logo
#SHOWBIZ: Taufik Batisah announces farewell concert after two decades

#SHOWBIZ: Taufik Batisah announces farewell concert after two decades

SINGAPORE: Twenty-one years after being crowned Singapore's inaugural Singapore Idol champion, singer Taufik Batisah is finally set to perform his first solo concert.
However, the show, titled "Taufik Batisah: One Last Dance" and scheduled for Oct 25 at The Star Theatre, will also mark his final solo performance, as he intends it to be a one-off event.
"I strive to achieve clarity in my work and life," Taufik, 43, explained in a recent interview with The Straits Times.
"You have to be clear with your intentions, and you have to just work towards that intention."
Beyond his music career, Taufik is also a property agent, actor, and co-owner of the interior design company Ivory Cove.
He also creates social media content with his wife and manager, Sheena Akbal, 40.
"If there are invites to shows here and there, if they still want me, I'll probably consider them," he added, alluding to potential future appearances.
The idea for a solo concert first emerged in 2018, but Taufik's busy schedule put it on hold.
It was Sheena, whom he married in 2015, who consistently encouraged him to commit to the project.
"She told me, 'You have to commit to it. Do it for the fans because they've been asking for the longest time.'"
Taufik admits that headlining The Star Theatre, which boasts a capacity of 5,000, is "scary," particularly as he will be the first Singaporean Malay solo act to take the stage there on his own.
"We have to be very realistic (about filling up the venue), but we're hoping for the best. We plan to give the fans the best experience."
Plans for the upcoming show, which is expected to run for at least 90 minutes, began to materialise earlier in 2025 following discussions with fellow home-grown singer Sufi Rashid, who runs SAH Entertainment.
Backed by a full orchestra, Taufik's set list will span his extensive music career.
This will include his Singapore Idol finale number, 'I Dream' (2005), the cover songs he performed as a contestant in the 2004 reality singing competition, and popular Malay radio hits such as 'Usah Lepaskan' (Don't Let It Go), a ballad from his 2006 sophomore album, All Because Of You.
"There will be moments where I hope [the fans] will feel as emotional as I will be when I'm on stage," he shared.
"I want to take them on a journey of what they have given me in the past 20 years because, ultimately, this is a concert for the supporters."
Taufik also expressed an interest in a joint concert with the two Singapore Idol winners who succeeded him: Hady Mirza, who won the second season in 2006, and Sezairi, the winner of the third and final season in 2009.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

(Video) Lee Soohyuk Charms Local Fans At First Public Appearance In Malaysia
(Video) Lee Soohyuk Charms Local Fans At First Public Appearance In Malaysia

Hype Malaysia

time7 hours ago

  • Hype Malaysia

(Video) Lee Soohyuk Charms Local Fans At First Public Appearance In Malaysia

If you didn't know, South Korean model and actor Lee Soohyuk (이수혁) was recently in Malaysia. The heartthrob was here to make a special guest appearance at the Samsung Malaysia Galaxy Unfolds Roadshow – and boy, did he draw a crowd! Lee Soohyuk made an appearance at the roadshow at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, 16th July 2025), marking his first public appearance in Malaysia. As such, his guest appearance drew a massive crowd to the KL mall, as fans eagerly waited to catch a glimpse of the actor in person. Once Lee Soohyuk entered the building, the crowd erupted into a frenzy and cheered for the star. The actor appeared in a simple black suit, which emphasised his fair complexion. As he made his way to the stage, he bowed to the fans and thanked them for their hospitality and enthusiastic support. Lee Soohyuk also said that he felt the warm support from fans the moment he arrived in Malaysia, as many gathered at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to welcome him to the country. It seemed that the star was touched by the fans' overwhelming love and support, because he made sure to interact with as many fans as possible. On stage, Lee Soohyuk said, 'I'm so happy to finally meet Malaysian fans. I'm super nervous right now. Thanks for supporting me.' The 37-year-old also wishes to return to Malaysia, saying, 'I hope to visit Malaysia more. Thank you, Samsung, for giving me this opportunity.' Of course, Lee Soohyuk also tried to speak a little Malay during his appearance. The 'S-Line' star melted hearts when he said 'Aku cinta padamu' in his signature deep voice. However, he admitted that he had practised another Malay phrase before his appearance, but had unfortunately forgotten it. Nevertheless, local fans were thrilled to hear the actor speak a little Malay while he's in town. Lee Soohyuk is already back in South Korea, departing from KLIA late last night, after his event appearance. Seeing how much love the fans had for the actor, let's hope he'll visit again very soon. In the meantime, check out videos from his appearance at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur last night: Sources: China Press, Twitter

