Having spent a year steering her career independently without being under the wing of any recording company since parting ways with Warner Music Malaysia in December 2023, singer Kaka Azraff (pic) appears increasingly confident in charting her own path.
Acknowledging that it was not an easy decision to work independently, especially after being guided by a record label for over a decade of her career, Kaka, 35, said she is drawing on her wealth of experience in the industry to move forward on her own.
The singer, a niece of Malaysia’s rock queen Ella, also admitted that 2024 has been a challenging year for her as she navigated the complexities of balancing her roles as a mother, daughter, singer and actress.
She said losing her mother, who was a source of strength for the Bawaku Pergi singer, and the breakdown of her marriage a few months ago have made her more mature as well as helped her to understand herself better.
"I went through a lot (in 2024) but it also made me stronger. So for 2025, I am more prepared to face the year with greater confidence,” said Kaka, whose real name is Nor Atiqa Noor Azraff, when met recently at the launch of the RockQueen clothing brand by Ella.
Expressing her gratitude for being surrounded by a family – including her aunts Ella and Jojie whom she regards as mother figures – that continuously supports her during tough times, Kaka said she is eager to face 2025, sensing the positive energy the new year brings.
The singer is also planning to release her first single this year under her own company, AAA Entertainment. The single will reflect her identity, featuring pop and R&B rhythms.
"The sound will still be Kaka but this time, the new single will have more mature lyrics and storytelling. I’m handling everything on my own, and 2025 will teach me (even more) to be an artiste standing on my own feet (and drawing on my past experiences).
"I’m excited but also nervous, it’s a mix of emotions. But I feel the positivity. Moving independently gives me more freedom and ease in making decisions, and it’s all up to me and my team,” she said. – Bernama
