A - Allure, N
- Notwithstanding, I - Intent, T
- Talented, A - Accomplished
Anita Sarawak had no real choice. With a famous
film actress as her mother & an equally successful film producer
father, show business was in her blood from Day One and she was
destined to become a star.
Whilst she appeared in a number of movies, her first love was
always music and she embarked on her singing career at the tender
age of fifteen in Singapore, where she formed a number of bands,
performing in local clubs - but always chaperoned by mom. Eventually,
Anita was discovered by EMI Records and enjoyed a very successful
period, recording hit after hit on a solo basis and also in conjunction
with many major Asian artists, achieving the enviable status of
Gold Disc recepient on numerous occasions.
Having gained celebrity status in Asia, Anita decided to venture
further afield and headed to the United States of America, where
she entered into what turned out to be a long term contract with
the world famous Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, whom she
considered to be her adopted family. In fact, she appeared in
a number of rooms at Caesar's with her band American Dream,
thrilling hotel visitors and local fans with her electrifying
performances for almost 20 years - which in itself is a record
in Las Vegas.
Her constant popularity is largely due to her untiring efforts
to stay ahead of the scene, and not stagnating, this she achieves
by regularly 'pushing the envelope' & reinventing herself.
She confides that change can be difficult sometimes but she is
determined to continue to evolve as a performer, maintaining a
careful balance of classic & contemporary songs, thereby appealing
to music fans of all ages.
Probably the most drastic & painful example of this never
ending quest for excellence was the renewal of all the personnel
in her longterm band, American Dream. She was more than ably assisted
in this task by her then-new musical director, Nate Wingfield,
whose reputation attracted the very best musicians on the scene
which gave her performance a harder edge. This allowed Anita to
wow the audiences even more, and was a fitting prelude to her
retiremement from Caesar's Palace in 2001.
The decision to retire was a very difficult one to make, but
Anita thought it was time to come back home & give her real
fans as much time and effort as she could, before finally retiring
for good.
Always in demand, Anita's schedule has never been busier. She
appears in two TV series of her own, has countless offers for
private functions, large concerts & is currently studying
a number of film scripts.
Asked what her proudest moments have been to date in an exceptional
career, and one must remember that her accolades have been many,
she points to four events. One, where she appeared before thousands
of adoring fans, and was voted 'The Top Diva' in Asia,
ahead of many other artistes appearing on the same bill. Another
was to recently receive the top award for service tendered to
the industry, from the Asian entertainment establishment (this
on live TV!).
Also her talkshow on Astro RIA, called Anita,
where she actually changes peoples' lives. And last but by no
means least, her recording contract with 'the most exciting label
in the industry', KRU Music Group (KMG). To say that
Anita is excited by the prospect of recording a new album with
such vibrating talent is an understatement!
Her first single from her debut album with KMG is the catchy
tune called Seksis (with an attitude-filled video clip),
and the album Seksis was released in January
2004. Something the industry was watching out for. The album Seksis
also spawned other hits such as Juara Carta and Diva.
In 2005, she decided to add a new chapter to her already illustrious
music career. A righteous female singer in the tradition of Billie
Holiday and Bessie Smith, Anita represents the fairer sex and
croons about a woman's all-too-familiar subject of L-O-V-E.
The album features stylish harmonies in a cool melting pot that
fuses jazz, pop and acoustic music. She did justice to classics
by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Moore and even the
great Frank Sinatra!
Anita Sarawak.... Another Dimension hit the
shelves on November 30, 2005. Combining local and international
musical wizardy, the album is a testimony of the entertainer's
versatility as much as to solidify her standing as a multi-talented
performer.
The album also garnered four nominations in the upcoming Anugerah
Industri Muzik 2006 for Best Vocal Performance (Female),
Best Album Cover, Best Engineered Album and Best Local
English Album.
This bundle of dynamite cannot be classed as merely a singer,
an actress or even a performer. No, she truly is the ultimate
entertainer, leaving audiences breathless & clamouring for
more. Anita is the first to admit that the title diva
does not sit comfortably with her, as she considers herself a
normal person off stage - keeping home and relaxing by cooking
for friends or simply going fishing.
Websters Dictionary defines the word 'diva' as 'a goddess',
and whilst this little lady has her feet planted firmly on the
ground, rest assured that his heavenly body will always provide
a performance that is out of this world.
Viva la Diva! |