#15 KRU-mania, anyone?
If you are Malaysians, especially those who grew up in the 90s, you surely know who this man in this picture (below) with me is.
Yes, that’s Norman Abdul Halim, one-third of Malaysia’s super group trio of brothers, KRU. He might not be the younger-handsomer him who used to rap in Malay, dressed like a b-boy when he was still in his 20s. But now at the age of 39 - he’s the captain of one of Malaysia’s biggest entertainment companies, KRU Studios - he doesn’t look bad at all. Still good looking though no longer one of Malaysia’s most sought after bachelor (yes ladies, he’s married!), though I’m not a devoted fan of KRU the way my colleague Hana is but don’t be surprised if I say a male friend of mine actually find Norman to be… handsome (!).
He was in the studio earlier today and I was expecting a bunch of fan girls lining up outside the studio the same way when Naza brothers, Faliq and what’s-his-name-that-guy-who-married-Marion Counter came to the studio about three months ago. But no, surprisingly, no one bothers. Even Hana, the ultimate fan girl - despite her excitement didn’t come back down to the studio after putting down her bag upstairs. Guess that speaks about their decreasing popularity?
Nah, I don’t know. Popularity and the glamour world aside… Norman came for our humble business program and he did talk business. He came out with figures when he was asked, he explained marketing strategies, he even talked slightly on politics… simply he answered my questions pretty well (yes, I was the one who did the program rundown/studio questions).
Dhipa, Syaz and the rest of the SWOT team head over to KRU Studios in Cyberjaya right after the studio recording to meet up with the other two brothers, Yusry and Edry. When asked if I wanted to follow, I immediately say no. I don’t care. Besides I have other things to settle.
I wouldn’t say it’s a torture to having to dwell myself into the world of KRU… listening to their similarly-composed pop tunes (seriously, don’t you agree?) though I find only their songs from the early days were bearable. OK, that’s harsh. Well, there are some good ones. I personally like “Apa Saja,” “Fanatik,” and maybe if I have to choose one new song it should be “Jangan Lafazkan.”
But gotta admit I admire their success. From an aspiring Malay-rap group to Malaysian girls obsessions (seriously if you know how obsessed their fans were back in those days… KRUmania was indeed a curse) to controversies to music production to film making and now they’re multi-millionaires owning a company with a turnover of RM21 million for last year alone. Well, gotta say that’s impressive for a Malaysian entertainment outfit.
I shall leave you guys with this number called “Jangan Lafazkan.”
Fanatic enough now?
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P.S. Oh ohh, I might not be into KRU. But when I was in primary school I was obsessed with one of KRU Records’ creations —- girl group ELITE. Baby, feel like having some “Tamparan Wanita”? ;p
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