Nik Nuha Nik Arris’ advice to aspiring creatives is one that has worked for her.
The 25-year-old independent artiste’s decision to showcase her music online has opened unexpected doors, from co-producing projects and making her debut to working alongside Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin early in her career and releasing multilingual music.
“I started out simply by connecting with people through social media, and one thing led to another. By getting involved in different projects, I eventually met people I worked well with,” she said.
She added that social media has made it easier for creatives to be discovered, while also making it less intimidating to reach out to others.
“As long as you are good at what you do and showcase it online, you will be hard to miss,” she said.
For Nik Nuha, creating music has been a lifelong ambition.
“When I was around three years old, I saw a singer performing on stage through my mini television, proceeded to mimic her movements and sang with a broken cheap microphone we had back home.
“I might not have grasped the whole idea of being a singer in that little moment, but I thought to myself, ‘I like what I saw and I want that for me’,” she said, adding that she particularly appreciates the creative opportunities and fluidity the work offers.
What does a typical workday really look like?
Nik Nuha: Every workday varies depending on the project. I usually begin by discussing ideas with my producer and developing the direction of a song before building the beat and core melodies.
From there, I move on to writing, recording and refining the track based on the creative brief or feedback. We work in focused sessions to maintain momentum, while taking breaks and revisiting the project with fresh ears to ensure clarity and quality in the final result.
What skills or mindset matter more than grades?
Nik Nuha: I place a lot of value on skill development, whether through classical training or modern techniques. For instance, learning an instrument or mastering a digital audio workstation can greatly improve technical know-how instead of relying on guesswork.
In terms of mindset, you need to be adaptable, explore ideas and work well in a team. Regardless of how independently you work, collaboration and feedback are essential for growth and creating better art. Working entirely on your own can also be time-consuming and inefficient.
What is one common misconception about this job?
Nik Nuha: The biggest misconception I encounter as an artiste is that people think I am simply handed a finished product and only need to sing a completed song or give commentary on a finished music video.
In reality, I am involved throughout the entire creative process. From developing the music and shaping the visual direction to planning every stage of the project, it is important to have a clear creative vision and see it through from start to finish.
What is the most challenging and most rewarding part of the work?
Nik Nuha: The biggest challenge is staying consistent and believing in yourself and your work, especially when results do not seem fruitful. It can be distressing and difficult not to judge your progress, particularly when your work is in the public eye.
The most rewarding part is seeing the right people celebrate your work. When your target audience recognises your work, it makes all your efforts worthwhile.
What advice would you give to students considering this path?
Nik Nuha: Always stay humble, seek knowledge and be a good team player when needed. There are vast opportunities in the creative and entertainment industry as long as you are willing to do the work in the role you pursue.
The best way to prepare is by developing a range of skills, from technical abilities to the right mindset and attitude. Industry demand constantly shifts with trends, so you either adapt or become skilled enough to create demand for your own role.
When you are starting out, focus less on salary and more on building your portfolio, making connections and sharpening your skills, which will strengthen stronger negotiating power in the future.
*Individuals are featured in their personal capacity. Views expressed do not represent any organisation.
Tina Low, 16, a student in Negri Sembilan, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. This feature is part of a series highlighting young working adults who share insights into their jobs and offer practical tips on thriving in the workplace. For updates on the BRATs programme, follow @starbrats on Instagram.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 What local music artistes do you listen to? How did you discover them? Choose one artiste you would recommend to a friend. Tell your friend five interesting things about the artiste.
2 Has anyone inspired you to take up a hobby or pursue an ambition? Who is this person? Tell your friends who they are, what they do and how they inspired you.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
Factbox
Full name: Nik Nuha Nik Arris (known professionally as Nao Zumar)
Job title: Artiste, singer-songwriter
Professional experience:
Four years
Highest qualification: Foundation in Arts
