Alhamdulillah...
8 years ago
Raising the bar
Author: Ed
Sean Ghazi proves that dreams can be achieved if you believe in yourself, writes Boey Ping PingBoey Ping Ping
Several years back, there was a certain haughtiness to Sean Ghazi that spoke of someone who had achieved what the rest of Malaysia’s entertainment community was still struggling to accomplish. The actor-cum-singer was, after all, on top of the game having wrangled a spot in London’s West End theatre production while barely 22-years-old. Today, the 39-year-old entertainer bears essence of superiority which reveals confidence rather than arrogance since he does admit: "I don’t think you’ve ever arrived." Having worked with luminaries like Jodie Foster and Judi Dench, Sean tells: "The more famous and decorated they are, the more cin-cai (shoddy) or less hung-up they are." Like the award-winning actors he’s worked with, Sean left nothing to fate. As a young boy, he dreamed of performing alongside artistes and musicians of world-class standards. While schooling in Singapore, he was encouraged to believe that his dreams were achievable and that he had the gifts and skills needed to see them through. The multi-talented actor, singer and dancer studied acting in Emerson College, Boston and went to London’s performing arts college, Laine Theatre Arts. There, despite possessing only a student-visa, he tried out every audition until he hit the big time. The determined actor tells, "I was a brave little guy. I didn’t care about rules. I had a devil-may-care attitude. Maybe I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it because you make your own opportunity. You try your best and the rest is up to fate, God and luck."
Sean’s go-getter attitude earned him West End leading roles as "Thuy" in Miss Saigon and "Angel" in Rent, roles he reprised in Germany. His resume includes stints with Julie Andrews, Hugh Jackman and a live recording of The King and I with a 70-piece orchestra at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London. Sean had achieved his dream but working alongside professionals wasn’t easy. "In a big Hollywood movie, you have no time to experiment because you have a director constantly reminding you that millions of dollars are being spent and there’s no time to waste."
The journey so far has been long and eventful but Sean wouldn’t have it any other way. "I like that it’s long. This generation is so fast, they want to achieve things immediately. But the journey is important. Reality-tv shows make it look simpler than it really is. People think they can be a star without knowing what it’s all about. It’s rare that things are ever that easy. It if is, you have to question things."
Despite his accomplishments, Sean finds himself still having to prove his worth. "That’s what annoys me. They don’t question the price of hiring an expensive sound system but they question your price of a service that has taken an entire lifetime to prepare."
Getting it rightIt took almost five years from the time Sean thought about producing a solo album – upon his return from London in 2001 – to the moment it was released. "I had to start from scratch. I had no record deal, it was a big concept and I had to convince people it was worth doing. We were looking for money, funds and I didn’t want to rush the album," says the singer-cum-songwriter.
Getting it rightIt took almost five years from the time Sean thought about producing a solo album – upon his return from London in 2001 – to the moment it was released. "I had to start from scratch. I had no record deal, it was a big concept and I had to convince people it was worth doing. We were looking for money, funds and I didn’t want to rush the album," says the singer-cum-songwriter.
Collaborating with Izlyn Ramli, Sean wrote Semalam added in the well-received I Have Dreamed from his West End role in The King & I and several favourites from the late P. Ramlee to create his album, Sean Ghazi Semalam.
The way Sean heard P. Ramlee’s songs in his head was with string instruments and an epic approach. But this isn’t the first time the legendary entertainer’s music had been given a contemporary spin. Sean rightly points out, "How do you do a vintage, classical Malay album without P. Ramlee?" He does, however, admit having a personal agenda. "I like his songs and wanted to do something I had an affinity with."
Just when Sean was ready to record, the biggest sound studio in Malaysia that could fit a 24-piece orchestra closed down. A meeting with musical director Guy Noble, who suggested Sean fly to Sydney to record the music, however, set things back on track. With an international team of arrangers bringing forth the artiste’ vision and ideas, and Peter Chong helming the vocal productions in KL, Sean was good to go.
In November 2006, the singer’s debut album finally reached the stores. His efforts won him two AIM (Anugerah Industri Muzik) awards – for Best New Artiste and Best Musical Arrangement for Semalam. "Whether you produce an album or a show, it has to be world-class. My mum never allowed me to achieve anything but 100% excellence," tells Sean.
Better your bestSinging P. Ramlee’s music wasn’t enough, as Sean went on to act in P. Ramlee, The Musical as the man himself. The actor’s performance was stellar and earned him a nomination for "Best Actor In A Leading Role" in the 6th Annual BOH Cameronian Arts Awards 2007 held last Sunday. Sean admits it’s no Olivier Award but says it’s just as important. "You have to do the small in order to do the big so it all balances out. And it’s definitely nice to be appreciated."
There’s another album, or rather two in the works, but Sean won’t let on much details except that it’ll be a duet album planned for a year-end release. Deborah Michael, executive producer of Baby Grand, the production company Sean set up with a business partner tells: "It’ll be a nice extension of what happened in the last two years. You can even call it a volume two or a sequel to Sean Ghazi Semalam but with a difference in feel and sound."
Moving onThere’s been some debate over the Internet about the performer’s nationality. His dad is Malaysian and mum, Singaporean but Sean is 100% Malaysian. One who enjoys a love-hate relationship with his country of birth because: "It’s healthy to be able to question some things and not just accept everything."
Work on the album and P. Ramlee, The Musical has kept Sean busy in KL but he’s keen to return to Singapore to perform. The last time he was there was for Jit Murad’s Spilt Gravy on Rice the audience’s response was overwhelming. "The crowd went wild. Jit’s material was so sharp and spoke to the Singaporean soul."
Sean’s fascination with P. Ramlee
"I used to watch P. Ramlee’s movies as a kid. But the fascination only came later as an adult when I was really able to appreciate his talent. He was very versatile and way ahead of the game. The stuff that he achieved in a lifetime is amazing."
Respecting the legend
"Even in his time, P. Ramlee knew what the Malaysian identity was. He was very muhibbah, the quintessential Malaysian. He understood what being a Malaysian was truly deep down."
Playing the legendSean realised the role of P. Ramlee in the self-titled musical which played to a full house during a two-week local run. Several bloggers commented on how much Sean looked and sounded like the late actor.
Playing the legendSean realised the role of P. Ramlee in the self-titled musical which played to a full house during a two-week local run. Several bloggers commented on how much Sean looked and sounded like the late actor.
Honouring the legend
Sean paid tribute to P. Ramlee in his album, Sean Ghazi Semalam by singing his version of the late crooner’s Hujan Di Tengahari, Getaran Jiwa and Dengar Ini Cerita.
Sean paid tribute to P. Ramlee in his album, Sean Ghazi Semalam by singing his version of the late crooner’s Hujan Di Tengahari, Getaran Jiwa and Dengar Ini Cerita.
Source: The Sun Malaysia
My note: This is the kind o person I adore and amaze- those who created their own opportunity and live their dream and that's where I'm going.
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