Some musical collaborations are built in studios. EMPAT began much closer to home.
Bringing together Malaysian vocal powerhouses Ziana Zain, Anuar Zain, Ernie Zakri, and Syamel, EMPAT is more than a concert project. It is a family story told through songs that have shaped different generations of Malaysian music — from 'Madah Berhelah' and 'Sedetik Lebih' to 'Aura' and 'Jangan Henti'.
Ahead of their Singapore concert on 26 September at The Star Theatre, the quartet speak to Bandwagon about how EMPAT first came together, the emotional weight of performing as a family, revisiting beloved songs, and what they hope to pass on to the next generation of artists.
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EMPAT did not come together like a conventional group; it began with four family members, each with their own career, audience, and musical journey, choosing to stand on one stage together. Can you take us back to how EMPAT first formed?
Ziana: Over the years, we’ve received countless messages from fans asking, “When are we going to get an EMPAT concert?” They’ve always wanted to see all four of us perform together on one stage. So when the opportunity finally came, we knew it was the right time to make it happen. It really means a lot to us.
What makes this concert even more special is seeing two generations of fans coming together. Some have supported us from the very beginning, and now they’re bringing their children to experience this concert with them. That’s something really beautiful.
For us, this is a huge moment because it’s not every day that four family members get to share the same stage. We’re truly grateful and excited to finally give our fans what they’ve been waiting for, and we hope it will be a night they’ll always remember.
Anuar: EMPAT happened very naturally. It wasn’t something we planned years in advance or sat down to create as a new group. We have always been family first, and music has always been part of our lives. Over the years, people have often asked if we would ever perform together. Eventually, the timing felt right. We realised this wasn’t about starting another chapter individually — it was about celebrating our journey as a family through music. That made EMPAT feel very honest and very special.
Syamel: It all started as a discussion among us. At first, it was just an idea we hoped would become reality. That idea was eventually heard by Anuar Zain Network and Altus Prohouse. They approached us and asked if we would like to turn it into something real.
Their vision was to bring Anuar Zain, Syamel, Ziana Zain, and Ernie Zakri together on one stage. That vision came true with our first concert at Mega Star Arena last year. Alhamdulillah, what began as an idea became a reality, and together we created a memorable moment.
How does performing as a family change the energy on stage? In what ways does it feel different from taking the stage as individual artists?
Anuar: There’s a comfort that only family can bring. When I’m performing solo, I’m focused on telling my own story through each song. With EMPAT, I feel like we’re telling a shared story. We understand each other without needing many words, and that creates a different kind of chemistry on stage. It’s relaxed, genuine, and full of little moments that can’t really be rehearsed. I think audiences can feel that authenticity. It makes every performance feel more like coming home.
Ziana: The biggest difference is definitely the energy. Every artist has their own aura and stage presence, and each of us brings something different. But when all four of us perform together on one stage, that energy becomes something really special. And it’s not just the energy from us; it also comes from the fans. Can you imagine that moment when the artists and the audience are feeding off each other’s energy? It’s going to be explosive. The atmosphere will be incredible.
As artists, we always want to give our very best in every performance. Each of us has our own style, our own way of performing and connecting with the audience, and that’s what makes this concert unique. When all four of us come together, we’re giving 100% to our fans. We want everyone to leave with an unforgettable experience, and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to create on stage.
Ernie: I feel that it is very different when the four of us perform together on stage as a family. There is a stronger sense of connection because, somehow, we understand each other’s gestures and movements very well. It feels slightly different compared to performing as individual artists, and it is a very special feeling that is hard to find anywhere else.
Syamel: When you perform as a solo artist, you carry all the responsibility from the beginning until the end of the show. Whatever happens during the concert is yours to handle. But when there are four of us on stage, everything feels more relaxed, fun, and spontaneous because we share the responsibility together. It makes the whole experience lighter and more enjoyable. We know each other well, so a lot of moments happen naturally. That's what makes performing together so special. We joke around, tease each other, and sometimes the best moments are the ones we never planned. Those unexpected moments often become the sweetest memories for the audience.
From 'Madah Berhelah' to 'Sedetik Lebih' to 'Aura', each of your songs defined a different moment in Malaysian music. When these songs sit together under EMPAT, what do you feel they say about where Malaysian music has been?
Ziana: The difference is that now everything feels much bigger. You can really feel the aura. The melody and the arrangements are different, and I think they reflect how much the Malaysian music industry has grown.
You can also see that audiences are more open and accepting of different kinds of music. As artists, we always try to bring something fresh and different for them to enjoy, whether it’s through our songs or our musical arrangements.
