Malaysian with Down syndrome shares song covers, becomes a TikTok hit

Muhamad Luqman’s performances are earning him a growing fanbase and confidence. Photos: Farah Nazim

Since young, Muhamad Luqman Nazim Muhd Fadzli, 21, has always enjoyed singing. And the young adult with Down syndrome isn’t shy about performing cover versions of songs from different genres, including oldies, rock and indie rock.

Three years ago, the young man from Seberang Perai, Penang began sharing his videos on TikTok, where he sings, recites Al-Quran verses and dabbles in some cooking. His videos have earned him over 21,000 followers and more than a quarter-million likes for his growing library of over 100 videos.

“I like to sing, and I’m always happy to perform in front of an audience,” said Muhamad Luqman during a Zoom interview from Seberang Perai recently.

His fanbase continues to grow.

Two months ago, he was invited to perform at a concert at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Permatang Pauh, Penang, where his rendition of Jangan Khianati Aku (Azlan and the Typewriter) received overwhelming applause. In 2023, he placed third in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s talent competition, OKU’s Got Talent, earning RM200. He also won the 2019 sajak (poetry) and Al-Quran recital competitions at his former school, SMK Tun Hussein Onn, in Seberang Jaya.

His mother, homemaker Farah Nazim, 45, is proud of her son’s achievements, stating he has always loved singing and reciting poems since he was about four years old.

“He has always had the confidence to sing in front of an audience, and my husband and I have encouraged him to pursue this passion. We want him to share his talents with a larger audience,” says the mother of four.

Farah’s (right) support empowers Muhamad Luqman to chase his dreams of becoming a famous TikToker.

While Muhamad Luqman may not have the polished voice of professional singers, Farah cares less about perfection.

Her aim is to shatter the misconception that individuals with Down syndrome are intellectually impaired and unable to perform basic tasks.

“People often assume that children with DS cannot handle responsibilities because they aren’t ‘smart enough’. But look at Muhamad Luqman. His passion for singing has allowed him to memorise lyrics and perform confidently. He can even recite the Quran and poetry,” said Farah, who quit her job as an IT officer in 2004 to care for Muhamad Luqman, who was born with a heart condition.

A study published in the Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2023 found that music engagement can help children with DS improve their daily living skills. The research showed that music and movement activities engage children and help them concentrate, memorise and gain self-confidence – all of which Farah believes have been key to her son’s success.

Muhamad Luqman isn’t the only one with DS making waves on social media. In 2015, Canadian Madison Tevlin, then 12, went viral with her rendition of John Legend’s All of Me, which now has over 8.3 million views on YouTube. She later went on to host a talk show, Who Do You Think I Am? and act in a sports comedy film, Champions, alongside Woody Harrelson.

For Farah, watching her son’s success has been a powerful affirmation of her belief in the power of music and the importance of unconditional support.

“I wasn’t shocked when I found out that my eldest child has DS. I accepted him for who he is,” she says. “Caring for a child with special needs is a blessing, and for me, the greatest gift.”

Muhamad Luqman also attends vocational training at Pertubuhan Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Seberang Jaya, a community-based rehabilitation centre that equips individuals with disabilities with essential skills for independent living.

Biggest supporter

Farah thinks it is important for parents of children with special needs to go the extra mile to assist their children.

To support her son’s musical journey, Farah created a mini recording studio in their living room, complete with a computer, microphone and soundcard. The setup, costing about RM3,000, allows Muhamad Luqman to record his videos in a comfortable and creative environment.

On average, he posts two TikTok videos each week. His cover versions of popular songs have garnered immense support from his followers. His rendition of Jangan Khianati Aku alone has earned nearly 720,000 likes, and his version of Zuraida by Haziq Rosebi has received over a quarter-million likes.

Muhamad Luqman is redefining what it means to shine, proving that talent knows no limits.Farah helps him every step of the way, from filming to uploading the content. Together, they ensure that his creativity and passion reach a growing audience.

Through TikTok, Muhamad Luqman has the opportunity to earn money via features like ‘live gifts’, where viewers send virtual gifts during live streams. These gifts can later be converted into cash.

“He goes by the handle Luq Padu because he likes to use the word ‘padu’ (solid), ‘hebat’ (great) and ‘power’ during his live shows. On average, he can earn between RM300 and RM500 from his TikTok videos,” says Farah. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of his fans. Their encouragement helps boost his confidence. The money is carefully saved to secure his future.”

Having said that, Farah still worries about her son’s future. Like many parents of children with disabilities, Farah fears what will happen when she and her husband are no longer around.

“Jobs for young adults with disabilities are hard to come by, and many employers are hesitant to hire them,” Farah says. “People think they can’t do the work because of their condition, but with the right support, they can learn new skills.”

Farah remains hopeful that local music producers will take Muhamad Luqman under their wing, training him and giving him opportunities to perform at events. She knows that the journey to stardom is unpredictable, but she believes in his potential.

“I’m not sure how long he will remain popular on TikTok, but I hope the right people will notice his talent and help him take the next step,” Farah says.

For now, the family is focused on building his future, one TikTok video at a time.