. 1s Live hit the market, Ziana's greatest hits album was released by her previous label, BMG Music in April 28, 2003. The album, Ratu - Satu Penghargaan was meant to celebrate her successful music career for 12 years under the label. The album featured some of commercially successful songs that were ever produced under BMG Music.^[3] In 2005, Ziana won Most Popular Female Artist award in Anugerah Planet Muzik Singapura for the third time. She first won the award back in 2002 and 2003 award.^[4]

2005 - 2007: Career break

After the release of the album, Ziana took a career break for four years without releasing any studio albums. Nevertheless, within this period of hiatus, she occasionally made an appearance. In 2005, Ziana returned to studio to record her non-album single, "Sembilu Kasih", which was the soundtrack of her film Sembilu 2005. There was also a speculation saying that the song would be featured in her upcoming album.^[9] In addition, her compilation album that featured her journey in the music industry after 17 years was released entitled Keunggulan Ziana Zain.

2008 - present: Return to music

In 2008, Ziana ultimately returned to her music career after taking a long break by releasing her mini album in 2008 entitled Dingin. The album featured only four tracks and the lead single of the album, "Dingin" was a commercial success. It was nominated for Best Pop Song category in 2008's Anugerah Industri Muzik award.^[11] The song also managed to get into the final round of 2008's Anugerah Juara Lagu in Best Ballad Song category. However, it lost to Faizal Tahir's "Sampai Syurga".

Discography

Voice

Ziana got a big voice coming out from pretty small body, that's what Greg Handerson, a Famous Musician mention about Ziana's voice. Basically, Ziana's voice is classified as Mezzo-soprano. Her low note can reach A2 while her high pitch can hit F#5. Technically she got 4 Octave range.

Voice Profile

• Voice type: Mezzo-soprano
• Low note: A2 (Setiaku di sini, Menadah Gerimis)
• High note: F#5 (Lembah Asmara, Putus terpaksa, Anggapanmu, Madah berhelah), G#6 (sebelum terlewat waktu)
• Vocal range: 4 Octave (A2-G#6)

Acting career

In addition to her music career, Ziana also diverted her focus into acting. Her acting career transpired when she was approached by Dato' Yusof Haslam. She agreed to appear in his film Sembilu, as a supporting actress with the role "Ziana". The film marked her debut as an actress. It was a successful box-office, grossing RM4.2 million. The film also helped Ziana established herself as a successful actress, especially after winning the Most Popular Supporting Actress category in 1994's Anugerah Bintang Popular Awards, alongside her co-star Erra Fazira who was catapulted into fame after her debut appearance through this film. The film's soundtrack also featured a number of Ziana's songs including "Ku Cinta Padamu", "Anggapanmu" and "Mimpimu Bukan Mimpiku". In the 1996 Sembilu follow-up, Sembilu II, Ziana reprised her role to critical claim.

Other box-office films that Ziana has performed include Maria Mariana (1996), Merah (1997), Maria Mariana II (1998), Sembilu 2005 (2005), Pontianak Menjerit (2005) and Qabil Khusry Qabil Igam (2007). Besides acting in film, Ziana also appeared in television dramas. Her first drama acting was directed by Erma Fatima entitled Cermin Pada Bulan. Ziana was the leading actress in the drama and her performance in the drama generally received notable compliments. In 2007, Ziana varied her acting skill by accepting a role in a comedy drama entitled 4 Diva Sekampung, which is about four divas who get stuck in their way back to their hometown because of their van's breakdown. The drama was screened during Hari Raya. Ziana also appeared as a leading actress in Tetamu Allah as well as her latest drama which is Nur Kasih di Jabal Rahmah. Both dramas were directed by Erma Fatima.

Filmography

Products and Endorsements

After 17 years in the music industry, Ziana had collaborated with various local and international superstars. She had became an ambassador for many international products including Omega SA watch and collaborated with international models such as Pierce Brosnan, Cindy Crawford and Elle MacPherson. Under FENDI, she had invited to the Great Wall of China for the Fashion show held by the brand together with Zhang Ziyi, Kate Bosworth and Thandie Newton. She also had came out with her own perfume called Truly under NUTRIMETICS.

