KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Black Hanifah has dismissed suggestions that he is slowing down his music career to focus on business, insisting that singing remains his main source of income.
Black, whose real name is Hanifah Muhammad Hanafiah, 39, said he continues to receive performance offers and has a packed schedule through the end of the year, despite appearing less frequently on television.
"People may not see me singing as often over the past two years, but that perception is not true," he said in a recent news report, adding that he remains committed to Malaysia's music industry.
He said his business ventures in Langkawi, Kedah, were built using income earned from singing since 2009, rather than money from illegal activities.
"People used to say I was laundering money. In reality, 100 per cent of what I have in Langkawi, including my businesses, comes from my singing income from 2009 until now," he said.
Black stressed that his success had not happened overnight and that singing continued to provide his main livelihood.
He added that he still receives invitations to perform at private events, even when he is not appearing on television.
The singer has expanded into several businesses in Langkawi, including villas, luxury yacht services and a café. He began venturing into business on the island about four years ago.
Black also recently released the single Terlerai Sudah, reaffirming his intention to remain active in music while managing his growing business interests.
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