KOTA BHARU: They may have put the lid on their “Cekopis” banana popia business, but singer-composer Cat Farish and his wife, Shikin Maembong, are already stirring up plans for a new creative venture.
The couple have their sights set on eventually opening an art gallery complete with its own café.
While the hunger to remain in the food and beverage industry persists—especially since their signature banana fritters remain a hit with fans and fellow celebrities—Cat believes it is time to pivot.
For now, the 52-year-old musician has advised Shikin, 41, to swap the spatula for the paintbrush.
“We want to focus on other commitments. Shikin is currently busy completing 40 paintings for her solo exhibition after Aidilfitri. For now, we are putting the food business on the back burner,” said Cat when met at the Kelantan State Art Gallery recently.
Cat himself is hardly slowing down. Aside from a showcase with Datin Alyah, he is preparing for a trio of concerts involving Ruffedge, The Fabulous Cats, and a special project dedicated to traditional Malay rhythms.
“The traditional concert is about elevating our heritage by having new singers perform popular hits rearranged with traditional melodies,” he explained.
The couple was in town alongside Shikin’s father, the renowned national artist Ismail Embong, and actress Emma Maembong for the Wajah Seni Warisan Malaysia exhibition.
Their previous business, Cekopis, located in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, ceased operations last October after less than a year.
Reflecting on the closure, Shikin noted that the challenges of running a physical shop were eye-opening.
From the difficulty of maintaining quality when managed by staff to more “unusual” hurdles, it was a steep learning curve.
Shikin shared that some customers claimed they could not see the shop, while others reported the mysterious scent of roses or an inexplicable influx of flies.
“When those things happened, Cat suggested I return to my first love: painting. I am now a full-time artist,” she said.
Despite the shift, the dream of a gallery-café remains.
“Many of our celebrity friends also paint, so it would be wonderful to have a space where we can all showcase our work together,” she added, noting that loyal customers still track her down for Cekopis orders even without a storefront.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
