Akademi Fantasia 7 winner Hafiz also won an award in Juara Lagu 2014. Photo: The Star/M. Azhar Arif
ENTERTAINMENTWinners of Akademi Fantasia: Where are they now?
Singer Sufi joins the rank of 11 other Akademi Fantasia champions following his win in the popular reality-based singing competition recently. We look back at his predecessors and find out what they’ve been up to.
Vince AF1
AF’s first-ever winner Vince Chong has four albums to his name today, including a compilation album and a Christmas album. He also lent his voice to the Asian edition of the High School Musical and High School Musical 2 soundtrack.
Zahid AF2
After releasing two albums, Ahmad Zahid Baharuddin went on a four-year hiatus to focus on his job as a radio announcer. Zahid just relaunched his singing career this year with his new single Biasa.
Mawi AF3
Who can forget the nationwide phenomenon that is Mawi? Known for the catchphrase Mawi World, Asmawi Ani became such a household name that his compilation album Best Of Mawi World, released the same year of his win, sold a staggering 165,000 units. Besides making music, Mawi is an entrepreneur, opening a food court, launching a beauty and health line, among others.
- Vince
- Zahid
- Mawi
Mohammad Faizal Ramliy or Faizal, AF4 winner.
Faizal AF4
After releasing an album and starring in two movies, Mohammad Faizal Ramly went under the radar for four years before releasing two singles last year,Kehadiran and Sahabat.
Mila AF5
AF’s first female winner Noorsyarmilla Jirin has produced two albums since her win besides releasing an English single, Breakdown, in 2011. She recently tied the knot with her manager Isz Mustapha.
This powerhouse vocalist has released three albums, earning a Best Pop Album and two Best Album nominations at the Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM). This year, she opened the MTV World Stage with her latest single Not For Sale.
Hafiz AF7
Hafiz Suip has done well for himself, with two of his songs Awan Nano andBahagiamu Deritaku winning Best Song at the Anugerah Juara Lagu and picking up Best Album at the AIM for Luahan Anak Seni.
Shahir AF8
Ahmad Shahir Zawawi is working on his second album after his 2012 eponymous debut besides dabbling in acting on the side.
Mila Jirin of AF5. Photo: The Star/Izzrafiq Alias
Hazama AF9
Hazama Ahmad Azmi has churned out a string of hits such as Relakan Jiwa, Simetri and Malaikat since his win. His 2013 album, Penglipur Lara, was nominated for Best Album at the AIM.
Faizul AF2013
After releasing a self-titled album last year, Faizul Sany is writing and composing songs for other singers, notably Amira Othman’s Hati-Hati.
Firman AF2014
Working with composers Edry Abd Halim, Datuk M. Nasir and Audi Mok, Firman Bansir just dropped his modern rock-influenced debut album Kau Yang Satu early this month.
