SINGER Nuha Bahrin has revealed that differing record label commitments between her and former duet partner, Naufal Azrin, are the main reason they are no longer able to perform their hit song ‘Casablanca’ together, particularly at live shows.
The 26-year-old said both of them have had to accept the situation, despite many fans continuing to miss the pairing that sparked a phenomenon through the song.
“Now that we are signed to different record labels, it may be quite difficult for us to perform ‘Casablanca’ together for the time being,” she said.
“I’ve noticed that Naufal performs ‘Casablanca’ as a solo act, and I do the same. Whatever the circumstances, I’m very proud of him.
“We both continue to wish each other nothing but the best.”
Nuha stressed that she remains open to working with Naufal again in the future, given the important role he played in her artistic journey.
“I’m always open to collaborating with Naufal again if the opportunity arises. At the moment, however, it may be challenging for us to perform the song together.
There are several factors that need to be considered, particularly matters involving our respective record labels,” she said.
At the same time, Nuha dismissed speculation that Naufal’s recent marriage has prevented him from performing ‘Casablanca’, which was composed by Daqmie, Wan Saleh and Abdulkarim Al Ali.
She insisted that their relationship remains cordial and that they now regard each other as family.
“If people think it’s because he’s married now, that’s not the reason at all. His wife is a very kind and lovely person,” she said.
“We’ve been friends since we recorded ‘Casablanca’. So, there has never been any issue. As for maintaining boundaries, that’s something we have always practised.
“Our relationship has never been anything more than friendship – more accurately, we are colleagues and duet partners. We’ve always respected those boundaries.
“He knows my family, and I know his. So, our relationship has become very much like family,” she said.
Released in 2022, ‘Casablanca’ – which blends Malay and Arabic lyrics – catapulted both Nuha and Naufal to wider fame, earning them a strong following not only in Malaysia but also among listeners in Indonesia and the Middle East.
