ANUAR ZAIN was raised in an environment rich with musical influence, with family heritage tracing back as far as his grandparents who were tutored in classical Indian arts and music. His father, a civil servant by profession, sang and performed extensively in Singapore and Malaya in the 1950's (retiring from both professions by the early 90's to focus on his children's career i.e. Anuar and Ziana). He proved to be Anuar Zain's greatest influence. His first musical performance was by chance at a family wedding at the age of twelve. Many functions and performances later, 13-year-old Anuar was offered a recording contract with EMI; launching the popular duo "Anuar dan Ellina". They enjoyed great success through four albums in a very brief two years; another album followed two years later. The two sang mostly Malay Pop songs and made frequent television appearances.