Anita Sarawak Happy to be home again

Anita Sarawak Happy to be home again

Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Singer/entertainer Anita Sarawak greeted a group of reporters
recently.

Anita who?

If you grew up in the 1970s or early 1980s, you are probably
familiar with the Singapore-born entertainer. She was very
popular back then not only in Singapore, but also in Malaysia and
Indonesia.

Remember her hit Tragedi Buah Apel (Apple's Tragedy)? I grew
up listening to that too, you know.

The reason Southeast Asia hasn't heard from the 49-year-old
singer for so long is because Anita has been performing at
Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for the past 18 years.

"I just resigned because I was totally bored and tired of
performing there almost every night," said Anita in Malay.

She was in town recently to prepare for her performance at the
New Year's Eve Gala Dinner to be held at the Hotel Mulia Senayan
in Central Jakarta.

During the performance, Anita will be backed by noted musician
and composer Erwin Gutawa, as well as Widya Kristianty's 25-piece
big band.

Although she holds American citizenship, Anita has moved back
to Singapore, where she just signed a contract with Media Corp.
to do a variety show.

"At the same time Hotel Mulia contacted me to perform here. I
always hoped to come back to Indonesia," said Anita, who was
accompanied by her fourth husband, American businessman Martin
Cox.

Although it has been 10 years since her last visit, Indonesia
is not new to her. She has been listening to records by
Indonesian singers since she was a child.

"I love old Indonesian songs, especially Bengawan Solo (a
famous traditional keroncong song). You know, people say to me
that I can sing any song, but I perform best when I sing Bengawan
Solo," she said.

"Even in Vegas," she added.

Her ties to this country became even closer in 1981, when
Anita married the late Indonesian singer Broery Pesolima,
although the couple eventually divorced.

Anita's career began when she was 16 years old when she
performed at the National Theater in Singapore. She recorded
several albums and often collaborated with artists from Motown
Records.

Then about 20 years ago, she began to feel that her career had
stagnated, even though she was an extremely popular entertainer
in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.

So she flew to Vegas and tried her luck at Caesar's Palace,
best known as the venue for championship boxing matches.

"I encountered a lot of hurdles, but I was able to make it
because I worked harder than any American artist. No one could
stay for 18 years like I did," said Anita, whose real name is
Ithnaini Mohd Taib.

Anita knows some 6,000 songs by heart, a condition for her
work at Caesar's Palace.

During her time there, she also recorded two English-language
albums that failed to sell.

Despite making good money and becoming acquainted with people
like Evander Holyfield she eventually lost enthusiasm for Las
Vegas and her job. She first met her current husband while he was
there to watch a Holyfield bout.

"I've changed a lot. My life is not a matter of dollars and
cents anymore. I want a peaceful life. I'm married to this
wonderful man who has embraced Islam. And he said it's time for
me to return to my tanah air (homeland)," Anita said, looking at
her husband sitting by her side during the interview.

The change includes giving up her signature glitzy costumes
and heavy makeup.

"No more sexy costumes! I never even wear makeup anymore,
except for moisturizer and lipstick, even on stage," said Anita,
who looks younger than her age with her short, bleached hair.

Anita said she wanted to make a record of Malay songs for her
old fans, most of whom now have children and grandchildren.

"Many people think I can't speak Malay anymore. How could that
be? My favorite food is still terasi (fermented shrimp paste),
nasi lemak (traditional Malay dish) and lembur kuring (Sundanese
seafood)," she laughed.

She also hopes to appear in movies. But no romantic or
glamorous roles, please, because she feels it wouldn't be
appropriate for her age.

"I want to contribute something, not just by performing on
stage. Within four or five years, maybe I'll hang up the
microphone."

Asked how she has managed to remain a popular entertainer, she
said the secret was treating people nicely.

"I'm not arrogant. I don't like to hurt people's feelings and
I am always careful. Don't be proud. If people want to interview
you when you're tired and everything, just say sorry and be
polite. They will understand."