Others products:

• • Omega
  • Vono
  • Slim World Beauty House
  • Nutrimetics
  • Lewre
  • FENDI
  • Avon
  • Head & Shoulders
  • Brilliant Rose Jeweleries
  • Nutri Beauti
  • BH beauty Drink
  • Lord's Tailor
  • Loreal Hair Color

Awards and Accolades

Malaysia

• Winner of Bintang Selangor (1984)

• Anugerah Bintang Popular
  • Winner - Most Popular Film Supporting Actress for Sembilu (1994)
  • Most Popular Artiste (1995)
  • Most Popular Female Singer (1995)
  • Most Popular Film Supporting Actress (1995)
  • Most Popular TV Entertainer(1995)
  • Most Popular Film Actress (1996)
  • Most Popular Film Supporting Actress (1996)
  • Most Popular Film Actress (1998)
  • Best Dressed: Anugerah Bintang Popular (2004)

• Entertainment Media Award
  • Sexiest Female Artiste (1996)
  • Most Beautiful Artiste (1998)
  • Best Cover Magazine (2000)
  • Sensational Female Singer (2002)
  • Sensational Female Singer (2003/2004)
  • Sexiest Female Artist (2002)
  • Sexiest Female Artist (2003/2004)

• Anugerah Juara Lagu
  • Best Ballad - Puncak Kasih (1998)
  • Best Ballad - Menadah Gerimis (2002)
  • Finalist - Madah Berhelah (1992) - Ballad
  • Finalist - Kemelut Di Muara Kasih (1996) - Ballad
  • Finalist - Kalau Mencari Teman (1997) - Ethnic Creative
  • Finalist - Senja Nan Merah - duet with Awie (1997) - Ballad
  • Finalist - Syurga Di Hati Kita (1999)- Ballad
  • Finalist - Dingin (2008) - Ballad

• URS Magazine Award
  • Best Idol Of The Decade (2004)

• ERA's Award
  • Best Pop Song - Lembah Asmara (2003)
  • Best Pop Song - Bukan (2004)

• Pujaan 10 Nescafe
  • Best Solo Performance - Bersama Akhirnya (1996)
  • Best Solo Performance - Korban Cinta (1997)

• Anugerah Skrin
  • Most Popular Female Film Supporting Actress (1996)
  • Best Actress - Maria Mariana (1997)

• Anugerah Industri Muzik
  • Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Female) - Ziana Zain (1993)
  • Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Female) - Setia Ku Di Sini (1995) - won
  • Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Female) - Live MTV Unplugged (1996)
  • Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Female) - Puncak Kasih (1997)
  • Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Female) - Ziana Zain (1999)
  • Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Female) - Aku Cintakan Mu (2001)
  • Best Vocal Performance in an Album (Female) - No.1's live (2004)
  • Best Album Cover Design - Setiaku Di Sini (1995)
  • Best Pop Album - Setia Ku Di Sini (1995)
  • Best Pop Album - Puncak Kasih (1997) - won
  • Best Pop Album - Aku Cintakan Mu (2001)
  • Song Of The Year - Puncak Kasih (1997)
  • Song Of The Year - Pusaka Rimba with Dayang Nurfaizah (1999)
  • Album Of The Year - Puncak Kasih (1997)

• Festival Film Malaysia
  • Nominated - Best Actress - Merah (1997)
  • Nominated - Best Supporting Actress - Maria Mariana (1997)

• Darjah Sri Melaka (DSM)- Excellent Star in Malacca
• Pingat Setia Ahmad Shah (SAP) From Sultan of Pahang
• Bintang Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (BPC) Sultan of Selangor
• Malaysian Book Of Records
  • First Female Singer to win Voice of Asia
  • First Singer to have her own Perfume
• Idol of the Dacade by URS Magazine
• The most glamorous stars for 3 consecutive years by GLAM Magazine
• The most beautiful Singer by Media Hiburan
• The Most Sexy Singer by Media Hiburan
• Received Gold Medal for album Madah Berhelah by RIM (40 000 copies)
• Received Platinum for album Aku Cintakan Mu by RIM (45 000 copies)
• Received Platinum for album Ziana Zain 99 by RIM (50 000 copies)
• Received Platinum for album Ziana Zain by RIM (60 000 copies)
• Received Platinum for album Ziana Zain Unplugged by RIM (80 000 copies)
• Received 3x Platinum for album Best of Ziana Zain by RIM (100 000 copies)
• Received 3x Platinum for album Puncak Kasih by RIM (150 000 copies)
• Received 3x Platinum for album Setiaku Di Sini by RIM (180 000 copies)
• Recorded a theme song for 15th SEA Games,Kuala Lumpur

