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‘Original Sabahan’
Published on: Tuesday, July 07, 2020
By: Audrey J Ansibin
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As a nurse in Singapore during this pandemic crisis and counted among the frontliners, the Sino-Native says if not for the nurses, the patients would literally be suffering alone. Just like her YouTube persona who never fails to put a smile on her face, she says it brings her joy when people leave feeling happier after meeting her.
Sheron’s most popular video is a cover of Sabahan duo Atmosfera’s song “Original Sabahan”. In this interview with Daily Express column writer for Young Spirit, Sheron also shares how her mother, a Sabahan native, inspires her to reach to greater heights with her passion for singing. The 26-year-old “queen” of song covers also has over 110,000 followers on Instagram.
Sheron in a group photo with her parents and younger siblings. (pic: Sheron Tan)
Q: Your most popular video on your YouTube channel (as of June 2020) is a cover of Atmosfera’s song “Original Sabahan” with over 7 million views. In the original video, you were also featured as a guest appearance. Which part did you enjoy the most while making the video?
A: In the beginning of the song, there’s a short skit. I enjoyed working with them (Atmosfera) because of their sense of humour. They also know how to make jokes (to make you feel at ease).
Q: How did you get in touch with Atmosfera?
A: Atmosfera noticed me when I covered the song “Tak Tun Tuang”. The manager of Rusa Music got in touch with me and I got the chance to collaborate with them. I learnt a lot from them during the collaboration as they are professionals and natural when it came to acting in the music video. I salute them. I also got the chance to see how well the videographer plan when shooting the video. They are all very talented people.
Q: For those who have seen your videos but don’t really know about your background, can you describe how you juggle between being a full-time nurse in Singapore and coming up with new contents for your channel?
A: Yes, I am working as a nurse and on shift duties. But I do have off days in a week where I can spend time on my YouTube contents. The reason why I never stopped sharing my songs on YouTube is because I love to sing. It also helps me relax and “chill”… a stark contrast from my work in the hospital.
Q: Are you among the frontliners during this pandemic crisis? If yes, what has it been like for you?
A: Yes, I am. For others, it may seem very scary. But In the hospital, I see the human suffering – not just the figures (total number of cases or fatalities). I see what the patients need, I notice how some of them might be depressed when they were first diagnosed with their ailments… they are also far from their families. But here I am, as a nurse, to cheer them up. If we don’t do it, who else would? It is an unforgettable experience for me.
Q: When you do song covers, how often do you change the lyrics? Why?
A: Most of the time I change the lyrics, especially when I want to put different language in it. I want people to recognise the beauty of the KadazanDusun Murut (KDM) language. I want to promote Sabah natives.
Sheron in her nursing scrubs in Singapore. (pic: Sheron Tan)
Q: Tell us about your experience in making your videos. Which one is your favourite?
A: I love to share the positive side of me to others. You will notice I am smiling in most of my music videos. Mainly I just hope that people will be happy and my videos can cheer them up. I love making funny videos… but sometimes my video is not funny enough. I am still working on it though. I just want to see the smiling faces of people when they watch my videos. I am happy to see others happy.
Q: Why or how did you get into YouTube?
A: I first uploaded my video on YouTube in 2010. I remember that I always sing this Christian song (“There Is None Like You”) in high school. My schoolmates wanted to know how to sing that song so I decided to upload it on YouTube for sharing purposes. At first my YouTube views were not much, but the more videos I uploaded, the more people came to watch me. It motivated me to make more songs.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of becoming a YouTuber?
A: When my songs help cheer people up, or when other races or countries come to know about the KDM language or culture through my songs and they find it interesting. I am happy to represent Sabah.
Q: How many years were you in Sabah before you moved to Johor?
A: I was born in Sabah. After four years, my family and I moved to Johor because my father is a Johorean. So, my mother followed my father there. Basically, I grew up in Johor but Sabah is very close to my heart.
Q: Tell us about your parents. How did they meet? Were they supportive of your interest in making YouTube videos?
A: My father had an outstation stint in Sabah. He met my mother at the workplace. They also went to the same church. They are very supportive of my YouTube videos. Sometimes they are the ones giving me content ideas. My parents are my number one fans! They will play my videos and also to see how many views I have on YouTube daily.
Q: Do you have any siblings? If yes, how close are you?
A: Yes, I am the eldest and also the shortest among my siblings. I have a younger sister and brother. We are close like friends.
Q: Do people recognise you when you’re in public places? What is it like when random strangers approach you?
A: Only in Sabah, so far… Whenever I’m in Sabah, there are people who will ask me, “Are you Sheron Tan?” (Maybe I look different in real life compared to the video.) Ha-ha-ha!
Q: Who inspires you the most?
A: My mother… she is talented. She is the one who writes all my KDM songs.
Q: Do you see yourself doing more collaborations with Sabahan artistes in the future? If yes, who do you want to work with the most?
A: Yes, if I continue to work hard and keep producing music. There are many people I would like to work with if I have the chance to. For example, Adam Shamil, Jimmy Palikat, Hosiani Keewon and Dabra Sia, among others …
Q: Is there anything you’d like to share with your followers?
A: If you like my songs, make sure to subscribe my YouTube channel. You can also follow my Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok handles. Your support will motivate me to work harder and move forward. (Inserts smiley face emoticon)
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