Malaysia’s rock princess JessC has recently taken the internet by storm with her new Malay-language album “Dekati”, the highlight of which is her duet “Tak Terpisah” (“Never Separated”) with Malaysian pop diva Fauziah Latiff.
Fauziah, known affectionately by her fans as Kak Jee, brought the song to a whole new level with the two women’s combined talent.
At JessC’s official album launch in Shah Alam last Friday, she and Kak Jee took to the stage for the debut live performance of the song, bringing the crowd to their feet. The two looked like they had just stepped straight out of the album cover, wearing the same elegant white Malay traditional attire and iconic hairstyles.
As they harmonised to sing the poignant message of “Tak terpisah walau berbeza” (Never separated, even if we are different), the audience was united in a moment of shared emotion. The performance ended to roaring applause and cheers, and with JessC’s fans clamouring to the stage to hand her their flowers and gifts. As everyone posed for pictures, Kak Jee showed her humorous side by pretending to be the event’s photographer for a moment, rather than one of the stars of the show.
Once the pictures had been taken, JessC and Kak Jee took some time to share their journey of the album’s creation, as well as reflect on their long friendship. JessC shared that “Dekati” is a song about having the courage to face life’s challenges.
She thanked Kak Jee for working together with her on the song and recalled their first time singing together over a decade ago, which was a guest performance of Kak Jee’s iconic song “Dia”.
JessC jokingly asked Kak Jee, “How would you rate my singing now compared to back then?” to which she laughed and responded, “You’ve improved a lot – we’ve successfully blended our voices.” JessC also proudly showed off a necklace Kak Jee had gifted her, symbolising their growing friendship and creative bond.
“JessC’s beauty shines from within,” Kak Jee said warmly. “The first time I heard the demo of ‘Tak Terpisah,’ I cried. The song has soul – it speaks of love, respect, togetherness, and life. It’s a song that resonates with everyone.”
JessC shared that collaborating with her idol had been the fulfilment of a long-held dream and promised fans that more was soon to come. Two more duet projects are in the works, including upbeat track titled “Kawan Baik” (“Best Friends”). JessC coyly mentioned that the name of the second track was still under wraps for now.
Both JessC and Kak Jee wear many hats between their singing, acting, modelling, and other creative and intellectual pursuits. When asked about how they balanced everything, Kak Jee said, “Everyone’s life is different. What matters most is knowing how to stand back up after a fall, and respecting life and one another.” JessC added, “Don’t fear failure. Don’t let problems defeat you. Life is hard, but we must face it bravely and learn from every fall.”
This cross-cultural success story stands as a testament to the power of friendship, mutual admiration, and musical harmony between two talented women who dared to dream – and sing – together.
