Two great divas in collaboration

Siti (left) and Kris at the launch of their album.

DATUK Siti Nurhaliza’s birthday wish is simple. She wants a child soon with her husband Datuk Seri Khalid Jiwa.

Ironically, while the first single released from her collaborative effort with Indonesian pop queen Krisdayanti is titled Amarah (anger) — it stands for something else that even Siti might not be aware of.

Amarah in Greek means ‘wished for a child’. While perhaps they may be singing about anger — Siti’s utmost desire for a child (the ultimate jewel in her crown of achievements) has become the latest focus of fans.

“That is my birthday wish… to have a child,” she admitted.

For now, however, Siti can be satisfied with a RM40,000 limited edition Louis Vuitton Monogram Calliope handbag, which was a present from her husband (apart from a two-week vacation in Barcelona, Dublin and London in December, that is).

“I saw the bag, went into the shop and I just went, ‘Mmm..’ and he knew I liked it and got it for me.

“It’s beautiful. But again, a present is just a present. What’s more dear to me is the love and affection of my husband.”

Meanwhile, in a rather lavish spread to celebrate the diva’s 31st birthday here earlier this week, Siti notched up another proud milestone. Adding to her long list of firsts in her career that includes her own TV channel and a string of successful concerts, is the launch of the duet album with Krisdayanti, more popularly known as KD.

The album is called CTKD, or – Canda, Tangis, Ketawa, Duka.

CTKD is also a wordplay on the abbreviations of the names of both divas - Siti (CT) and KD. Geddit?

Attended by some 500 people, the launch of CTKD was a merry one. The album, produced by Siti Nurhaliza Productions (M) Sdn Bhd and KD Records was distributed by Suria Records in Malaysia in Dec 28 and it will be distributed by Aquarius in Indonesia on Jan 27.

“It is a very happy day for me, and I’m glad KD could be here,” said Siti.

“I had invited Krisdayanti to attend the birthday bash," said Siti.

"While there were initial hopes for a CTKD launch event, it was planned to be just the birthday party first.

“She was only able to confirm at the last minute as she had other things to attend to overseas. As I loved the date 11/1/10 which also happens to be my birthday, I had hoped for KD to be able to make it here, and since she could, hence it became a launch to handle two events at once.”

KD seemed equally excited over the launch-cum-birthday event.

“Siti invited me to join in the celebration of her birthday last year, but I couldn’t make it. I had wanted to surprise her last year, but things were such that it didn’t happen.”

And finally, when the two managed to get together, the guests got the rare opportunity to witness both in action on stage to perform the new numbers slotted in the album.

Featuring six songs in Amarah, Jika Kau Tak Datang, Tanpamu, Hanya Dia and Dalam Diamku, the album also contains four minus-one tracks.

“It is true that we basically put this album together in five days, “ said KD.

“The vocal recording was done in that period, for the six songs. It definitely would not have been possible if not for the professional efforts of those involved in the production of the album.”