Ammar Haikal: 'Nepo Baby' Status is an Opportunity
Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Ammar Haikal, son of Spring vocalist Ameng, is navigating the music industry, leveraging his "nepo baby" status as an opportunity.
- He aims to be recognized for his own talent rather than solely relying on his father's fame.
- Haikal has released a new single, "Gila Bayang," and is prioritizing his music studies.
Singer Ammar Haikal, who emerged from the first season of the singing competition "Talk To My Manager," acknowledges his "nepo baby" status but views it as a valuable opportunity rather than a crutch. As the son of veteran vocalist Ameng from the group Spring, Haikal benefits from a degree of public recognition but insists he is not solely relying on his father's fame.
Being the son of a famous singer is actually an opportunity. It makes it easier for people to know who I am.
"Being the son of a famous singer is actually an opportunity," Haikal stated. "It makes it easier for people to know who I am." He added that his father encourages his singing career, reinforcing his belief that his background is a positive starting point. "I don't see it as a negative thing, but rather an opportunity to introduce myself," he explained.
Haikal's primary goal is to establish himself based on his own artistic merit. "If possible, I want to be known for my talent and abilities, not just depend on my father's name," he said. While he accepts that he cannot escape being associated with Ameng Spring, he hopes listeners will increasingly recognize him as Ammar Haikal. "I use the status of being a singer's son as a stepping stone to be known," he admitted.
I don't see it as a negative thing, but rather an opportunity to introduce myself.
Recently, Haikal launched his new single, "Gila Bayang," a pop track about young love, produced by Naim Daniel, Adib Hamdi, and Amir Firdaus. He expressed gratitude that his dream of releasing his own song has come true, noting that the melody and lyrics are well-crafted. Although he initially had modest expectations for the single, he now believes "Gila Bayang" has the potential to elevate his profile in the Malaysian music scene.
If possible, I want to be known for my talent and abilities, not just depend on my father's name.
Academically, Haikal is a final-semester student pursuing a degree in Music at the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage. He emphasizes the importance of his education, even amidst his burgeoning singing career. His father has made academic success a condition for his continued involvement in the music industry, prompting Haikal to prioritize his studies, sometimes recording late into the night to accommodate his class schedule.
I use the status of being a singer's son as a stepping stone to be known.
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.