Francissca Peter

Francissca Peter
Francissca Peter at The Asia Pacific International Entrepreneur Excellence Award in July 2011
Background information
Birth name	Francissca Peter
Also known as	Fran
Born	6 September 1961 Klang, Selangor (Born) Ipoh, Perak (Raised)
Genres	Pop, dance, jazz
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, lyricist, actor,producer, vocal coach and Freelance writer
Instruments	Vocalist
Years active	1979–present
Labels	Independent Warner Music Group, WEA, Scat, Inderoc, EMI

Francissca Peter (born 6 September 1961), also affectionately known as Fran, is a Malaysian singer-songwriter.

She has had over twenty Number 1 hits in the Malaysian music charts and was awarded "Best Female Vocalist" for five consecutive years in the mid 1980s. She has over 30 albums to her name. She has been The Ambassador to The International Aid Organisation World Vision in Malaysia since 2004.

She is also known for her work as an actress, vocal stylist, Vocal Coach and has judged numerous singing, dance and songwriting competitions, done several motivational workshops and workshops on artist management and also on vocals. Fran is also known as The Fund raising Queen having done so many Fund Raising Events.

Early life

Fran is the second in a family of four children. She attended Tarcisian Convent and The Holy Infant Jesus (Main Convent) in Ipoh Perak. She also studied at Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah in Petaling Jaya, Sekolah Kebangsaan Selayang, Selangor. After Secondary School, she took up typing and started working as a sales representative and later on as Assistant PR for a well known Batik factory and Tourist Center in Gombak run by the Chong family. It was the beginning of her journey as the bread winner of her family.^[1]

Roy & Fran

Royston Sta Maria and Francissca Peter, better known as ‘Roy & Fran’ was an unbeatable duo act in the 1980s. They were at times, dubbed ‘The Carpenters’ of Malaysia. The pairing brought them immense popularity among Malaysians. Their natural chemistry and soothing voices were admired by many, culminating in the release of two LPS. They came from a musically talented family, with their own family members dabbling in music at some point in their lives. Roy’s dad, Cyril was an accomplished jazz musician. On the other hand, has a sister, Bibiana, who released an album in the 1980s and her brother Michael, is making waves in the US with his debut album.

Right from their schooling days, both were active in the school choir and their interest in music started from a very early age. It was Malaysian pianist and composer, Michael Veerapen who suggested that Fran team up with Roy and they teamed up in 1979, when she was only 17.

They were performing every night in Merlin Hotel in KL during the 1980s when S. Atan, a renowned music producer discovered them. Then EMI, a record company in Malaysia, with the urging from local music writers and critics, signed them on and the marketing department people were immediately planning the duo’s debut album, Siapa Dia Sebelum Daku in 1982.

Roy and Fran then moved on to Genting Highlands, Kuantan and Johor Bahru. Fran had a break when Andy Williams sang at the Highlands resort and she was the Opening Act. During that time, Roy & Fran were performing at the Genting Highlands Resort Lounge and Bar.

After the success of the first LP, this was followed by Bersama Pertemuan Ini in 1983. However, after the success of the second album, Fran decided to go separate ways and develop a solo career.

Career

Fran has lent her voice to numerous TV commercials: ‘Embracing Proton’ (she was the first "Proton Girl"); on stage at the National Grand Parade she led the launch of the first Malaysian car; Malaysia Airlines (the National Carrier) with the theme ‘To Know Malaysia is to Love Malaysia’ which was later used as a song for Tourism Malaysia, McDonald’s, Nescafe, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Courts Mammoth, Carlsberg, Honda and others.

In 1984, Fran was chosen as the first and only Anti-Dadah Campaign girl for more than a year (Malaysian Anti-Drug Spokesperson). Her campaign poster was displayed in every police station in the country. The theme song for the campaign was Si Mata Merah from her first solo album Komputer Muzik and part of the proceeds for the sale of the song went to the Anti-Dadah campaign.

1986 saw her winning in the first Anugerah Juara Lagu. She was awarded for the song Sekadar Di Pinggiran and after that she just kept soaring and more local awards.

In 1987, she was the first Malaysian artist to win the International Award for "Best Song" at the 'Asean Song Festival' held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.^[2] She is also known nationwide for her rendition of Malaysia's second national anthem Setia.

Fran was always known to be Malaysia's darling - the celebrity who stayed away from cheap publicity or controversies. However, in 1987 her album Kau Bintangku was almost banned as the album cover had her wearing a crucifix.^[3] Instigated by a small group of people who did not like the fact that a non-Malay was popular with many Malay-muslim fans in Malaysia, they tried to get the album banned but Warner Music decided to digitally touch up the album cover and put it back on the shelves.^[4] Consequently, the album went Platinum.

