Zee Avi is still OK!

IF Izyan Alirahman's name is mentioned, it might be unfamiliar to most, but if Zee Avi is chanted, most Malaysians and regional music fans will know it.

Small but very talented, Zee Avi has been colouring the local and international music scene for more than a decade. 

Among the earliest Malaysian singers to be spotted via YouTube, managing to steal the attention of many international musicians, Zee began her artistic career by launching several works in English.

Then she created another phenomenon through a work entitled 'Kantoi'. This short but meaningful and entertaining song has become a favourite of many, especially residents of Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.

Until now it is still played on local radio stations and after more than a decade of work Zee Avi is now back in the country to continue her career.

So, we take this opportunity to immortalise her as the face of TARA this week.

Zee came to our filming location at the New World Petaling Jaya hotel with her management representative Tisha.  

"This is my first actual cover," Zee said excitedly to start the conversation.

Yes, she had previously appeared on the front pages of several magazines, but never solo as she was always paired with several other personalities.

So we understand the feeling of excitement and nervousness that she had at the time. In fact, we also feel the pressure. 

Of course, we want to make sure that this photo session goes smoothly and produces beautiful pictures, in accordance with the talented personality in our midst.

That evening her face was decorated and groomed by make-up artist Firz Razali, while our stylist Mursh Matsom matched Farah Khan's dress with her body.

Zee showed off her funny side. While our photographer, Sairien and our videographer, Razak captured her every move, Zee chatted with us and made us all laugh.

Luckily for us, the lens managed to capture a different side of Zee Avi that may not be known to many.

Now the wife of a Japanese man named Kenji Matano, whom she met by chance at an event in the capital, Zee had a chance to chat with us about what she has been up to.

“I returned to Kuala Lumpur around 2018 to be with my family. It’s been enough of a few years I’ve spent in the United States for my music career. After all, now with digital technology available, I can produce music anywhere.

"In addition, I did not expect to fall in love in Kuala Lumpur and build a household, but that is destiny," added Zee.

And now after returning to Malaysia, she will present her latest works to her fans.

"I am actually very excited to announce this news. In fact, I have been preparing these songs for a long time. Since 2014 again. It is a compilation of songs that can be considered like an album.

“And from this collection of songs, I will launch the first song entitled OK.

“The title is very simple, right? Like the title, it reminds us that everything will be OK.

"Whatever difficulties we face, we must realise that everyone faces challenges and that is normal. And it’s OK for us to sometimes cry, get frustrated and so on because that’s part of the process of life as human beings.

“So I want to remind everyone that it’s OK to feel the way they do. Rest assured that everything will be OK,” she said.

However, in the excitement of talking about her latest project, Zee also expressed a sad development about herself that is not that well known.

"Many do not know that I actually have a hearing problem. And I realised all this only after a long time in the field of music. 

“Frequent roaming for concerts and performances while being exposed to loud audio from speakers and monitors has apparently damaged my hearing.

“At first I refused to admit this problem. I thought it was just a phase. But over time it became more serious, to the point where I couldn’t hear important discussions even though the activity was happening next to me.

“At that time I was in a discussion about music production with two professional musicians sitting next to and in front of me. 

"However, when they talked to each other, I only heard small whispers so I had to ask them to repeat what they had said.

“In fact, they also asked me to focus so that I can give my full attention.

"And sadly, this is often repeated in many other social situations. Eventually, due to the encouragement of my family, husband and close friends, I decided to seek professional help,” said Zee.

In giving an explanation about her condition, she suddenly became teary and shed a few tears.

“Imagine how I felt when I was told by an audio expert that I had lost about 40% of my hearing ability.

“I was so sad after they made a detailed assessment of my hearing health. 

"As a professional musician, it is very disappointing. It's like losing hope to pursue a career in this field,” she added.

However, she wisely sought out help. 

“I was recommended to visit a specialist at the Global Hearing Care Centre which is apparently located in Wangsa Maju. I am lucky that they were able to provide a solution to my problem.

“Now with the hearing aids they suggested, I seem to have new ears and can hear very clearly. 

"Like glasses that can help us see better, so can this tool that can make me hear more clearly.

"In fact, I feel like I have a bionic ear to be able to hear the conversations of people farther away. Like a spy,” joked Zee with a laugh. 

Although Zee was able to laugh at the end of the conversation, she insisted that the issue was still largely ignored.

According to her, people are more concerned about visual health problems than hearing and are not aware that hearing is also very important.

“I call on my industry colleagues to conduct an inspection. Honestly I know many others like me but do not want to admit or accept this statement.

"I hope they get help soon. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We must remember that health is very important, let alone to continue to earn a living," she added.

As we are in the month of Ramadan, I also asked what Zee was looking forward to most during this month.

“Of course, after being abroad for a long time, what I miss the most are the Ramadan bazaars. Lots of Malaysian foods that I miss. Among them are ayam percik, roti john and various kuih kuih.

"Now the bazaar can be opened as usual so I will not miss the opportunity to find my favourite dishes," Zee smiled as she ended the conversation.

For sure we will continue to support the success of a Malaysian like Zee and pray for the best for her career and life. As the song goes, we are confident everything will be OK. – The Vibes, April 9, 2022

* This article originally appeared in our Malay language sister portal Getaran.