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Zainalabidin
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Known for blending traditional Malaysian sounds with contemporary styles, Zainalabidin reflects on his career, the need for cultural integrity in music, and advice for the next generation of artists
Zainalabidin (Datuk Zainal Abidin Mohamed), the voice behind the timeless hit Hijau, was an environmental advocate long before ESG became a familiar term in Malaysia. Consistent throughout the renowned singer-songwriter’s work is the message of and his obvious love for humanity and the environment.
Zainalabidin first gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the band Headwind, which was popular in the 1980s. However, it was his solo career, particularly the release of his 1991 debut solo album Zainal Abidin, that cemented his place as one of Malaysia’s most respected musicians. The album included the hit single Hijau, a song that has become an anthem for environmental awareness in Malaysia and remains one of his most iconic tracks. Pioneering traditional Malaysian music with modern pop and world music elements, he gained widespread fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his distinctive voice and socially conscious lyrics.
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Over the years, Zainalabidin has performed internationally and has remained an influential figure in the Malaysian music industry. His particular focus on expanding beyond the domestic market shows a strategic vision that many artists today are starting to embrace. His message to upcoming musicians: focus on your craft, ignore the distractions of social media, and the recognition will follow.
What is the last music album you listened to that you enjoyed?
It’s always Sting. I like all his albums, but my favourite is The Dream of the Blue Turtles. Sting has been my biggest influence, along with African native music.
What do you wish you had known when you started as a musician?
The legal side of the industry. Many people, including myself, weren’t fully aware of IP rights, rules for ambassadorships, engagements, and concert regulations. The legal aspects are still unclear, partly due to differing ideologies between the Islamic and Democratic parties in Malaysia. This makes it confusing for the industry because the regulations keep changing.
If you had the power to grow and develop the music landscape in Malaysia, what would you focus on?
Definitely culture.
My philosophy is about modernisation without Westernisation. Without arts and culture, there’s no true nation. That’s what I’m focused on—the arts and culture that define a nation.
You mentioned modernising and Westernising earlier. What’s the key difference?
We need to promote our own culture within modern music, aiming for global audiences rather than just the domestic market.
People around the world are eager to know what we have to offer in arts and culture. Westernization has been seen before; it’s familiar. But they want to know what Malaysia is all about. I’ve proven that modern music in Malay can be accepted globally.
However, the local industry’s mentality tends to focus only on the domestic market, which is too small. There are billions of people out there who want to see what we can offer.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve made, whether in terms of money, time, effort, or energy?
My charitable work, creating awareness about the environment and humanitarian causes. It's my lifetime project, and it won't stop for the next hundred years. This has been my focus from the very beginning and will continue until the end of my life.
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Is there a specific charity you’d like to mention?
One of my biggest charitable movements is “A Gift From the Heart.”
What new belief, behaviour, or habit have you acquired in the last five years that has improved your life?
Patience. When you're young, you can be hot-tempered and make wrong decisions. But as you grow older, you realise the key to resolving problems is patience.
What advice would you give to talented, driven artists or musicians entering the entertainment industry?
Social media is the biggest danger for newcomers. If you're talented, focus on what you're good at. Don’t chase likes, subscribers, or views, as it can be demoralizing if you don’t get them. Concentrate on being the best at what you do.
The likes, subscribers, and views will follow naturally. Don’t respond to negative comments; they will only hurt you. Evaluate yourself—if nine out of ten people say you’re good, then you are. If it’s the opposite, work on improving.
What would you have been if you weren't doing what you are now?
I would have been an archaeologist. I come from a poor family and couldn’t afford further education, so I only studied until standard six. Everything I’ve learned, from languages to music, has been self-taught.
Success is possible even without an academic background, though the path is harder. With education, there’s a 90 per cent chance of achieving success, so I always encourage people to pursue it.
What drew you to archaeology?
I love history, old artefacts, fossils, Pharaohs, and pyramids. That fascination still remains today.
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If you could make your own slogan tee, what would it say?
"Entertainment doesn’t promise happiness, but goes towards happiness because it is very entertaining."
What is an unusual or peculiar thing about Malaysia that you love?
The people and the food. But all that could be at risk if the political situation isn't balanced. It worries me because, as Malaysians—Malay, Chinese, Indian—we don't have issues with each other. The problems arise from those who exploit them for political interests, and that’s not right.
What was the last great Malaysian meal you had, and where?
A Johorean dish called ikan masak terutup, cooked by my wife. She prepares all my meals because I don’t eat outside food.
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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