Anuar: To me, they remind us that music is really about emotion and has no expiry date.
Different generations discovered these songs at different times in their lives. Some fell in love to them, some found comfort in them, some grew up with them. Every song represents a different era, but the emotions remain the same.
When we perform them together, it’s like looking through different chapters of Malaysian music and realising that although times have changed, genuine songs continue to live on because people continue to find themselves in them.
That’s something very beautiful. It’s something we’re very proud to be part of.
Ernie: I feel that when our solo songs are performed, they show that we each come from different eras. But somehow, the taste and feel of our music are quite similar. When our individual songs are performed within the same concert, I see it as a great achievement because we were born into very different generations, yet our musical taste somehow aligns. For example, Syamel and Ziana Zain have a similar feel, while Anuar Zain and I share a similar musical direction. We are all, in a way, within the same line of feeling and genre. To me, that is something very, very positive.
Were there any songs that had to be rearranged significantly because they now carry four voices, four histories, and four emotional points of view?
Anuar: Definitely. Some songs needed to be reimagined completely. We wanted every arrangement to reflect the personalities of all four of us. That meant changing vocal structures, musical dynamics, and sometimes even the emotional journey of the song. It was a creative process that challenged us, but it also brought new life to songs people already know and love.
But what I appreciated most was that nobody was trying to outshine anyone else. We listened to one another and asked, “What serves the song best?” Sometimes that meant singing less. Sometimes it meant stepping back so another voice could tell that part of the story.
I think that’s what collaboration really is — trusting each other enough to let the music lead.
Syamel: Every song has been rearranged to make the performance feel fresh and truly special. There are also moments where we perform each other's hit songs and put our own spin on them while staying true to our individual styles. Even though we're singing someone else's songs, we still want them to reflect who we are as artists. For me, it's not just about the music arrangements. The lighting, stage design, and every part of the production need to come together with a fresh approach to create a memorable experience for everyone who comes to the concert.
'Jangan Henti' is the collaboration that started this chapter. What did that song reveal to you about the chemistry between all four voices?
Ziana: 'Jangan Henti' was the moment we realised there was something special in the way our voices came together. On paper, all four of us have different tones, different instincts, and different ways of approaching a song. But once we started singing together, those differences became our biggest strength. That track taught us that chemistry isn't about sounding the same; it's about knowing when to lead, when to support, and when to give each other space. There was a natural conversation happening between our voices, and it felt effortless in the best way. It also gave us confidence. After 'Jangan Henti', we knew we weren't just four individual singers sharing a song; we were building a sound that only the four of us could create. That realisation really shaped everything that came next.
Syamel: The message behind 'Jangan Henti' is very meaningful. To us, it means don't stop loving us, and don't stop supporting each one of us. Our fans are the backbone of everything we do, and we wouldn't be here without them. The song also reminds us that even though we come from different musical backgrounds, when we come together on one stage, every voice has its own place. No one needs to outshine anyone else. Instead, we complement one another, and I think that's the real strength of the four of us.
The concert presents beloved hits, fan favourites, and songs that audiences may not have heard live in a long time. Was there a particular song that felt surprisingly emotional to revisit?
Ziana: There was one particular song that really stood out for me, which was 'Kasihku Pertahankan'. I hadn’t performed it in a long time, so it was quite special. Surprisingly, when I sang it on stage, the audience responded so well. They really connected with the song and felt every emotion. What made it even more special was that they sang along with me throughout the performance. That was a truly unforgettable and very special moment for me.
Ernie: For me personally, I think I felt very emotional when I sang Ziana Zain’s song. Somehow, I grew up singing her songs, looking up to her as an example and an idol, and following her journey and struggles in the industry. So when I had the chance to sing her song myself, with her also being part of the concert, I felt truly honoured. It became a very sweet memory, something I don’t think I could ever experience anywhere else, and I really cherish that.
Anuar: Sometimes you don’t realise how much a song has grown with you until you perform it again years later. The lyrics take on new meaning because you’ve lived more life. You sing a lyric you’ve sung hundreds of times, but suddenly it means something completely different because life has changed you.
As artists, we’re always growing as people first. So, every time we revisit these songs, we bring new experiences and new gratitude. I think audiences feel that too. Seeing audiences still singing every word after all these years is incredibly moving. It reminds me why I fell in love with music in the first place.
Sitting together today as EMPAT feels like a full-circle moment for the family. What does that mean to each of you personally, especially when you think about how far you have all come?