Filipino director pushes back after Beijing tries to block South China Sea film
Filipino director pushes back after Beijing tries to block South China Sea film

The Star

time9 hours ago

  • The Star

Filipino director pushes back after Beijing tries to block South China Sea film

MANILA: A Filipino documentary chronicling military resupply missions and fishermen's daily struggles in the disputed South China Sea has sparked diplomatic tension after China attempted to halt the film's initial screening. Directed by acclaimed film-maker Baby Ruth Villarama and produced by Manila-based Voyage Studios, the film Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea was initially set to premiere in March at the PureGold CinePanalo Film Festival in Manila. The title uses the term Filipinos officially call the portion of the South China Sea that lies within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone, but which Beijing insists falls under its control. The film was quietly dropped from the Manila festival line-up due to what organisers cited as 'external factors'. No official reason was given, but Villarama's team believes political pressure from China played a role. 'It was clear these efforts weren't about artistic dialogue. They were about control. The Chinese government has long used economic pressure to influence institutions into pushing a single narrative,' Villarama told The Straits Times. 'But here's the thing: We've listened to their stories. We buy their products. We've watched their films and respect their culture. I just hope they have the same courage to listen and to watch ours this time.' Despite the controversy, the Philippine premiere is set for July 27 at a popular shopping mall in Manila. The government's board of censors had rated the film suitable for general viewing with parental guidance since March, days before it was pulled from the local film festival. The film made its international debut on June 30 at the Doc Edge Festival in New Zealand, where it screened to positive reviews despite a formal protest from the Chinese Consulate-General in Auckland. Screenings in Wellington and Christchurch have been scheduled for later in July. In a letter to festival organisers before the screening, which was later posted online, the Chinese Consulate-General called the film 'rife with disinformation and false propaganda' and urged the organisers to refrain from screening it, saying it would 'mislead' the public and harm China-New Zealand relations. Doc Edge rejected the request, affirming its commitment to 'independence and curatorial freedom'. Food Delivery won the Tides of Change award, which the festival grants to films that highlight global issues, such as conflict, human rights and climate justice. The Straits Times has reached out to the Chinese government for comment. The controversy only drew more attention to Food Delivery, which offers rarely seen civilian and military perspectives from the Spratly Islands, a region in the disputed sea claimed by the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. Told through the lens of Filipino troops delivering supplies to remote military outposts and fishermen facing Chinese harassment at sea, the film seeks to humanise an issue often framed in technical or political terms. 'It's about so much more than the West Philippine Sea. It's about how food, a basic human need, becomes a language for connection, resistance and care,' said Villarama. 'And in that way, it becomes something every audience can understand – Filipino, Chinese or anyone who's ever craved meaning in the middle of chaos.' Despite the global attention, Food Delivery has not secured commercial distribution in the Philippines. No major cinema operator has agreed to screen it as tensions between Manila and Beijing simmer on. In general, documentaries rarely reach mainstream cinemas in the country, where commercial chains favour blockbuster fare. Independent film-makers often rely on film festivals, university circuits or grassroots community screenings. Ms Villarama's team has embraced this model, coordinating independent screenings with advocacy groups, schools and film collectives. The documentary will be shown again at the same Manila shopping mall in August, with more community screenings planned after that. Associate Professor Danilo Arao, who teaches journalism at the University of the Philippines (UP), said China's efforts to block the film reflect both media suppression and diplomatic overreach. 'It's not just an issue of media freedom; it's also an issue of overreach on the part of China because they are trying their best to deodorise their image and to control the narrative pertaining to what they claim to be control over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. So it's deplorable that they're doing that,' he said. Dr Arao believes the Philippine government should be more proactive in defending artists and journalists from foreign political pressure. Villarama said that since reports of China's intervention in New Zealand, some Philippine officials have quietly reached out to her team. 'We're not expecting uniform support from them, especially when geopolitics are involved. But I do hope this film encourages our leaders to defend freedom of expression, and to stand with the people whose lives and labour make that freedom necessary,' she said. Dr Aries Arugay, visiting senior fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore and chairman of UP's Political Science Department, called China's actions 'undue intrusion into the internal affairs of another country'. He said Beijing increasingly uses seemingly benign sectors such as trade, art and cultural exchange as tools of influence. 'There are no benign aspects of relationship with China because they can weaponise and use it against the country,' Dr Arugay told ST. He said Food Delivery might not contain direct criticism of China, but its existence contradicts Beijing's tightly managed narrative on the maritime dispute. In April, then Senator Francis Tolentino accused the Chinese Embassy in Manila of running a 'hidden and sinister' disinformation campaign to sway public opinion and discredit critics of Beijing's South China Sea claims. China denied the allegation and has since banned Tolentino from entering the mainland and its territories. Dr Arao and Dr Arugay say Food Delivery's visual storytelling is especially powerful in the Philippines, where television and cinema heavily shape public consciousness. 'A documentary is potent from a Filipino cultural perspective because we are visual as a people. It will penetrate the public consciousness more, so it's threatening to them (China),' said Dr Arugay. The backlash from Beijing has only strengthened Villarama's conviction that her film's message is more urgent than ever. 'The attempts to block the film didn't intimidate us. They clarified our purpose,' she said. 'Food Delivery isn't just about delivering food. It's delivering a message: that Filipinos have had enough. Enough of being pushed aside, erased or told who we are. It's a call to remember who we are, and who we must never become'. - The Straits Times/ANN

