Ziana Zain is not only an icon in the music industry but also in the fashion world. Photo: Handout
Ziana Zain chokes up as she recalls the hard life her parents went through when she was young.
“My father worked as a policeman. At that time, he earned RM400 a month and had to spare half of his pay for his sister,” shares the singer-actress who turns 57 in May.
“I remember, when I was five or six years old, my mother would wake up at 3.30am to make kuih and cook bihun to sell. Each morning, my father cycled several miles to the old airport (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) to sell the food, just to earn that extra income to take care of us,” adds the Sembilu star in a recent interview with StarLifestyle.
As the eldest of five siblings, which include singer Anuar Zain, Ziana grew up understanding the value of hard work.
After completing her SPM, she wanted to enrol in a secretary college, but financial constraints made it impossible.
“When my father and I enquired at the college, we learned the fee was RM400 a month. I still remember my father’s face when we were walking home and he told me, ‘I am so, so sorry, my daughter. I can’t support you’,” Ziana recalls, her voice breaking.
Determined to help her family, Ziana joined the workforce in her teens.
“I worked as an assistant at a canteen, starting work at 5.30am and ending at 11.30pm, to earn RM175 a month. I gave my mother RM100 and kept RM75 for myself.
“Sometimes, I shared my money with my younger siblings,” she remembers.
Ziana Zain has a close relationship with her brother, Anuar Zain. Photo: Ziana Zain/Instagram
Although life was challenging, Ziana credits these experiences as the foundation of her strength and work ethic.
Her determination carried over into her career, beginning with a job at Malaysia Airlines as a flight attendant before she found her true calling as a singer in the early 1990s.
“I understood even back then how hard it is to earn money.
“Watching my parents persevere through that tough time taught me that how you carry yourself in the face of adversity is very important.
“My mother always told me that we have to be strong and resilient in this life. It is only then that we can counter anything that comes our way.”
When Ziana became a single parent to her four children after her divorce in 2018, those lessons in resilience came to the forefront.
Ziana and Armin Zaharin Ahmad Zambri divorced a few months after Armin was charged with causing grievous hurt to their youngest son at home.
Presently, her three sons and a daughter are aged between 24 and 14.
“It was tough, but I knew I just had to handle being a single mother from that point onwards. And I could do it. I accept that everything is in God’s hands.
“All we can do is have faith and do our best with what we’ve been given.”
The singer with her children. Photo: Ziana Zain/Instagram
Talking to the songstress behind hits like Madah Berhelah, Kemelut Di Muara Kasih and Berpisah Jua, it’s easy to see why fans love her.
Ziana exudes a positive vibe with her speech and presence.
In all her 34 years in the industry, the vibrant artiste has managed to maintain a good reputation as an entertainer known for her professionalism both on and off stage.
Of course, her talents as a singer and her impeccable sense of fashion are never in question either.
Ziana says maintaining that good image are values her parents instilled in her.
“One condition my father had when I told him I wanted to be a singer was that I had to keep the family’s good name,” says Ziana, who is aunt to vocalist Ernie Zakri.
Throughout this interview, Ziana often circles back to her parents, Zain Abdullah and Robiah Abdul, as the ones who shaped her into the person she is today.
“They are my role models,” she confirms to StarLifestyle.
She cites other examples of their influences.
For instance, her mother’s advice to care for her own well-being and love herself first, in order to care and love others.
Her eye for fashion, she says, stems from her father’s creativity.
“My father used to design our Hari Raya outfits. He would sit at the police station and think of designs for all of us.
“Then he’d go to the tailor to ask how much cloth it would take so he could buy at the market.
“After the outfits were made by the tailor, he’d add beads by hand. My father’s mother was a seamstres, so he knew how to do these things,” the affable star says proudly.
“Anuar has inherited (my father’s) talent for fashion... he often updates me on current trends on style and makeup.”
This attention to detail and decades of experience in the industry have served Ziana well in her current position as one of two permanent jury members on Calpis Soda One In A Million (CSOIAM), a reality competition that’s made a comeback after 15 years.
The series is set to air its final episode on Feb 9 on TV3.
The singer is currently serving as one of two permanent jury members on the reality programme 'Calpis Soda One In A Million'. Photo: Handout
In this interview, Ziana reveals why she’s always willing to go that extra mile for her fans, the advantages younger singers have over her and the reason her children are not into showbiz
The answers have been edited for clarity and brevity.
How are you enjoying your role as a jury on CSOIAM?
