With more than 300,000 views on her Kadazandusun single on YouTube, Bye Bye, Sheron Tan is indeed a Sabah Tourism star in the making. This Cina-Rungus parentage lass is a nurse by day and a dedicated singer-songwriter during her leisure time. Sevenpie had the privilege to have her on board to get to know her a little more so here it is!
1. Hi Sheron! Tell us more about yourself.
Hi! My name is Sheron Tan. My parents gave me this special name because they think that Sharon is way too common. But most of the time, people mistaken my name as Sharon. I am the eldest child in the family but I’m the shortest one among my younger brother and sister. My father is Chinese from Johor while my mother is Rungus (one of Sabah’s native), so basically I’m a mixed. I enjoy singing but there’s a lot of room for improvement in that department.
2. What is the main inspiration behind the Kadazandusun YouTube videos you’ve created?
Most of the song in Kadazandusun are actually inspiration from my mother, she told me that she gained these experience from her life and also those around her and realized that every individual will go through this kind of experience, regardless of whether it is through friendship, love or family and so she wrote the songs. I sing the songs to share them with the world.
3. With all the attention you’re receiving from the public, what do you enjoy the most out of it?
I realized that the songs which I sing are actually emotions deep down in their heart. For example, in “I Love Sabah” and “Bye Bye Ama”, these songs express their longing for their homeland in Sabah and how much they miss their family who are back there. Some of my songs like “Monotos Oku” are about what we feel and go through in relationship. What I enjoyed the most from this is seeing so many people listening to my songs and enjoying them. I didn’t expect my songs suit all age groups, from kids to adults and even the elderly. What a surprise!
4. Are there any plans to release more videos in the near future? What would the videos be like?
Yes there are, there will be songs in Rungus and Malay, but mostly in Kadazandusun, and in order for all different race to understand, there will be Chinese and English subtitles below, so no worries.
5. Will you be releasing an album of your own? If yes, when can our readers be expecting it?
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Yes I am currently in the midst of getting one out soon but due to unforeseen circumstances, I would need more time to work on my album. With a full time job on hand, sometimes it leaves me to my off days to complete one of my songs. If everything goes well, hopefully it will be out before Chinese New Year 2018. I have 10 songs in total including the song that I already published on YouTube – Monotos Oku, Nung Haro Ginawoku, Bye bye Ama, and I love Sabah.
6. Share with us your favourite genre of music.
Gospels, and Kadazandusun song from the 1960s which my mom used to sing. I enjoy songs from different languages, like Thai, Tagalog, Chinese, English, Malay and even Tamil songs. It doesn’t matter to me which country it is from as long as the melody is nice.
7. Aside from singing, what are the other things you do during your leisure time?
As I am a nurse, I rarely have any spare time to do other things, so I usually spent most of my free time with my family, or sleep because I need that. But whenever I have day offs or annual leaves, I will take time to create some new songs, maybe cover new songs, or attend different photography events. I used to be a part time photographer and even took classes for martial arts but I’ve stopped for a while now due to my commitment towards my full time job. I also participate in charity programs and do some volunteer work if there are health screening events.
8. Who is your all-time music inspiration?
My family.
9. Is there any Malaysia folk-song which you like the most?
I like most of P Ramlee songs, and of course Sabahan folk songs such as Sayang-sayang Kinabalu and Tanak Kampong.
10. How was it like during your 4 years stay in Sabah before moving to Johor?
Although I was still a child back then, I remembered my life growing up in Tamparuli. Every Wednesday, my mum will bring me to Tamparuli Tamu (morning market). I loved to sing whenever we were crossing the Tamparuli Bridge. That’s one of the thing which I remember the most. I even have the picture of it.
11. What are the common misconceptions you received from other Malaysians towards Sabah which you’d love to address here?
Well there is a lot of common misconceptions I received, but I don’t remember them all. Because I always have the positive thought that Sabah is a very beautiful place, a place where u can relax and enjoy the amazing nature. Besides that, people at Sabah are friendly too.
12. Where do you see yourself in 2 years’ time?
I will still be a nurse, as I enjoyed this job very much. Singing is just part of my hobbies. I might pursue my degree in nursing.
13. Any life mottos?
Bring happiness to everyone. To me the smile on their faces is what motivates me.
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