15/02/2026

ON SUNDAY February 15, 2026 VI theSunday Special

Behind the spotlight, one singer’s journey is shaped by patience and resilience Waiting for the breakthrough

M AKING it big in the music industry is never easy, despite what reality shows and social media depict. We have seen songs get widely shared online, with singers becoming household names overnight, taking over the internet and landing product endorsements and contracts. Yes, it is possible to make it in the music industry overnight, but just as quickly as it happens, the fame can fade away. What really stands out at the end and guarantees longevity is talent. Hariz Fayahet won Bintang RTM’s singing competition in 2018. It is the same competition that discovered Misha Omar, the late Siti Sarah and Dato Sri Siti Nurhaliza. But this has not quite been WKH FDVH IRU +DUL] ZKR KDV \HW WR ¿QG KLV footing in the industry even after all these years. Some might say that luck plays an equally important role, because Hariz has so far found himself trapped in a bad recording deal and caught in misfortune and injustice that have kept him from achieving the success he deserves. But Hariz is not about to give in. He has a new release with an accompanying PXVLF YLGHR WKDW KH KDV SRXUHG VLJQL¿FDQW H̆ RUW LQWR “I just released the music video for my new song entitled Lara Bertahan , the song that I got from the Raise The Star competition, written by award-winning composer Ikhwan Fatanna. I am still promoting the song. Hopefully, this song will bring my name to a higher level and be recognised more in the industry,” he said. Hariz has always loved singing, even as a child. He competed in countless singing competitions, but it was only after winning Bintang RTM 2018 that he UHOHDVHG KLV ¿UVW VRQJ Yang Terbaik , composed by Adi Priyo. A year later, he represented Malaysia in Dangdut Academy Asia , a dangdut singing competition organised by Indone sian television station Indosiar . In 2021, he won second place in TV3’s Lagu Cinta Kita . The latest competition he completed in 2025 was Raise The BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

I’ve learned how important it is to know your rights and to stand up for yourself.”

“Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since stepping into the industry are that you cannot rely too much on other people. Not everyone will keep their promises, so you really have to be care ful, especially when it comes to signing contracts. I’ve also learned how important it is to know your rights and to stand up for yourself. At the same time, I’ve learned WR WUXVW WKDW ZKDW¶V PHDQW IRU \RX ZLOO ¿QG its way. No matter what happens, the key is to just keep going,” he said. It does not bother him being labelled a “competition singer”, as long as it is not meant negatively. It is a testament to how passionate and persistent he is in chasing his dreams. Every competition Hariz entered was part of his journey to grow, learn and keep improving as an artiste. “I just love competing and challeng ing myself and it’s also a platform for me to boost my singing career. These experiences in several competitions have shaped me into a more relentless, deter mined and optimistic person in this very

challenging industry. What matters most to me now is continuing to create music that represents who I am beyond the stage. “I want to be known as a powerhouse vocalist. That’s my brand. I would like to be the next male power house vocalist in Malay sia like my idols Sudirman, Jamal Abdillah, Anuar Zain DQG +D¿] 6XLS ´ KH DGGHG Making his mark He admits it is not easy to ¿QG D SODFH LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ where validation feels

Star on As tro, where he placed t h i r d runner up.

I’m glad I didn’t give up singing because that struggle made me stronger and more grateful for every opportunity I have now.”

shows, no income and I started to question P\VHOI 6KRXOG , ¿QG DQRWKHU MRE" ,W ZDV a tough period. “I survived by becoming a full-time live streamer just to keep going. Looking back, I’m really glad I didn’t give up singing because that struggle made me stronger and more grateful for every opportunity I have now. I believe every journey has its own timing. My job is to keep moving, keep learning and trust that my moment will come,” he recalled. Hariz has been working hard to prove himself not just to the industry but espe cially to his mother. Gaining her approval to make singing his full-time career meant everything to him. She always reminded him to stay humble, never forget where he came from and do everything with sincerity. Every time he performs, his mother’s words play at the back of his mind. Hariz is now planning to take his music career further by writing his own songs.

essential. Still, he refuses to let that discourage him. At times, he feels unseen GHVSLWH WKH H̆ RUW DQG heart he pours into his music. The industry is tough, but he believes there is space for ev eryone. For now, Hariz plans to stay true to himself. “I keep reminding

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, to tell my own story and share something that truly comes from me. I’ve been learning and observing from all the amazing songwriters I’ve worked with and I hope to make my dream of writing my RZQ VRQJ D UHDOLW\ , ZLOO NHHS ¿JKWLQJ DQG pushing myself to be better. I will never stop,” he said, ending the conversation on a positive note.

myself why I started all this. Singing is everything to me. I love music and that love keeps me going even when things are slow. The pandemic, for instance, really hit me hard. There were no

Hariz won the Bintang RTM’s singing competition in 2018.