Nantida kaewbuasai biography of christopher

In the constellation of Thailand’s vocal stars, one has been shining brighter and for longer than the rest. The very name Nantida Kaewbuasai could be a substitute for the word “diva”. She has a powerful voice and has cultivated an image of physical glamour, and has endured many obstacles in the easy-come, easy-go music industry.

What comes as a surprise is how incredibly nice and humble Nantida is in person. After all, we haven’t heard much from her since her man Chonsawat Asavahame ran away with American-born Thai actress and model Janie Tienphosuwan.

It was one of last year’s biggest celebrity scandals, and complicating matters was the fact Nantida and Mr Chonsawat’s daughter, Chontida, was a friend of Janie.

Now, fans are anticipating the celebration of 30 years in the music industry with the Nantida … The Show Must Go On concert, scheduled to take place this Saturday at the Royal Paragon Hall. Here, often talking in the third person, she opens up about how the show came about, her future plans and exactly what the word “diva” means to her.

What was your reaction when you knew there was interest in a 30th anniversary concert?

I remembered asking [concert promoter] A-Time when they first discussed the concert with me, “It’s not going to be a big one, isn’t it?” They were like, “Really? What’s with you and all these mini-concert things?” [Laughs.] If possible, I always request a close-up concert instead of a full-scale one. I prefer holding concerts where I can get closer to my fans. But though Nantida … The Show Must Go On is not exactly a mini-concert, the audience will still be able to thoroughly absorb every element of Nantida and Nantida’s songs. Whether it is crowd of thousands or just 20 people coming to see me, I will be there to sing for them.

What’s it like to work with A-Time Showbiz?

I’ve worked with A-Time Showbiz and Pi Chod [Saithip Montrikul na Ayudhaya, CEO of GMM Media] many times over the years and they’ve never, ever disappointed me. I’d like to thank Pi Chod for giving me this opportunity again. Thank you for always bringing me the joy of being a singer, and simultaneously forwarding this happiness to Nantida’s fans as well.

What’s the concept behind Nantida … The Show Must Go On?

This concert represents both my journey through the 30 years of my singing career and the fans’ memories as they grew up listening to my songs. It’s going to be like we take retrospective steps back to the old days together. At the same time, the concert also serves as an essential reminder for me that no matter what happens in the future, I’ll never forget how much I love singing. The show will allow me to regain my confidence and the drive to keep moving forward. It’ll be great fuel for my life.

Looking back to your early days, did you ever dream that you’d have a 30th anniversary concert?

Besides releasing series of albums and getting to appear on TV broadcasts, having a live concert is another form of reward for all singers. I believe it’s one thing that’s fulfilling for both the performer and the audience. And yes, The Show Must Go On is very close to the concert that I’ve always dreamed of.

How are rehearsals going?

I’ve been toning my body since before the concert dates were previously set for February. Given the postponement, it’s been good to have more time to prepare myself. Apart from getting sleep and working out, I also spare time to brush up on my singing and dancing skills by attending vocal classes once a week and dancing classes twice a week.

In the past few years, we’ve seen you as an actress or featured in other artists’ concerts as a guest star. Your last solo concert was 2009. Now that you are back in the game again, what has been the biggest challenge in preparing for this concert?

The biggest challenge is the fact that I was given only one shot to make it. However, the truth is, the amount of songs I sing in any concert has nothing to do with my level of excitement. I give my best to everything I’ve participated in, regardless of whether I am the host or just one of the guests. For another thing, stress has been disturbing me right now. Music can act as therapy, but it also surely causes minor anxiety for the performers. As much as everyone has waited, I too have been as excited and wanted to bring out a great performance.

So it means that even though you’re widely known as a “diva”, you still gets nervous every time you go on stage?

I think it is human nature to be nervous when we have to perform in front of such a large crowd. The expectation is there, and it’s real. So before the concert starts, I need to get familiar with all of the stage props and equipment as much as possible — from every step on the stairs to the pair of shoes I’m going to wear. I’ll make sure everything is prepared before proceeding to my one last mission, which is to sing my heart out, naturally and delightfully.

