A diva's progress

Datuk Sharifah Aini Syed Jaafar, born on July 2, 1953, started singing at the age of seven and had signed up with EMI in 1969 when she recorded her first single entitled Sri Dewi Malam. Dubbed the longest-staying EMI artiste, she has had at least 77 albums including compilations throughout her 35-year career with hits like Bunga Tanjung, Teratai, Ingatan Manis di Bulan September, Tiada Maaf Bagimu, Burung Pungguk and Kau Tinggi di Awan Biru. Sharifah Aini has worked with various contemporary producers like M. Nasir, Ajai, Ramli M.S and L.Y. and has even recorded with young rappers Too Phat. In 1976, she acted in her first movie entitled Hapuslah Air Mata Mu, which had a best-selling soundtrack of the same name. Among her achievements are winning the award for Best Female Singer 1978, Gold Disc Award Papita (1979), Anugerah Sri Wirama at the Anugerah Industri Muzik 2000, Best Arts Achievement Award Papita (2000) and Anugerah Emas Era 2002.  

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