In 1990, with five platinum discs, two gold discs and numerous awards to her name, Francissca began working in the United States. During her two years in Los Angeles, Fran worked with artists including jazz fusion pianist Brian Simpson, Sam Simms, Michael Winans of the gospel group The Winans, Vassal Benford, Kirk Whalum, Scott Maio and Himalaya. She also appeared as guest vocalist on jazz saxophonist Cal Bennett's album Local Hero singing Liberian Girl.^[5] Jazziz Magazine and Bre Magazine in the USA called her vocals A Lush Standout, An Ingenious Outing and the Most Outstanding Track.

In 2000, Fran starred in the musical "The King and I" with The Hong Kong singers. She played the role of Lady Thiang. The musical was directed by Ian Robinson and conducted by Julian Grant, one of Britain's leading opera composers. It was produced by Rupert McCowan. "The King and I" played to sell-out audiences throughout its 9-day run at The Hong Kong City Hall.

Fran has worked with numerous musicians in London including Peter Churchill, Mark Fletcher, Tim Wells and David Lim of Yokohama Sinners. While she has been successful as a commercial artiste, she is also always remembered in Malaysia as the first jazz vocalist who helped launch All That Jazz, the first ever jazz club in Malaysia. She has performed worldwide in numerous cities while on the local front, has worked with the likes of jazz maestros Michael Veerapen, Leonard Yeap, Lewis Pragasam, Jeremy Koay, Khairil, Wan, Gary Gideon, Jose Thomas, Dato’ Mokhzani, Greg Lyons, the late Terry Thaddeus, Tony Makarome Yue, David Gomes, Eric Li, Steve Thornton, Mac Chew and others.

In 2007, she was the lead soloist in the "Musical SPEX – A Spiritual Journey"^[6] held outdoors at night in Malacca. Two amazing magical nights. Also in the same year, Warner Music Malaysia released a double compilation CD album titled Berlian containing her 19 popular hits and 1 new song in 2007.^[7] Warner also released two other compilation albums in 2008, one in March 2008 titled Nostalgia Abadi (Forever Nostalgic) and another in 2009 titled Memori Hit (Hit Memories). Keunggulan Francissca Peter (The Very Best of Francissca Peter), a 37 song compilation album, was released in late January 2010.^[8]

In 2009, Fran saw the end of a love that she thought would last a lifetime, her marriage. As always a true class act Francissca Peter heartbroken as she was, she kept mum for a long time. The news of her separation was kept from the public for many years until she announced it only during her Keunggulan 33 Tahun Francissca Peter Concert in 2011 so that all the Press who were present would be on one page.^[9]

In June 2010, Warner released a love-duets album Sukma Rindu. Fran and Royston Sta Maria had two never-before released duets in the album titled Manusia and Gunung Payung plus a romantic duet with William Clark titled Cinta Abadi.

In September 2010, Warner Music Malaysia re-issued CDs of Komputer Muzik, which was released originally in 1984.

Performances

Fran performed for the President of Singapore in honour of Exemplary Mothers late 2008, also performed for the New Year’s Eve and August 2008’s Merdeka Eve KLCC-Petronas Concerts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Coming from a multi-ethnic background of Ceylonese(Sri Lanka)/Scottish and Chinese and known to be more Malay than a Malay as she has been told many times by the public, Fran has a huge love for languages and loves all types of music and with a fluency in English, Cantonese and Malay, Francissca can perform tunes and has done so English, Malay, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Tamil, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Latin and Spanish.

Her repertoire of songs include swing, classic and traditional jazz, Broadway tunes from famous musicals, contemporary pop & pop rock, disco, house and Techno, Gospel, semi-classical, evergreen melodies, R&B, pop and current ballads and her own popular Malay ballads.

She has performed for members of the Malaysian Royalty, Federal and State Ministers, The Sultan of Brunei, numerous Ambassadors and Captains of Industry. She has performed in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, Maldives, Germany, Oman, Spain, United Kingdom, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India and United States.

