My first Malay video: Ku Ingin Selalu Disampingmu (I always desire to be by your side)

I’m pleased to present to you today my rework of Uji Rashid’s hit song, Ku Ingin Selalu Disampingmu. One of many wonderful, heartfelt golden tunes that would come on Warna 94.2FM during my childhood days at Bedok North, Singapore. My late mother was a huge fan of Saloma and sang very melodiously like her, so here I have retro-fitted and stripped back an elaborate 1970s Hindustani-influenced song so it sounds like it’s performed in a P Ramlee film circa 1960, sans big band. You can listen to the original song here. I’m also inspired by vintage Malay actresses who very obviously mimed the songs on the films. The voice is mine though, all mine! 🙂

The outfit is an original 1960s tailor-made kebaya of my mother’s. The guitarist is MaW who did a great job at reinterpreting the song. It was shot at style/art director Claire Hart’s living room in West London and produced and directed by Decibel Pictures. You can read more about the making of this video. We had a lot of fun!