Photo: From mStar / The Star Media Group
Despite being the runner-up of Calpis Soda One In A Million (CSOIAM) competition, Kai Deva, 23, has never forgotten his origins as a street musician.
Kai, whose real name is Firdaus Deva, said that when he has free time, he will also 'busk' about once a month to release the longing for his real job.
"Actually, I rarely 'busk' anymore, but when many people say they miss seeing me, that's why I do it anyway,y and I don't care what people say.
"Many people have asked why I'm still 'busking' after the CSOIAM programme when I do 'live' on social media.
Asked about the claim that he had been 'downgraded' or had no 'job' when he returned to 'busking', Kai denied it.
"I don't feel like I've been 'downgraded' because I was able to join the CSOIAM auditions, starting from 'busking' because I had never taken a vocal class or joined any recording studio before.
"I also 'busk' when I have the time. For example, in the past two months, I've only 'busked' once because I was invited to perform," he said.
Before joining CSOIAM, Kai was the vocalist of the Genji Buskers group, who often performed 'busking' in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.
Commenting on the claim that he stood out more than the other finalists because he was often an invited artist, including the Judika Live In Malaysia Concert on November 15, Kai only considered it a blessing and a provision from God.
"I consider myself still new and crawling in the country's music industry.
"At the moment, many people still haven't opened their eyes to my presence in the music industry. Even during the Judika concert, people didn't know who I was, and only a few knew that I was a CSOIAM finalist.
"That's why I'm still 'busking' to promote my new song to the public, and I see it as a good medium," he said.
"For me, singing is my greatest passion. I'm just glad I have the opportunity to pursue a music career, and I'm not going to let this chance go to waste. I will do all I can to succeed.
"I'm so glad that I will be getting a chance to work with international composers soon, and I am also starting work with Indonesian super group Nidji. The career path is clear, and I'm willing to give my life and soul to ensure success."
