UP-and-coming local pop artist Mia Lateefa has returned with a dancey new single.
Both versions of the single, Anima Bella in English, and its Bahasa equivalent Anima, surfaced on major music streaming platforms in late November, alongside their respective music videos.
According to a press release, the single – published by Deep Faith Entertainment – was co-written and composed by female rapper, Kayda Aziz, as well as composers such as Aiman Rijal, Christiana Chai, and Alwani Badaruddin.
Previously, 19-year-old Malaysian-Kiwi singer and dancer Mia had released a single called Nothing 2 Prove, showcasing her dancing prowess with upcoming actor Nadhir Nasar.
Mia said she began dabbling with singing at the age of 15 by producing cover songs with her close friends for fun. She also enrolled in professional vocal classes at the Suara Academy, which then led to the birth of her debut single Hujung Dunia.
“At a very young age, I’ve always been so passionate when it comes to singing and dancing, and when these two combined, it’s just pure magic," she said.
“Anima and Anima Bella are both my coming-of-age songs, highlighting the more matured side of me while ditching that teenybop image. Nowadays, I prefer to spend my time experimenting with music in the search for that Mia Lateefa’s signature sound.”
She explained that Anima is not another term for Anime, but is instead an Italian word that means ‘soul’
“There’s a line in Anima and Anima Bella that goes ‘Sei la Mia anima gemella’ which translates as ‘Mia, you are my soul’, that’s often uttered by every ‘player’ all around just to make a girl stay with him," she said.
“The recording process for Anima and Anima Bella went on smoothly without any glitch.”
Mia also said the music videos for both singles came with an intriguing storyline filled with dance choreography performed by professionals.
She said the music video for Anima came in two parts, while Anima Bella has only one episode.
Mia explains that the video clips depicted a girl who has been betrayed by her boyfriend, and as a form of ‘fantasy’ payback, she then marches over towards the ‘player’ with her girl posse before busting into an energetic dance routine.
Lin Hussain, the director of Deep Faith Entertainment, said Anima and Anima Bella are a huge step from her first single Hujung Dunia.
"Both songs showcased her versatility in singing and talent in dancing, whilst bringing forward her fashion sense, together with her vibrant personality," Lin said.
“The songs talk about women empowerment, on how to take care of themselves after a tumble and eventually bouncing back stronger."
Anima and Anima Bella are available for download on the iTunes Store and as a caller ringtone from all major telecommunication service providers and can be streamed on Apple Music, Spotify, Joox, YouTube Music, KKBox, and Deezer. – The Vibes, December 19, 2021
