As Singapore hip-hop icon Sheikh Haikel and former actress-presenter Anna Belle Francis approach their 25th wedding anniversary on June 24, 2024, they take a moment to reflect on the past year and share their aspirations for the future. In an exclusive article by Elisa Chia from The Straits Times, the couple shares about family, parenting, and the milestones their children have achieved.
Navigating 2023: A Year of Unity and Happiness
As the couple welcomes the New Year, Anna Belle Francis can’t help but chuckle as she shares her perennial wish: “Oh, please help make me be a better mother to my three children.” Sheikh Haikel, the 48-year-old pioneering rapper, chimes in, celebrating the family’s resilience and joy in successfully navigating the challenges of 2023. With daughter Triqka turning 20, son Abbra graduating in computer science, and youngest son Juz entering Primary 4, the family has witnessed various milestones.
Parenting Evolution: From Commands to Conversations
Reflecting on her role as a mother, Francis, a 45-year-old former actress-presenter, notes the shift in her parenting approach. Instead of mere commands, she now engages her older children in reflective conversations, guiding them towards responsible decision-making and understanding consequences. The realisation that her children are no longer kids but young adults prompts a reevaluation of her parenting style.
Open Communication: A Foundation of Trust
In an era of privacy concerns, Haikel emphasises the importance of trust and open communication within their family. The couple ensures their children can speak their minds without fear, fostering a sense of security. Contrary to invasive practices, Haikel shares that he has never spied on their children’s mobile phones, reinforcing the trust built over the years.
Looking Forward to 2024: New Beginnings and Final Chapters
As the family ushers in 2024, Haikel expresses his ambition to release his fifth and final album, marking his exit from the music industry. This decision aims to pave the way for expanding his halal restaurant business, including Wakuwaku Yakiniku. The couple acknowledges their 25th wedding anniversary as a significant milestone, planning a modest celebration with a home-cooked meal by their children, a tradition upheld in previous years.
Future Goals: Morning Routines and Family Time
Beyond the music industry and entertainment, the couple reveals their hopes for the future. Francis desires for her children to adopt morning routines, emphasising the importance of small yet committed tasks for personal growth. In addition, the couple underscores the need for family time, setting a goal of spending at least seven days together every December. Amidst the busyness of their children’s lives, they aim to preserve the family bond.
The insights shared by Sheikh Haikel and Anna Belle Francis offer a glimpse into the challenges, joys, and aspirations of a couple who have stood the test of time in their marriage and respective careers. As they embark on their silver anniversary, the couple’s journey inspires and resonates with readers, showcasing the resilience and warmth that family brings.