Any hints about what will happen at the concert?

It is the gathering of friends who love Nantida, and whom Nantida loves. There were lots of my good friends and younger artists in the guest list because I just happen to love so many people. I cannot reveal the names yet but I can assure you that it’s going to be an emotionally fulfilling night for all of my fans, friends and me.

If you were not a singer, what would you be?

I’ve had plenty of thoughts regarding this question. Politician? A big fat no. Businesswoman? Not really. Singing for me is utter happiness. Being able to deliver joy to the audience through music, and seeing them smiling or crying while listening to my songs, is the greatest gift that has been compelling my life for more than 30 years. Actually, there were times when I doubted whether singing was really my calling, whether everything that happened to me was just a coincidence. Until the day I won first place in the Asian Amateur Singing Contest in 1978, I’d never dreamed of being a singer. Fate is what brought me to the way of life I’m living now. However, after recording song after song and getting to meet my fans and sing for them, I finally realised I couldn’t be anything else.

Many of your peers from when you started have already retired, yet you’ve maintained longevity in the music industry. What is your formula for success?

Stay grounded and be open-minded to each and every person in the team, I would say. Always keeping a positive image is important, too. Anyway, I’m far from perfect. One thing that I’ve always told myself for the past 30 years is that I’m lucky to meet wonderful people. I always remind myself, “Nantida, you are not the best out there. Nantida, you still need to learn more.” Since I was young, my dear dad, who I always looked up to, had shown me how to cope with the transience of things, including stardom. One day you can be on top of the world but the next day you might be nothing, or a piece in a trashy tabloid. And that’s OK as long as you are strong enough. In the future when Nantida Kaewbuasai becomes just somebody people used to know, I’ll be alright. I’m not obsessed with all the fame and the limelight. I’m here because I’m happy singing.

You are one of the biggest-selling Thai female artists of all time. How does being labelled a “diva” make you feel?

I think the definition of “diva” varies according to the person who says it, so I’m not sure if I actually am a diva or not. But for those who call me by this honourable title, I will ensure that this label will push me to show a better me each and every time I work.

Tell us about your new single, Jeb Jon Kao Jai (So Hurt I Could Finally Understand It).

The single represents the pain that people who always pretend they are strong and understanding on the outside go through. The lyrics are so severe that one listener said to me, “Sorry, but I’m just not ready to listen to it now.” But heartbreak is like this. One person lost everything, while the other might not feel they have lost anything at all. Anyway, I’m glad to tell you that this single will get its premiere at the concert as well.

What are your goals for after the concert?

I’m not the type of person who pursues a grand long-term goal. I make the best out of the present. I’m still happy every time I sing, so I’ll keep doing it as long as I can. I guess when “the time” comes, I will know. But for now, I don’t plan to quit singing yet. My life as a singer is yet to expire. After the concert, I have another work that is going to be released on July 18. It is called Club Friday the Series Season 4, in which I play a mother who shares the same man with her daughter. Even though acting is not directly my profession, I said yes to this project right away when they landed me the role because it’s just irresistibly challenging. For me, acting is much harder than singing, and even more distressing. However, all of the staff and actors at the set were really attentive and accommodating, so it was really fun being on the set after all. Hopefully, all of our hard work will yield a nice output.

Any last words?

I’ve been quite absent from the mainstream lately. Apparently, some people are curious about what I am up to or whether I’ve quit singing or not. The question just keeps coming relentlessly. To clarify, I’m not quitting singing yet. So don’t ever ask me this question again. [Laughs.] Just kidding. I’m elated by all of the questions, calls and encouragement. I really am. And I hope to see you guys at the concert and we will create a new chapter of great memories together.

Nantida ... The Show Must Go On is at the Royal Paragon Hall on Saturday, starting at 7pm. Tickets range from 1,200-3,000 baht and are available from Thai Ticket Major.