Balancing artistry, motherhood, and cultural heritage

Life has always been hectic for Arafah Edruce. However, recently, she has entered a new chapter. The transition has been seamless as she embraces this new stage in life.

New Chapters

Throughout her young adulthood, Arafah Edruce, famously known as Arabyrd, has been consistently on the road with a hectic and demanding schedule as a singer, songwriter, and rapper. Always attending events, performances, interviews, and meet-ups, she has spent the last 20 years immersed in the Malaysian entertainment scene.

Today, her life is vastly different from her past. Arafah, now enjoying a calmer and more relaxed lifestyle, focuses on married life and spends her days with her baby. She also engages in television hosting, fashion-preneurship, and songwriting, although not as intensely as before. The transition into motherhood has not only changed her perspective on life but has also provided her with new experiences. Additionally, she devotes time to practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at SBG Borneo.

“When I was younger, I was a different person. I really love my life, the whole dynamics and contrast. For 24 years, I lived my life travelling abroad on tours, meeting all sorts of people. My life revolved around music and being a DJ, often from midnight to 5-7am.

“Now, I have this whole new life in Kuching with my son. I do not mind staying at home. And the thing is, I married my next-door neighbour. I cannot say that I am reborn, but my life is so different, and yet I feel content about it,” said the 38-year-old.

Having been writing songs since the age of 12, Arafah also mentioned that her songwriting has evolved. While in the past she portrayed an angsty alter ego, today she acknowledges that her writing has matured. Revealing more, the singer shared that her latest song will explore themes related to the people around her and her surroundings, and how she interacts with them.

The feeling of home

Back then, she had a place in Kuala Lumpur, and despite her busy lifestyle, she disclosed that she never felt “at home” during those days. Home, to her, is something everyone wants, needs, and looks for.

“I have reached an age where I am grateful and receptive to where I am today. When you are young, you have the drive and are always hungry for new experiences; you want to meet new people all the time and see new things. But as you get older, you realise you prefer travelling alone rather than travelling the world,” she said.

While she remains the outspoken, hunger-driven person she was before, her goals and ambitions have changed. She has learned to be appreciative of what she has at the moment.

“It is a transition of accepting myself and my surroundings, and for that, I feel whole,” she said.

Alongside members of SBG Borneo gym, where they practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu together.

At the set of ‘The Cloth Story’.

TV host and Fashion-preneur

In her new chapter, Arafah embraces cultural fashion, particularly the keringkam from Malay culture. Her interest stems from her family’s involvement in traditional-contemporary fashion, with fashion designer Dato’ Tom Abang Saufi being her aunt. She also delved into the industry while hosting the TVS Malaysian heritage documentary series “The Cloth Story”.

“During my time hosting the show after the pandemic, I explored the significance of songket, pua kumbu, and keringkam. As a naturally entrepreneurial person, throughout the two seasons of filming, I discovered numerous production opportunities. I learned alternative ways to dry batik and discovered more sustainable materials. These thoughts constantly occupied my mind as I enjoy figuring things out,” she said.

Always knowing that she wanted to create something in the cultural fashion industry, Arafah believes that it not only creates economic opportunities but also reintroduces traditional arts to the younger generation, fostering renewed appreciation for heritage heirlooms.

“These days, young people are accustomed to earning quick bucks, but they often fail to appreciate traditional art or recognise its potential because it takes time and dedication to master.”

Giving an example, Arafah mentioned that mastering and producing a keringkam can take up to six months. Meanwhile, a content creator today can upload a 15-second video and earn as much money as selling a keringkam.

In March, Arafah collaborated with Brunei fashion entrepreneur and designer Farhana Pura to launch their Raya collection, which features keringkam motifs in print. This collaboration stemmed from Arafah’s experience hosting Farhana’s episode on “The Cloth Story” in Brunei.

Arafah and her husband, with Arafah donning the Gajah Oleng, a traditional Malay attire worn by brides on their wedding day.

During a shoot in Sambas.

Their partnership was seamless, Arafah recalled. From discussing favourite shows and music genres to exploring fashion prospects, she revealed that there will be another collaboration in the future, along with the release of a hijab collection under her own brand label.

“I fell in love with the keringkam motifs, not only because they are beautiful but also because each Malay family typically keeps at least one keringkam as an heirloom. Furthermore, not everyone can afford it, so I am determined to popularise the wearing of keringkam, not just at official events but in daily life.”

The lessons

The Arafah of today is not without the Arafah of the past, as the juxtaposition of her life experiences connects the old and the new, weaving a continuous thread through her past and present into a cohesive whole.

“With my new self, I am more calm, more collected. When I returned to Kuching after two decades away, I had to re-learn everything — the industries and their people. Despite being a Sarawakian, I felt like a foreigner after living abroad for so long.”

Now at 38 years old, Arafah has picked up numerous life lessons, among them learning to be grateful.

“When it comes to life itself, do not sulk or complain too much. Just be more optimistic. I learned that if you try to pursue something that is not within your reach, you will stress about it and overlook the things you already have.

Getting to know the kain tenunan in Brunei.

“Do not ever compare yourself to anyone; stay true to your authentic self. Always be honest in relationships. Focus on things you can control, because wasting time and energy on things you cannot control will leave you spinning in circles without direction,” she said.

With her transition into motherhood last year, she mentioned that having children is always unexpected, regardless of all the plans made.

“You are never going to be ready, even though you have spent the last five to 10 years discussing it with your husband. When the baby arrives, it is a different experience.”

While embracing this new chapter, Arafah remains optimistic about potential opportunities. Regardless of any boundaries, she is always prepared to face them.

Performing with weavers from Tanoti at the Hasanah Gold Thread Awards.