Children are especially drawn to his music, and many listeners leave a tip as a token of appreciation for the artist who has set himself up at the concourse level of Avenue K shopping mall.
Born in Batu Gajah, the flautist, whose real name is Shaharizuan Sahrie, has been a full-time street musician for almost 20 years.
His chosen name means “a traveller in transit”, and, when you meet him, his words – spoken in lilting Malay – are filled with insight and poetry, even as his personality conveys a childlike zest for life.
Apart from the dedicated busking area at the KLCC LRT station, he performs at other malls around the Klang Valley, including M3 Shopping Mall in Taman Melati, Wangsa Walk, and Da Men in Subang Jaya.
“I also play at hotels, but nothing beats busking,” says the 57-year-old, whose youthful appearance belies his age.
Alongside an amplifier and a number of flutes, most of which he handcrafted, numerous objects and figurines are part of his setup. These include various beads, a crystal, a pyramid figurine, an antique bird-of-paradise, and a stuffed toy monkey.
“They might seem random, but everything here has its meaning and importance. They are all symbolic – a representation of nature,” he says.
Then there’s the Elvis Presley songbook, a gift he likes to bring along “because it’s old” and he doesn’t like to have it sitting at home.
Ayawan first fell in love with the flute at 17, when he tried playing one made by his brother-in-law.
“I kept it in my bag and brought it everywhere I went,” he tells FMT, revealing that he has never gone for lessons and has no intention of doing so as he wants his music to sound “natural”.
He performs his own original music, which he describes as “spiritual” and largely inspired by nature and the unseen realm – and also claims to channel a “warrior spirit” when he performs.
Indeed, he likens music to nature, drawing comparisons between how the wind can make the branches sway even though it can’t be seen, and how music makes people move and feel.
The sound of the flute, he says, is healing and soul-penetrating, with the ability to slow down time and quieten the “noise” in one’s mind.
“People even begin to walk differently,” he observes, explaining that his role is to provide a meditative ambience so passersby can have momentary respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
“They might all be listening to the same song, but each person will feel different emotions.”
Curiously, he doesn’t see himself as a musician: “I am merely a vessel; the music you hear is the music I’ve ‘received’.”
He also refers to himself as a “penyair seruling malam”, which describes his role as a poet who connects man and nature through the heavenly sounds of the flute.
“I’ve often been called a ‘child of nature’,” he says with a smile.
‘Magic of Life’
Over the years, Ayawan has collaborated with and composed music for many other musicians, besides dabbling in painting, acting, dancing, and poetry.
“Before I started playing the flute, I was a street dancer. I never had any training; everything I do is spontaneous.”
In 2017, he released “Magic of Life”, his debut album. “I never wanted to sell my music, but one of my fans insisted I needed to share it,” he shares.
The album, which is 77 minutes and seven seconds long, was recorded using seven different bamboo flutes. But don’t expect to find it on Spotify or any other streaming platforms – unlike most musicians, he prefers not to upload his music on such sites.
“The metaphysics will be different,” he claims. “It’s best to listen to my music live.”
Ayawan says it wasn’t easy when he decided to resign from job as a mechanical engineer to pursue music full-time.
“Some said I was crazy, others said I was stupid. I may not be smart, but I’m definitely not stupid,” he quips.
He only had 70 sen in his pocket at one point, and worked as a waiter to make ends meet. With much persistence and determination he has managed to support himself, although he still uses public transport to minimise his expenditure.
He also operates Kopi Hainan, a stall selling coffee just outside M3 Shopping Mall, and reveals that he has been able to weather the pandemic by depending on his savings.
The going might get tough at times but, given a choice, this creative soul would unsurprisingly prefer peace of mind over money.
“When we are at peace, we can be rich – not in terms of money but in terms of time, experience and friendship.”
Asked about the people who inspire him, Ayawan says he admires the Japanese multi-instrumentalist, Kitaro.
“When I play, I pretend he is next to me – it’s as if I’m playing with him. But I don’t want to play like him; I have my own sound,” he adds.
He also cites the late film director and screenwriter, Mamat Khalid, who was a close friend who gave him plenty of guidance and advice.
‘Music is peace’
To Ayawan, music is peace; however, like every other form of art, it can come at a price.
“Music is all around us. Without music, life would be dull; we would live in a state of blissful ignorance, shrouded in anxiety.
“But if you’re not willing to sacrifice, don’t do art,” he advises – words just as compelling as his music, causing one to reflect long after the final haunting strains have faded.
Follow Ayawan’s musical journey via his Facebook and Instagram profiles.