Sheikh as Dad

Sheikh Haikel, who is “one hundred percent Arab”, is married to television and theatre personality, the lovely Anna Belle Francis. He is dad to two kids - daughter Triqka, 8, and son Abbra, 7. At the start of our interview he tells us, “I have a good wife lah, bro…so bloody understanding. You should read her tweets bro – she gets so many comments. (on how she has to put up with him, and his self-described artist sensibility and temperament)”

Here is a man who lives by the saying, “To love your children, you must love their mother.” Sheikh is unabashedly frank in saying that he loves his wife above even his children. It is a love that expresses itself in his ultimate declaration to “stay (married) together, no matter what.”

On his own fathering style, he shares that because in Islam, children find love at the feet of their mother, he and Anna Belle have an understanding that she is the one who will give them the ‘love’, while he expresses his love through being a figure of stability, security and authority. “It is my voice that gets them moving,” he declares with a chuckle.

Sheikh continues, “I do love them, and they know that I will be there for them always.” He ensures that his children find security and stability at home with a policy that is at once welcoming and immeasurably reassuring, “… at home got food. Don’t ever think there’s no food at home. Must have food at home. Any problem, report to home.”

His Own Dad

The larger-than-life hip hop star of Singapore’s music scene, informs us that the first words his own father uttered when Sheikh was born - all 13 pounds of him - were, “Is that mine?”

Sheikh reveals that those apparently humourous words belie a more edgy, gritty side to his father, a no-nonsense man, who liberally used the belt to enforce his brand of tough, physical discipline at home. Sheikh says, “Fights with dad were frequent, and I felt a strong hate, and yet, (it was) a hate that comes from love.”

He also vividly recalls his father’s support whilst he was at school, remembering that, “he used to come to (my) school and give me awards (at ceremonies), and… kiss me.”

On Being Part of the Dads for Life Conference Panelists

On being a panelist at the 2011 Dads for Life (DFL) Conference, Sheikh says, “I didn’t believe it. I was so touched and honoured, you know…”

The Conference audience thoroughly enjoyed a good laugh with Sheikh’s candid comments.

And, similar rib-tickling humour is evident in this interview with The DFL Resource Team.

“That’s what being a father is all about. It’s funny. I was being straight up and honest (at the DFL Conference), telling them I’ve washed my kids’ a** once each, I’ve bathed them once each. That’s it,” says Sheikh.

“I did carry my kids when they were babies, I carried for a while, then I’d pass them to the maid,” he adds.

On Working with Teens

Sheikh and his wife Anna Belle host a television program, Knockout on local channel Okto alongside two teen presenters, Nigel Chew and Jermaine Leong. When asked about how he handles teens, he answers clearly in inimitable Haikel fashion, “I don’t like other people’s children. I’ve used all the like and love on mine, and I apologise to all parents out there. I don’t really like your children. But be reassured that if they need me, I will help them.” Sheikh says.

While he might not like other people’s children, Sheikh is effusive in his praise for his two co-hosts, and even more in awe of their fathers, “Jermaine’s father is a powerhouse. He’s the framework of the family.” Sheikh describes Jermaine as a beautiful girl who carries herself with a gentle femininity, combined with a firm inner strength.

Sheikh also shares, “Nigel’s father is never not there, g** d**n, that guy is always there. They go to church together. They eat together. And that’s the thing, you must have at least one meal together a day. If it’s possible…”

Father Figures and Mentors

The hip daddy reflects, “Around 1991 when I won Asia Bagus, Najip Ali became my ‘entertainment father.’” This mentoring relationship helped him find his way on stage. Even his parents now recognise Najip Ali as his mentor and ‘parent’ as well. "On stage, Najip Ali was the one who brought me up. For real, he was my father, teaching me what to do and what not to,” says Sheikh.

“The other father that I have, whom I will always love is Lincoln Cheng (owner and CEO of Zouk). He always gives me what I want; he loves me.” It is plain to see that Sheikh Haikel treasures these father figures who have been in his life since his teen years.

Parting Words

Sheikh Haikel leaves these words of encouragement for Dads for Life as he thoughtfully composes:

“Be there.

Be there.

The most important thing is to be there.

There’s no substitute for your own dad being there.”

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About the Author: The Dads for Life Resource Team comprises local content writers and experts, including psychologists, counsellors, educators and social service professionals, dedicated to developing useful resources for dads.

Guiding your child through the teenage years is always challenging for a dad. In this series on Fathers & Teenagers, focus on communicating affirmation and nurturing responsibility in your teen. Find new ways of connecting with your teenager on their world! Have a thought or insight? Read more and talk on this Theme here!

 

 

 

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