Keunggulan 33 Tahun Francissca Peter Concert

Fran is performing at her Keunggulan 33 Tahun Concert at Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur

On 4–6 February 2011, in conjunction with her 33 years in the Malaysian Music Industry, Fran held her first Solo Concert "Keunggulan 33 Tahun Francissca Peter" concert at The Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya.^[10] Being the most successful non-Malay Female Entertainer in the local music industry, Fran was given the honour of being the first non-Malay Entertainer ever to perform a Solo concert at the prestigious Istana Budaya. It was a sold-out, 3-night concert with Fran performing 33 songs each night with a 33-piece Orchestra. Fran received a standing ovation on all three nights including rave reviews in the local dailies and alternative media. It was an unforgettable concert for those who attended it.^[11]

Consequently, in March 2011, Warner Music Malaysia released her box set of all her albums nationally 10 CDs (except for Masih Merindu album which was under an independent label). Also included in the Box Set was a new single Tiada Gementar Lagi recorded specially for her fans as a thank you for the years of love and support given to her for the "Konsert Keunggulan 33 Tahun" (February 2011).^[12]

Charity work: World Vision Malaysia (2005–current)

Fran is sponsoring a boy from India and a girl from Indonesia under the World Vision Child Sponsorship programme. Besides being a child sponsor and Ambassador to The International Aid Organisation World Vision Malaysia for the seventh year running in 2012, Fran is constantly involved in numerous campaigns undertaken by World Vision specifically aimed at promoting and raising awareness for this non-profit organisation and its work for children all over the world and assisting and taking part in other causes and events organised by other NGOs. Indeed, she is known as the Fundraising Queen in Malaysia.^[13] The World Vision Theme Song "Tomorrow", which has continually been sung for the yearly World Vision Malaysia 30-hr Famine Concerts, World Vision events and during Fran’s shows is written by Fran and her sister, Bibiana Peter with music by MobiMusic.

In 2011 to 2012, to coincide with World Vision Malaysia's 15th Anniversary in Malaysia, they released a new single 'It Starts With Me'. The song is written by Francissca Peter, Bibiana Peter, Leonard Yeap and David Kien Lim. All proceeds from the new single is directed to World Vision Malaysia.

In February 2012, World Vision Hong Kong chose the songs 'Tomorrow' and 'It Starts With Me' to promote child sponsorship programmes on TVB Hong Kong, one of the main TV stations in Hong Kong.

In the lead to Christmas 2013 and to mark the 8th year as World Vision Malaysia Ambassador, Fran produced her maiden charity album with the support of World Vision Malaysia and her friends. Aside from Christmas favourites such as Silent Night and commercial hits like Bridge Over Troubled Waters and What The World Needs Now Is Love, the "Francissca Peter & Friends - The Love & Hope Album" also showcases the rich diversity of Malaysia featuring songs in Mandarin, Tamil and Temuan (a local Orang Asli language).

2013 The Love & Hope Album consists of 11 songs, seven solos by Francissca and four duets. Funds raised from the sale of this album will go towards the World Vision Children Development Fund to help impoverished children.^[14]

Francissca Peter received An Award of Appreciation in recognition of her Achievement in Music and the Arts and her contribution to the entertainment industry from the Ministry of Information, Arts & Culture presented by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin accompanied by the Minister of Information Arts & Culture, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Catholic Archbishop Most Reverend Tan Sri Datuk Murphy Pakiam at Dataran Merdeka during the Grand National Christmas Open House Celebrations on Monday, 31 December 2012

The Iron Lady Award 2014 was presented to Francissca Peter in recognition of her selfless effort and kind deeds for Women Community in Malaysia by The Road Safety Marshal Club Malaysia and The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development on the 12th October 2014 in conjunction With 2nd Street Crime Awareness Campaign 2014.

The Most Inspiring Women in Malaysia

On 8 March 2011, Fran was chosen as one of The Most Inspiring Women in Malaysia by The Star, one of Malaysia's leading daily newspaper.^[15]

Francissca Peter received An Award of Appreciation in recognition of her Achievement in Music and the Arts and her contribution to the entertainment industry from the Ministry of Information, Arts & Culture presented by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin accompanied by the Minister of Information Arts & Culture, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Catholic Archbishop Most Reverend Tan Sri Datuk Murphy Pakiam at Dataran Merdeka during the Grand National Christmas Open House Celebrations on Monday, 31 December 2012

2013 The Love and Hope Album Francissca Peter and Friends for the International Aid Organisation World Vision in Malaysia and all proceeds go to The Child Development Program.

2014 The Iron Lady Award 2014 was presented to Francissca Peter in recognition of her Selfless effort and Kind deeds for Women's Community in Malaysia by The Road Safety Marshal Club Malaysia and The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development on the 12th October 2014 in conjunction With 2nd Street Crime Awareness Campaign 2014.

Discography

Solo albums

Duet albums with Royston Sta Maria

• 1982: Siapa Dia Sebelum Daku
• 1982: Bersama Pertemuan Ini

Compilation albums

Singles

Compositions

List of compositions & lyrics by Francissca Peter

References

External links

• Official Website
• Francissca Peter on Facebook
• Francissca Peter on Twitter
  
• Francissca Peter on YouTube
• Francissca Peter on ReverbNation
• Francissca Peter on SoundCloud