Singaporean actor Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards
Singaporean actor Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards

The Star

time9 hours ago

  • The Star

Singaporean actor Li Nanxing on reuniting with Chow Yun Fat at Star Awards

For Singaporean actor Li Nanxing, attending Star Awards 2025 on July 6 after a 10-year absence was a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues. But the most memorable reunion came in the form of the 30th anniversary edition's special guest, Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat, who was on hand to present awards – just like he did at the inaugural ceremony in 1994. Back then, Chow famously remarked that Li resembled him, adding: 'Please don't come to Hong Kong, or else I will not be able to make movies any more.' At Star Awards 2025, Chow, 70, called out 60-year-old Li's name twice, when he rallied local actors from the 1994 batch to go onstage for a wefie. Li was also the first artiste to receive a hug from Chow. Li said it was the pair's first reunion since 1994, but they did not get to chat offstage as Chow was 'very busy'. Li recalled: 'So many people wanted to take a photo with him, and I felt so lucky to have been called. 'I have always looked up to Chow and have seen so many of his movies. In some ways, I did try to learn from him. So for him to remember me three decades later, it meant a lot to me. I consider him more a friend than an idol.' Li was speaking to The Straits Times on July 14 at the new Jurong Point outlet of home-grown restaurant brand Nan Yang Dao, which officially opens on July 25. Li revealed more of his plans to celebrate his 40 years in showbiz, after debuting in the 1986 Chinese-language drama Crossroads. On Nov 29, he will hold a 40th anniversary event in Shanghai, China, with an estimated 800 fans, including those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. He also plans to join a Huangpu River Cruise to admire the nighttime scenery together with attendees of an eight-day Jiangnan Gourmet Autumn Tour, departing from Singapore on Nov 23 and organised by local tour agency SA Tours. During the event, he might shake fans' hands, sign autographs and even belt out a number or two. 'It all depends on what requests they have. Maybe it is to sing some theme songs or act out certain roles? I just want to thank my fans for their support all these years. 'Did you know many fans in China like Mediacorp dramas?' he shared, namedropping his period drama The Great Conspiracy (1993), which was partly filmed in the Chinese province of Shanxi and in which he played Shen Chong, a killer skilled in martial arts. Li added: 'In China, old television series are often replayed. I was once welcomed by Chinese fans with banners saying 'Shen Chong is back', and they told me they had seen the show on television just a few years ago.' 'Other fans in China who watched it when it first aired are now aunties. But they bring their children and grandchildren – three generations – to see me, and it is great. They give me lots of local products, such as tea and peanuts, and I have to book a van to take all of it back to my hotel.' Reflecting on his four-decade career, Li said there were lows, like when viewers made 'hurtful' comments about him portraying villains in dramas such as Coup De Scorpion (1999). In any case, acting has taught him much about life, while allowing him space to play and experiment. He recently played a cash-strapped single father in the family drama Uniquely Ours (2024), and will return to the small screen as a disgraced doctor in dystopian thriller series The Leftovers , set to premiere in October 2026. Outside of the entertainment industry, Li remains passionate about his other businesses. He established artiste management company LNX Global in 2003, which manages actresses Constance Song and Vivian Lai, actor Shane Pow, UFM100.3 DJ Luo Kemin and actress-influencer Julie Tan. In 2021, he opened dessert shop Tian Wang, now located in Keong Saik Road, where he has been spotted playing cashier and waiter. In addition, he has collaborated with other F&B businesses over the years, such as Chinese hotpot chain Chamoon Hot Pot on a bak kut teh broth in 2024, and casual restaurant chain Yun Nans on a number of spring menu dishes in 2021. He said: 'I love cooking. And food is something I feel very strongly about, especially Nanyang cuisine, which has a distinctive Singaporean flavour. I love going to other countries to spread awareness about our food. And whether it is in food, acting or life, there is still a lot more to learn, experience and enjoy.' – The Straits Times/Asia News Network

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store