11

From the first listen (back when there was yet to be an accompanying music video), I actually expected a much better opening. Even when Bella Astillah first dedicated “Bersama Aku Setia Selamanya” to her new husband in person at their wedding reception in Kuala Lumpur, it didn’t really have much of an impact on me – perhaps because the overall audio quality of the livestreaming of the reception was inconsistent. However, when Bella Astillah sang the ballad live at the kenduri rakyat held in Sabah, which is the singer-bride’s hometown, I had a change of heart, especially after seeing how Bella Astillah invited her son to share the stage and sing parts of the song. As a sidenote, I can’t be the only one who got emotional for the popular yet humble couple.

For someone who had gone through so much and even paid the price of being in an unhealthy previous relationship, “Bersama Aku Setia Selamanya” is a sincere, heartfelt reflection of Bella Astillah’s thoughts of unexpectedly finding a new partner with whom she will face what comes ahead – which surely isn’t going to be straightforward, hence why the two are down-to-earth.

Unsurprisingly, the 4-minute 32-second music video serves as the perfect treat to fans of both of them. As the groom puts it, and how all of us can concur with him, he didn’t expect to cross paths in such a manner, especially given that both their careers require some form of strict protocol and discipline.

For those who missed all the glitter surrounding their nikah (religious ceremony) and the wedding dinner reception, both of which were held at different venues in Kuala Lumpur, this official music video should give you the highlights of the two spectacles.

Bella Astillah, the elder sister to Didi Astillah, had “Bersama Aku Setia Selamanya” composed and published by local singer-songwriter Hael Husaini.

Owing to both the bride and groom’s public profile, their akad nikah, reception and kenduri rakyat were all livestreamed on various social media platforms and broadcast on certain subscription-based television channels.

The title of the song is significant as it contains the initials of the couple’s given names and has been used extensively on social media by fans and media outlets to create buzz surrounding the marriage – aptly hailed the wedding of the year.

The groom, the youngest of four siblings, has been constantly raising funds for his Muar constituency on his own accord by participating in various activities, including modelling and marathoning, having failed to secure sufficient funds from the current Federal Government. In turn, several sponsors agreed to step in to provide for the reception and akad nikah, as shown in the official music video. Awang Astillah, the father of Bella Astillah, is a musician and vocal coach. Bella Astillah’s now mother-in-law served as an English teacher until her retirement. While Bella Astillah’s father-in-law would go through the daily commute to Singapore to work as a construction worker, which is why Bella Astillah’s now husband understands the rakyat’s needs to a certain, deeper extent, compared to many Members of Parliament and Ministers who were born into ultra-wealthy families and never really had to taste the working world, especially if they never really had to begin their career from the bottom. Bella Astillah’s husband has been raising issues such as bullying and security in schools, the haze, and highlighting the plight of those who rely on foreign domestic workers, all of which are pressing and need practical long-term solutions.

Naturally, when both are in the spotlight, though for different reasons, one can never run away from public opinion, which is why the two remain grounded and humble in whatever they do. Although Bella Astillah is now a businesswoman and a singer-actress, the road to fame for her was never straightforward and easy.

That’s why Bella Astillah is grateful to have found her other half, the same way her now husband is eternally grateful to have found someone, despite his imperfections. Bella Astillah wanted a song that would capture her gratitude for everything that has happened in her life, and I believe – “Bersama Aku Setia Selamanya” is it.