Justin Lewis has been in the entertainment industry for over 30 years and admits it is not for the faint-hearted.
Starting as a dancer when he was only 10, Lewis began a singing career in 2013, and recently released two singles – ‘Darkness’ and ‘Gurl’.
But to make ends meet, the 43-year-old from Puchong, Selangor, sells mutual funds.
“It is a struggle, but I am doing what I love,” said Lewis, who is also a dance instructor.
“I am lucky I have a job which allows me to work from anywhere. That gives me the freedom to indulge in my musical career.
“I have appeared on RTM and Astro programmes as a backup dancer, but my new passion is singing.
“It is not something that brings in the money, which is why I have to depend on my ‘actual’ job of selling mutual funds.”
Despite the hardship, he has no regrets, as his theme is “unity through music and dance”.
“There are many people who try to silence or separate us, but music and dancing can bring us together,” said Lewis.
“I want to bring everyone from every part of Malaysia together, as one, through my music.”
Lewis said he grew up listening to his uncle, famed Asian musician, Lewis Pragasam. He was also active in his church choir but did not think about a singing career until 2013.
Although from West Malaysia, Lewis said most of his clients are from East Malaysia, and that was how he came to write ‘Oh, Kinabalu’ a year ago.
The song was well-received by Sabahans and the state Tourism Board.
“They were happy that an artist from Peninsular Malaysia wrote a song about their famous landmark,” said Lewis, who shot a music video for the song.
“They told me I was the first singer from West Malaysia to do so.
“I was moved to write the song as Mount Kinabalu is awe-inspiring. Every time I am in the area, I take a few minutes to embrace its majesty.”
Lewis also did a similar music video to promote the beauty of Pahang, via his song, ‘Darkness’.
“We got permission to shoot in the state and promote famous Pahang landmarks, like Fraser’s Hill,” said Lewis.
“Many think of Genting or Cameron Highlands, but Fraser’s has its charm. There are many other hidden gems in that state.
“I have many ideas on how to use music to promote tourism, but I lack the funds to do it. Perhaps, some other parties can do something similar.”
Separately, Lewis said the music video for ‘Gurl’ was something close to his heart, as it brought together the dance community.
“I wanted a project where I got all these professional dancers to come and just be in a music video, dancing and vibing to the music.”