Japan

• Asia Golden Voices Award, Tokyo, Japan
  • Gold Medal (Anggapanmu)(1996)
• Festival Asian Pop Queen,Fukuoka & Hiroshima, Japan
  • Gold Medal(Anggapanmu, Ku cinta padamu & Chitosibashi)
• Represent Malaysia in Asia Big Adventure,Osaka Japan
• Represent Malaysia in Asia Live
• Represent Malaysia in Asian Voices project where she had sang a famous Japanese song called Chitoshibashi
• Special Guest in Asia Bagus finale, 1998 held in Tokyo

United States

• Represent Malaysia in Colors of Love Project, 1993
  • Groove me duet with Jo Awayan
  • Feel Me Out
• Represent Malaysia in A Musical Salute to Disney, 1996
  • A Whole New World
  • The Beauty and The Beast
• Listed in 100 Most Beautiful Singer in Asia by FHM, 2000
• Special Guest for OMEGA Exclusive Celebrities party, New York together with Cindy Crowford, Pierce Brosnan, Nicole Kidman and Richie Ren, 2002
• Recorded theme song of 98 Commonwealth Games
  • Strive for the Best

Singapore

• Special guest for Anti-Drug Concert, 1995

• Most Popular Female Singer in Singapore Music Award,1996

• Most Popular Song - Korban Cinta, 1996

• Best Entertainment Show - Bersama Ziana,in Singapore Prime Festival,2002

• Best Song - Menadah Gerimis in Planet Music Award, 2002

• Best Album - Aku Cintakan Mu in Planet Music Award, 2002

• Performed in Planet Music Awards with the song Fatalistik, 2002
• Mtv Asia Award

• • Nominated as Favorite Female Singer in Malaysia, 2002

• Held 5 series of concert namely Ziana's Unplugged Concert, Ziana Mega Tour Concert etc

• Special guest in Golden Heart Concert, 2009

Brunei

• Performed in 57 BLNG And Refinery Employees Receive Long Service Emblems Ceremony,Plenary Hall, International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas 2007

• Perform in Crystal Media Charity Dinner,Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei,2005

• Perform live at Jerudong Park Amphitheatre in Ziana Zain Unplugged Concert 2002, the same place where Michael Jackson ever performed

• Live Interview by Radio Brunei's Pelangi Network 91.4 FM

• Live interviewed with Radio Television Brunei (RTB) in Nasional Channel for the Unplugged Concert

• Ziana Zain Mega Tour 1999

• Ziana Zain Unplugged Concert 1996

• Ziana Zain - Konsert Zon Pelindungan 1999

• Ziana Zain In The Park Concert 2000

Indonesia

• Performed in Dazzling Divas Gala Ball together with Pat Buddhinan, Wendi Koh, Lani Misalucha & Ruth Sahanaya in Jakarta,Indonesia 1998
• Represent Malaysia in Konsert Serumpun Dua Negara, sang Mencintaimu(Loved you)
• Duet with Indonesian Great Maestro, Late Broery Marantika with the song Dekat Tapi Jauh in Ziana Zain Unplugged Concert
• Duet with Indonesia Pop Diva, Dessy Fitri in the song Cinta di akhir garisan during AIM 95
• Duet with Novia Kolopaking during her 10 days tour in Indonesia in 1993

China

• Excellent Pre-Printed Award 4th Edition,Shanghai China 2007
  • Best Cover
• VIP guest in FENDI's fashion show in Great Wall of China together with Zhang Zi Yi, Kate Bosworth, Thandie Newton, Jeon Do Yeon and Fiona Xie in 2007

Kazakhstan

• Voice of Asia Kazakhstan
  • Main Award of Voice of Asia - Anggapanmu & Bersama Akhirnyain Almaty(1995)

References

External links

• Ziana Zain at the Internet Movie Database