Perplexing the masses

LOOKS can be deceiving. The guy with piercings and tattoos may turn out to be kind and sensitive, whereas the shy and quiet girl who’s always engrossed in a book at the corner may actually be a lead singer in a rock band.
The latter is one way many would describe Kareema Ramli. She may appear as a girlish girl, but the 24-year old is a vocalist in local hardcore rock band Maddthelin, an avid gamer, and a well engineer at an oil and gas company.
“To be honest, when I first decided to pursue this career I had no idea what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that I needed to do something fulfilling and I couldn’t see myself slogging in front of a computer eight hours a day for the rest of my life, so I YOLO-ed (You Only Live Once) my way into it and boy am I glad that I did!” exclaimed the mechatronics engineering graduate.
Due to the nature of her job, Kareema had to leave the comforts of her home to be stationed in Miri, where she occasionally goes off to an oil rig in the middle of the ocean and away from civilisation. While that may drive many to give up, this lass wouldn’t hoist a white flag and set a course for home even if she could turn back time.
“I wouldn’t change a thing. This job has made me tougher – mentally and physically – and more independent. I used to be a wimp who was afraid of, and allergic to everything under the sun. But I’ve actually lost most of my allergies since I started this job,” unveiled the University of Nottingham alumni.
How do you cope with being far away from family and friends, and how do you keep yourself occupied?
My family has always been very supportive; they want me to achieve my goals and they never hold me back. It keeps your mind at peace when the people you leave behind are more concerned about your development than having you around.
I used to rot away in my room playing video games all day. But that has changed because I spend plenty of hours outdoors for my job and it has given me a new hunger for nature. So whenever I can, I would travel or drive to a random spot to watch the sun set.
What’s one thing you enjoy and dislike about working on an oil rig?
I really like the simple lifestyle. You live on two sets of clothing for almost a month; have fixed meal times and at no charge; and work on outdoor tasks that are always fulfilling. You feel like you achieve something every single day. Not to mention, the view is beautiful and never the same each day. The only thing I dislike is writing reports. But then again, who likes writing reports?
How did you get involved with Maddthelin?
Its male vocalist, Lenny found me via Facebook at a time when I was actively posting videos of my singing the songs I wrote. I was only supposed to replace Maddthelin’s other vocalist who was busy with exams, but she left the band soon after over personal reasons so I was asked to stay. I had my reservations at first, in fear of the fans’ reactions. However, the band was in the middle of writing a new album, and having no vocalist would render their efforts null. My creative side was also beckoning me to join in the writing process. Moreover, I’ve already formed a bond with the boys.
What’s more difficult: working offshore or performing in front of a live crowd? Which would you rather do for the rest of your life?
Difficulty-wise, I would say working offshore. It is mentally and physically taxing, and almost always filled with obstacles and challenges. But like I said, that’s what makes it fulfilling. Performing, on the other hand, comes naturally. You get up there and let the music control you. The best performances happen when you don’t think.
These two are very different aspects of my life: career versus hobby. I love both. It would be like having to choose between chicken and cake. No can do!

TRIVIA
Band she wishes to perform with: Pentatonix.
On loop: Avenged Sevenfold’s Afterlife.
Dream performing stage: A helideck.
Favourite food: Nando’s.
Favourite artists of all time: Tyler Carter and Tori Kelly.
Secret talent: Blood cupping.