Syaz Smooth’s latest EP Bersamamu is a tender, soul-baring tribute to his late brother, Mohd Shahfiq. Anchored in themes of grief, love, healing, and remembrance, the project marks a powerful evolution in the young artist’s journey—moving from celebrated covers to deeply personal songwriting. Bersamamu, which means "with you" in Malay, is more than just a collection of songs; it is a reflection of the emotional reckoning Syaz experienced after his loss, offering listeners a space to feel, reflect, and connect with the importance of cherishing our loved ones. With this release, Syaz hopes to open up culturally rooted yet universally resonant conversations around family, vulnerability, and emotional expression.
A familiar face to many in Singapore, Syaz Smooth first captured hearts as a semi-finalist on Asia’s Got Talent at just 12 years old. By 14, he was already performing at the National Day Parade, and at 16, he became the youngest artist ever signed by Universal Music Singapore. Known initially for his powerful vocal performances and covers, Syaz is now emerging as a poignant songwriter with a mission: to elevate Singaporean music on the global stage while growing alongside his peers. With Bersamamu, Syaz doesn’t just showcase artistic maturity—he reveals a voice unafraid to grieve, to love, and to heal in full view. Bandwagon had the opportunity to speak to Syaz, to find out more behind Bersamamu.
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Bersamamu translates to "with you". How did this title come to represent not just the EP, but your emotional world during its creation?
It captures the emotional core of this EP. Throughout the entire process of creating it, I felt like my late brother was right there with me. Even though he’s no longer physically here, his spirit, his music, his guidance — they stayed with me in every lyric, every melody, every late night in the studio.
This EP isn’t just about losing him — it’s about continuing the bond we shared. The title ‘Bersamamu’ became more than just a name; it became a reflection of how I carried him with me through grief, through healing, and through music. It reminds me that love doesn’t end — it just changes form. And in every step I took to finish this EP, I truly felt that I was still with him.
You’ve shared that this project was born out of grief. How did music become your language for healing—and in what ways do you hope it helps others do the same?
This project was born out of grief. After losing my brother, there were so many emotions I couldn’t put into words. Music became my way of surviving that silence—it gave me the space to feel, to cry, to remember, and to heal. Every song on Bersamamu was like a conversation with myself, with him, and with God.
I poured my heart into these songs not just to process my own pain, but with the hope that they might help someone else feel seen too. If you’ve ever lost someone, or you’re carrying a kind of hurt that’s hard to explain—I hope this project reminds you that you’re not alone. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to take all the time you need.
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What song on the EP was the most emotionally difficult to write, and what did you learn about yourself through that process?
The song that was the most emotionally difficult for me to write was “Berhenti Mengharap.” That one really broke me in the process. It was the moment I had to face the reality that my brother is truly gone—and that no matter how much I hope or pray, I won’t see him again in this life. Writing it felt like letting go of a piece of hope I was still holding
onto, and that was painful.
Through that process, I learned that grief doesn’t follow a straight path. Sometimes, the only way to heal is to sit with the pain and be honest about what hurts. I also realized how strong love is—it doesn’t fade just because someone’s gone. 'Berhenti Mengharap' helped me find peace in continuing to pray for him, even if I can’t have him back. That’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
If you could describe each track on Bersamamu as a different stage of grief or healing, how would you map them out emotionally?
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'Doa Untuk Ibu' – Denial: At first, I couldn’t fully accept what happened. I saw my mom
struggling, and it felt like I was in a haze, unable to fully face the reality of it. And all I
ever prayed for is for my mum to feel at ease. -
'Bersamamu' – Content/Frustration: This song is where I let out the frustration of
feeling helpless. It’s about the desire to be with my brother, but knowing I can’t be, and
the anger that comes with that inability to change things. -
'Ku Harap' – Bargaining: This track is about holding on to the hope that life will bring us
back together someday. It’s the part of grief where you wish for an impossible reunion.
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'Berhenti Mengharap' – Depression: This was the darkest point. Realizing that my
brother is gone for good, I had to face that emptiness. Writing this song was about
accepting the loss but also holding on to prayer. -
'Baik Saja' – Acceptance: A moment of peace. It’s about wishing my brother well,
knowing he’s in a better place, and finding comfort in taking care of the ones still here.
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In a society that sometimes shies away from emotional vulnerability, especially among men, how do you hope Bersamamu contributes to more open conversations around emotional expression?
I hope Bersamamu opens up the conversation about emotional vulnerability, especially for men, who often feel pressured to bottle things up. In our society, emotions are sometimes seen as a weakness, but for me, creating this project was about reclaiming that power. It was a way to show that vulnerability is strength, not something to hide or suppress.
Through the rawness of these songs, I want to encourage others to express what they’re feeling, without fear of judgment. If sharing my grief, my pain, and my healing process helps someone else feel like they can do the same, then that’s a win. We all
have emotions, and we all need a way to process them. This project is my way of starting that conversation, hoping it sparks more openness and understanding.
If your brother could hear this EP today, what do you think he’d say—or which song would mean the most to him?
If my brother could hear this EP today, I think he’d be proud. The song that would mean the most to him would probably be 'Bersamamu'. It’s one he actually wrote before he passed, and finishing it felt like a collaboration between this world and the next. I think he’d smile knowing his words are still being heard, still living on through music. And he’d probably say something like, “You did good, bro.” That would be enough.
