No fancy gimmicks for Anuar Zain

SINGAPORE — Anticipation may run high for Anuar Zain’s concert next month — after all, the singer’s show at The Star Theatre is meant to celebrate 30 years in the music industry. But the singer said there won’t be any fancy gimmicks; instead, fans can expect an intimate experience.

“I don’t do gimmicks. The keyword for this concert is intimacy,” said Anuar, who last staged a concert here with his sister, singer Ziana Zain, in 2011. The popular Malaysian singer hopes to focus on “having a feel” and a “solid connection” with the audience. Fans, for example, are encouraged to sing along as he serenades them with hits such as Lelaki Ini, Mungkin and Jangan Bersedih Lagi.

“I want to keep it simple, with a nice environment, nice lighting and nice sound,” the 44-year-old said, adding that he’s not opposed to staging something grand and spectacular if given the budget. However, Anuar said the key thing is that “I want the fans to have fun”.

The former Malaysia Airlines flight attendant broke into the music scene when he was 13 and has since won numerous awards including the Anugerah Industri Muzik, Anugerah Juara Lagu and Anugerah Planet Muzik awards. Anuar said that while he had mixed feelings about his long career, he feels blessed and thankful to be where he is at now. “I get to share something and connect with a lot of people, it’s a great thing,” he said.

He added that his parents kept him grounded throughout his career. “I don’t have the urge to feel glamorous. This is my work and my passion. I love my job and I am thankful that I don’t feel I have to drag my feet to work.”

And it’s not only the concert his fans can look forward to, Anuar is expected to release a new album this year. “There are five songs currently. I’m hoping to have five more depending on the budget. The cost is always high,” he said.

And don’t expect a drastic difference: The singer said the music styles featured will be similar to those of his previous four offerings, so fans can expect more of the heartfelt ballads that he is known for. It’s not for lack of trying.

“I tried rap once, but I sound funny,” said Anuar with a laugh. “I’ll leave that to the masters of the craft.”

Anuar, who calls himself a people’s person, said he’s looking forward to meeting his Singapore fans. “I had a blast and a great experience,” recalled Anuar about his last solo concert at the Esplanade in 2008. “I miss them, their laughter and screams. Singaporean fans know how to have fun and I’m looking forward to seeing them again.”

Anuar Zain performs on Feb 7, 8pm, at

The Star Theatre. Tickets are from S$45 to S$228 from SISTIC.