I had to get used to it. At first, I was cautious with my words to avoid discouraging contestants.
But being a jury means being honest and critical, even if it draws public scrutiny.
Critics online, the so-called keyboard warriors, are quick to pounce, so I’ve learned to ignore the negativity and focus on my role.
I believe a successful singer needs the full package: strong vocals and a polished image. Unfortunately, some have twisted my words to suggest I was body-shaming, but I was only referring to professionalism and presentation.
When you were starting out, there were people critical of you. How did you handle that?
I knew from the start that this industry comes with both praise and criticism.
But singing is my passion, and hearing fans tell me my songs inspire them or lift their spirits keeps me going.
Many have said they admire how I present myself, saying I inspire them to age gracefully and stay stylish. That means a lot to me.
Beyond my God-given singing talent, my father taught me the importance of good appearance – he says it reflects self-respect and consideration for others.
Fans pay close attention to every detail, even remembering outfits I wore years ago, which amazes me.
To honour that devotion, I always put effort into my look. Even if I’m on TV for just three minutes, I’ll spend hours getting ready – it’s my way of showing gratitude.
Datuk Hail Amir and Ziana Zain during the MPO’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri concert in 2023. Photo: Ziana Zain/Instagram
How would you describe yourself?
I’m a bubbly person who loves to laugh and joke. But I’m also very sensitive, though I rarely show it.
Like a true Taurus, I keep my hurt feelings bottled up but release them when the time is right – so don’t poke me! (laughs)
That said, I try to let go of negativity and forgive easily. I’m not vengeful, and I can’t stand seeing others in difficult situations, whether people or animals.
I even keep food in my car to feed stray cats and dogs I come across.
Is there a secret to you staying positive?
My secret is acceptance – whether life brings good or bad, you must embrace it.
Life’s journey is like sailing a boat through big and small waves. You have to face these challenges bravely because no one else can steer your boat for you.
It’s not about avoiding the waves but learning to sail through them with courage and resilience.
My strength and spirit come from my parents, watching them and learning from them. They are both strong mentally and emotionally.
Staying positive is something Ziana Zain tries to be at all times. Photos: HandoutHow about your youthful appearance?
I started taking supplements and watching my diet in my 20s.
Exercise is also important – at this age, keeping your muscles active is very important.
Another key is surrounding myself with friends of all ages. Conversations with school friends differ from those with younger friends in their 20s.
This mix keeps me energetic and open to new ideas, including different styles of dressing.
I don’t believe in dressing a certain way just because of your age.
Are your children interested in showbiz?
Not right now. They’ve said, “Mama, it’s not easy to be like you. Every time you go out, people stop you for photos and they want to talk to you. Don’t you feel tired?”
For me, even if I’m tired, making someone’s day brings happiness, and I believe God rewards us with even more happiness.
Can they sing?
Not really!
Do you still find singing fun till today?
Singing is like a close friend to me, my buddy. I can’t live without it – I have to sing.
Did you always know the kind of singer you wanted to be?
I dreamt big. I admired singers like Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Anita Sarawak, Azlina Aziz.
But I didn’t know who I wanted to be – I just followed how they sang.
In my teens, I’d learn their songs from morning till night, sticking the lyrics on the wall.
I’d study where they increased their volume, where they breathed, and rewind the cassette until the strap broke.
And I’d practise until my voice became hoarse, but I’d tell myself, “Tomorrow, I’ll try again.”
My mother thought I was nuts, but I was determined. I made notes on the lyrics about where to inhale and exhale until I could match their technique.
Do you think the younger generation has it easier?
Absolutely. They now have vocal coaches teaching head voice, vibrato and warm-ups, and they can easily find tutorials on YouTube or TikTok. It’s much easier to learn and improve as a singer today.
With so many resources, they can go much further than we ever could.
But when they take opportunities lightly – like some contestants on CSOIAM – it frustrates us (the jury members) because they’re not serious about the chance they’ve been given.
Is there anything you would like to tell upcoming singers?
Firstly, be yourself – be an original singer.No.2 – work hard but also work smart.
No.3 – discipline is key, always be punctual.
Next is stay humble, don’t be hypocritical. If humility doesn’t come naturally, work on it.
And lastly, be generous, whether through a smile, kind words, or sharing your blessings.
Nothing truly belongs to us – it’s given by God and meant to be shared.
The more you give, the more God gives back. I’ve experienced this so many times that it opened my eyes to its truth.
Calpis Soda One In A Million finale will be aired live on TV3 at 9pm on Feb 9.
