14/05/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 14, 2025

25

Celebration of unbreakable bonds A T the launch of her new album Dekati , Australia-based rock princess JessC took centre o JessC, Fauziah Latiff unite in first duet Tak Terpisah at Dekati album launch evening was the live duet between JessC and Jee. Dressed in elegant white Malay traditional attire, JessC stood beside Jee, who donned a sleek ponytail and a commanding

stage with Malaysian pop diva Fauziah Latiff, known affectionately as Jee, in their debut duet performance of the emotionally powerful song Tak Terpisah (Never Separated). The event transcended cultural and ethnic boundaries, bringing a heartfelt message of unity, love and resilience through music – a performance that brought the crowd to its feet with thunderous applause and cheers. Even before its official release, the Dekati album has already gained traction. The music video for five songs has garnered over six million views on YouTube and is making waves in Indonesia, with numerous media outlets covering the story and conducting interviews. The event kicked off with a cinematic medley of JessC’s music videos, including Demi Impian, Dekati, Satu Suara Raya, Expose and the much-anticipated Tak Terpisah . Fans were visibly moved as scenes from the singer’s musical journey played across the screen. But the true highlight of the

presence – the two looked as if they had stepped straight out of the album cover. Their harmonised voices delivered the poignant message of “ Tak terpisah walau berbeza ” (never separated, even if we are different), touching hearts and uniting the audience in a moment of shared emotion. The performance concluded with fans presenting flowers and gifts, while Jee playfully turned the tables by pretending to be the event’s photographer, adding a joyful twist to the heartfelt moment. “Dekati is a song about having the courage to face life’s challenges,” JessC shared onstage last Friday. She recalled her admiration for Jee dating back over a decade, especially after performing Jee’s iconic song Dia . Collaborating with her idol on their first duet was the fulfilment of a long-held dream. “JessC’s beauty shines from within,” Jee said warmly. “The first time I heard the demo of Tak Terpisah , I cried. The song has soul – it speaks of love, respect,

JessC (left) and Jee launching the Dekati album.

togetherness and life. It is a song that resonates with everyone.” Jee also expressed how the song served as a reminder to appreciate love, friendship and family amid the hustle of daily life. JessC, ever grateful and lighthearted, revealed Jee had recently wrapped filming the drama Sri Kandi , where she played a queen. During filming, Jee had a minor accident falling off a horse, which alarmed the crew, but she fortunately emerged unscathed. Looking ahead, JessC teased two more duet projects with Jee are in the works, including an upbeat track titled Kawan Baik (Best Friends). When asked how she balances her busy schedule, Jee shared: “Everyone’s life is different. What matters most is knowing how to stand back up after a fall and respecting life and one another.” JessC added: “Do not fear failure. Do not let problems defeat you. Life is hard, but we must face it bravely and learn from every fall.” In a lighthearted exchange, JessC asked Jee: “How would you rate my singing?” Jee laughed and responded: “You have improved a lot – we have successfully blended our voices.” JessC also proudly showed off a handmade necklace crafted by Jee,

Jee (left) and JessC celebrate a

decade of friendship.

Today, the Dekati album is not only captivating audiences in Malaysia but also sparking a wave of excitement across Indonesia. This cross-cultural success story stands as a testament to the power of friendship, mutual admiration and musical harmony between two talented women who dared to dream – and sing – together. blockbusters and local horror movies, Jumbo has stood out. “It has been a long time since we have had an Indonesian family film,” said Adi, 38, who watched the movie with his wife Ria and their two young children. He added that “in Southeast Asia, it will work because the culture is similar, but I am not sure about regions beyond that”. The film has given hope to Indonesian audiences that their local productions could see more global success. Cinemagoer Dika, 27, said she believes “the film could rival Disney productions”. Ryan himself has more modest ambitions, hoping simply that his debut feature will become “a stepping stone and a benchmark for Indonesian animation” in the future. – AFP

symbolising their growing friendship and creative bond. The Tak Terpisah music video was shot in Malaysia, produced by an Australian team and directed by an American filmmaker. Their collaboration can be traced back to a concert 10 years ago, where Jee appeared as a guest and the two artistes connected through music.

Fans presenting flowers and gifts to Jee (left) and JessC.

Animated Indonesian film Jumbo smashes records “I predicted the film would be popular – but not this much,” said operator Flix Cinema film programming supervisor Petrus Kristianto Prayitno Santoso.

AN Indonesian animated movie is smashing regional box office records and could be set for wider success as it prepares to open beyond the Southeast Asian archipelago’s silver screens. Jumbo – a film based on the adventures of main character Don, a large orphaned Indonesian boy facing bullying at school – last month became the highest-grossing Southeast Asian animated film, raking in more than US$8 million (RM34.3 million). Released at the end of March to coincide with the Eid holidays after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, the movie has hit eight million ticket sales, the third highest in Indonesian cinema history, according to Film Indonesia. The film explores “what we have lost in life and the strength we need to overcome it”, said director Ryan

Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and Mongolia, said the film’s production house Visinema Studios chief content officer Anggia Kharisma. The company said other release dates are still in discussion, meaning it could be set for a global roll-out. In an industry flooded with Hollywood

Adriandhy Halim. “We hope to encourage a change, it is for people to treat (each other) more kindly and we want Jumbo to be a reminder that everyone deserves respect, no matter what is your background, whatever age group you are.” In the film, Don has a storybook filled with magical tales, including a meeting with a fairy who wants him to help her reconnect with her family. “This film is for us, for our children, and for the child within us,” Ryan said. For weeks after its release, Jumbo kept theatres packed across Indonesia. The movie – which began production five years ago and called on the help of 400 local creators – surpassed the regional record set by Malaysia’s Mechamato Movie in 2022. Its success has caught many in the Indonesian film industry by surprise.

However, the film’s wider appeal will be tested when it opens in more than 17 countries in June, including

Jumbo has hit eight million ticket sales, the third highest in Indonesian cinema history. – AFPPIC