Ziana: It feels like we're exactly where we're supposed to be. Everything we've gone through personally and professionally has led us to this moment. Being part of EMPAT isn't just about making music together; it's about celebrating how far we've come and looking forward to what we can build as a family.
Anuar: For me, it’s gratitude. We’ve all experienced different journeys, different successes, and different challenges. Looking around today and seeing us sharing one stage, one purpose, reminds me never to take moments like this for granted.
It’s not about proving anything anymore. It’s about appreciating where we’ve been and sharing this moment with the people who’ve supported us through the years. Being able to perform together at this point in our lives is something I’ll always treasure.
Ernie: Growing up, I watched Anuar and Ziana become such incredible figures in the music industry. Their achievements inspired me and gave me so much motivation to become a singer as well. So I never really had any other ambition besides wanting to be a singer. I manifested that a lot, and I also manifested the dream of singing with them on stage. Alhamdulillah, with Allah’s blessings, that opportunity has now come true for me. So this concert is something I will hold close to my heart forever. It is a piece of history created by a family.
Syamel: For me, this is something truly special. Each of us has gone through our own ups and downs as singers in the music industry. But when we share the stage together, we complete one another and become like one big family. Not everyone gets the chance to experience moments like this. Every time the four of us stand on stage together, we feel complete. That's why we cherish every moment we have together, whether it's performing on stage or spending time behind the scenes.
Malaysian music has given this family so much across generations. If EMPAT could pass one gift forward to young artists coming up behind you, what would that gift be?
Anuar: I would say, never lose your authenticity. Trends will always change, but sincerity is timeless. Build your craft, respect the people around you, stay humble, and remember that longevity is earned through consistency and genuine love for what you do — not just popularity. If you stay true to yourself, the audience will find you.
Ernie: Perhaps the gift would be the belief in your dreams. To me, that is the message we want to portray as well: don’t stop believing. That is something I have done, and Syamel has done too. We never stopped dreaming, and we were never ashamed to dream big. Manifestation teaches us a lot of good things for ourselves; when we speak about positive things, somehow those things can become a reality. That is what we believe in. And personally, I think my fans would really relate to that because they know my journey, what I have been fighting for all this time, and my dream of being able to share the stage with my family. So I believe that is the gift, or the message, that we can give to our fans.
Syamel: Believe in yourself because everyone has their own journey. Don't compare yourself to others too quickly. Stay focused, keep creating, and never stop learning.
Always show respect to other people, to your work, to the music you create, and to your career. If you stay focused, remain sincere, and keep a kind heart, everything will fall into place.
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Finally, Singapore has long shared a close cultural connection with Malaysian music. What do you hope this show says to fans here who have grown up with your songs across the Causeway?
Anuar: Singapore has always been very close to my heart. Over the years, I’ve met people here who tell me my songs became part of their weddings, their first love, difficult moments, even moments of healing. As an artist, that’s the greatest gift anyone can receive.
So coming back with EMPAT feels less like performing overseas and more like visiting old friends. I hope everyone leaves with more than just memories of a concert. I hope they leave reminded that music has a beautiful way of connecting us across time, across borders, and across generations. And EMPAT is truly honoured to share this experience with all of you once again.
Ernie: Singapore has always held a very special place in my heart personally. Since I was 17, I was invited to sing in Singapore for the very first time, and that is something I still remember until today — how warmly the people of Singapore welcomed me. Even when I held my solo concerts there, the response was truly amazing. Every time I perform in Singapore, I can feel how celebrated I am there. So for EMPAT to be there as well is a memory that I don’t think I could ever experience anywhere else, because the support from everyone has been truly incredible.
Syamel: I hope everyone leaves with memories they'll never forget. Coming to Concert EMPAT isn't just about listening to the songs; it's about feeling the warmth of the family we've built and sharing that connection through our music on stage. Concert EMPAT is more than just a performance. It's an experience and a moment that we hope will stay in the hearts and minds of everyone who attends. We want the audience to laugh together, cry together, sing together, and celebrate together. We hope they'll relive beautiful memories and leave with full hearts and big smiles.
Ziana: We hope this show is more than just a concert. We hope it's a celebration of the memories we've shared, the songs that have become part of people's lives, and the new chapter we're beginning together as EMPAT. Whether you've followed us from the very beginning or you're discovering us for the first time, we want everyone to leave feeling connected to the music and to one another. Most of all, we want to say thank you. Thank you for continuing to believe in Malaysian music and for welcoming us so warmly every time we perform here. We can't wait to share this moment with you, and we hope it's the first of many more to come.
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