Download | Zahid - Baru08 (Full Album)

Zahid: After a three-year wait, Ahmad Zahid Baharuddin (AF winner in 2004) recently released his second album titled Baru ’08 and is currently dabbling in songwriting for other singers such as Bob AF2 and Syawal.

Zahid has also ventured into a couple of projects with his sister, including setting up a kindergarten and a wedding planning business.

Comprising eight songs (mostly ballads infused with R&B and rock) the long-awaited album, Zahid Baru '08, sees a detour from Zahid’s image as a hip hop/pop artiste.

Baru ‘08 is produced by Maestro Records and distributed by EMI (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

It includes ballads such as Hadir Dirimu (self-composed by Zahid ) and Cintaku Untukmu (written by Ajai).





According to Zahid, the new album aims to correct the misconception that he is a hip-hop/pop artiste.

“I realise that people know me as a hip-hop artiste,” he said.

To further prove his point, he said songs which he performed at the Akademi Fantasia 2 concerts, in which he emerged winner for the show’s second season, also included pop.

“One of the songs that I sang in the final of AF2 was a ballad, so I hope people can see that I’m capable of singing other types of songs.”

Other songs in the album include a medley of two numbers Teratai and Istana Menanti, songs made famous by Ramli Sarip and Rahim Maarof respectively.

“I was lucky because the album’s music arrangement was done by Eddie Marzuki, a well-known musician,” said Zahid.

Of the eight songs in the album, two are infused with rock. They are Baru and Mr Automatic, composed by Audi Mok and Azzan Addin, respectively.

“I needed a change in musical direction for the new album. For Baru ‘08, I got to choose the composers I wanted to work with. Since I have always wanted to work with Ajai, who is famous for writing ballads, I decided to record his song.

“I try to understand what fans want. I notice that people enjoy listening to ballads, so I want to cater to that market. Besides, it will make me more marketable because artistes who sing ballads are in demand for evening and corporate shows,” he added.

During the interview, Zahid was also teased about his friendship with fellow artiste and singer, Nita, a finalist on Malaysian Idol.

“I’m comfortable with her. We understand each other well,” he said, refusing to elaborate.

When prodded further, he said: “For now, we prefer to stay as close friends, and an announcement will be made when the time comes.”

Fair enough.

Track List:

1. Baru
2. Hadir Dirimu
3. Kau
4. Secukup Rasa
5. Seperti Mereka
6. Cintaku Untukmu
7. M. Automatic
8. Medley Teratai & Istana Menanti

Download | Zahid - Baru08 (Full Album)