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Ning Baizura
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Malaysian icon Ning Baizura opens up about her path, lessons learned, and the unyielding passion that keeps her grounded and ever-evolving in the music industry
From the silky opening notes of Awan Yang Terpilu to the climactic peaks of her vocal range, Ning Baizura (Ning Baizura Sheikh Hamzah) always masterfully commands her stage. A powerhouse vocalist with an illustrious career spanning decades and multiple albums, Ning’s evolution as an artist reflects the industry’s shift from pure vocal talent to a more interdisciplinary entertainer.
Rising to prominence in the 1990s, Ning quickly became known for her dynamic stage presence and emotive storytelling, winning fans with her hits and powerful voice.
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In her current chapter, Ning emphasises being more "grounded" and "mindful," focusing on authenticity and storytelling through her performances. Her wisdom for upcoming artists is simple yet profound: remain a lifelong learner and embrace every opportunity to grow.
Ning continues to inspire new generations of musicians and engage deeply with her fans. Here, she shares more of her wisdom on artistry, resilience, and authenticity—everything that has made her an enduring figure in the Malaysian music industry.
What’s the last music you enjoyed listening to?
There were a couple. Let me check my Spotify. I was listening to Wyn Starks, an artist discovered on America’s Got Talent. His story moved me—he had a twin brother who passed away and he wrote a song called Who I Am to honour him. It’s such an inspiring song, and I started listening more to his music, which is very soulful, with R&B and pop influences.
Which music album would you say greatly influenced you?
That’s a tough one! I think it has to be Nat King Cole’s first album I ever listened to. The song Unforgettable really got to me. I also listened to a lot of Chaka Khan and Ella Fitzgerald. You can hear their influence in my music. That’s how I found my voice.
What do you wish you had known when you started in the industry?
I wish I had known there were a lot of sharks out there. I should have managed my finances better when I was younger. Back then, I just wanted to be a singer, not even an entertainer.
If I had known more about managing money and my career, things would have been different. I was only 16 years old and some people took advantage.
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What’s the best or most worthwhile investment you’ve made, whether in terms of money, time, effort, or energy?
My teeth! I invested in them because I'm always on stage, always smiling. Other than that, it would be all the clothes, but my teeth are something permanent.
In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour, or habit have you acquired that you feel has improved your life?
I’ve become more grounded and mindful. It reflects in my performances; there's always a story, a truth, and honesty behind it. I’ve learned to be honest and a bit eccentric. Mindfulness has helped me realise that it’s what keeps me youthful.
What advice would you give to a talented, driven artist entering the industry? And what advice should they ignore?
Believe in yourself, keep seeking opportunities, and never stop learning, no matter your age. As for advice to ignore—don’t listen to those who discourage you from being authentic.
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Tell me about your new single.
My new single is called To Know Me. I composed it after a long hiatus. It’s about inner strength and self-awareness. The song is not just about me; it’s about how people can relate to the need to know and love themselves. If you can’t love yourself, you can’t truly love others. I wrote most of it during a wellness retreat in Bali. The experience of coming back from that retreat inspired me to write.
What would you have been if not for what you're doing now?
I would have been a vet. I love animals. Over the years, I've had chickens, birds, and cats—about five cats and two are still with me. I find animal behaviour fascinating; they have this intuitive way of communicating.
What’s an unusual or unique thing about Malaysia that you love?
Everyone mentions the food, but I’d say it’s the hidden natural treasures. We have beautiful, eco-friendly places like Tioman and other East Coast islands that people should explore. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of rubbish underwater. It’s sad because we need to preserve these places for future generations. I love diving, and it’s peaceful, but half the time, I see trash. I’ve done a lot of cleanups, not just on the beaches but in the ocean too.
What was the last great Malaysian meal you had, and where?
I love nasi lemak! My favorite is from Tanglin, in Bukit Damansara. I’ve recently moved, and I’m settling into my new place, but Tanglin nasi lemak will always be a go-to.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
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Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
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As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
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