14/05/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 14, 2025

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Girl band Dolla returns with new single A FTER not releasing any new song for a year, Malaysian girl group Dolla returns with its latest o Malaysian group launches MWA! features a fresh and experimental sound that is expected to capture the attention of fans. our identity. “The recording session also went very smoothly. We experimented a lot with different sounds and structures, and the detailed involvement of every Dolla member this time made the creative process even more meaningful,” she said at a press conference after the launch of the group’s new single in Bukit Bintang last Saturday.

Angel said the group was excited to collaborate once again with the creative team as it offered the girls a chance to explore new musical ideas that were more challenging and fun. “After a year without releasing a single due to being busy with concerts and several other projects, this year, we successfully released MWA! for our beloved fans. This song feels like a rebranding of

single MWA! . MWA! , created by Chelsea Warner, Gaston, Roland Lim Shi Jie and the three members of Dolla – Tabby, Sabronzo and Angel –

She also said the official music video for MWA! , which is two minutes and 20 seconds long and directed by Jasmine Wong, is different from its previous videos, taking viewers on a thrilling narrative of action and illusion. Elaborating on the music video, Angel said each Dolla member portrays a unique character, with Sabronzo appearing as a card player and Tabby as the mastermind, while she takes on the role of an agile and bold fighter. “This time, the concept is wilder and unhinged, very different from anything we have done before,” she said. Meanwhile, Tabby said MWA! marks the beginning of many new works that Dolla will be showcasing throughout the year. “We consider this year the ‘year of Dolla songs’ because many more tracks will be released. We cannot wait to bring them to the stage and hope they will attract more listeners because the songs are very fresh and different,” she said. – Bernama

The new single is just a sample of what is to come this year from Dolla. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

Angel.

Sabronzo.

Tabby.

Straw Lim’s latest album ponders identity STRAW LIM’S latest and recently released album Pulang , featuring her first single Home , sets the tone for her upcoming live showcase titled Marilah Pulang on May 24 and 25 at PJPac in 1 Utama E. her creative process, driving her to push boundaries and explore the rich possibilities of Malaysia’s multicultural soundscape.

Do Drama offers bite-sized local series for Malaysians

MALAYSIANS now have a new way to watch local dramas – one that fits their fast-paced, mobile-first lifestyles – with short drama app Do Drama offering a fresh take on tv consumption with vertical-format short series available in Malay and Chinese. Developed by Drama Byte Sdn Bhd, homegrown Do Drama caters to audiences who crave snappy, emotionally-engaging stories but have limited time for long-form episodes. From seasoned drama lovers to Gen Z viewers, the app is designed for those who prefer to watch content on-the-go, in between meetings, during their commute or before bed. The app is available for free on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Taking inspiration from China’s booming short drama platforms,

the app embraces a similar format – short dramas that are just a few minutes per episode, delivered in a vertical screen ratio for seamless mobile viewing. At the launch, Do Drama debuts with eight original short drama series, developed in collaboration with local filmmakers and creatives. Among the line-up is Paku Hatiku , directed by Aidilfitri Mohamad Yunos, known for his distinctive storytelling style and emotional depth. Another two series, Rumah Pusaka and Magika! Bulan Mengembang , are produced by Pekin Ibrahim, with the latter also featuring his wife Mona Allen as a main cast member. Spanning genres such as romance, family drama, suspense and slice-of-life, each series is crafted to reflect the richness and relatability of Malaysian stories.

Every detail of this performance, down to the stage outfit she designed and sewed by hand, is infused with deep personal meaning and a sense of connection to the land. The performance brings together an ensemble of musicians from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, featuring the rebana , seruling , sundatang , trombone, cello, guitar and more. The music will be accompanied by immersive visuals by Filamen and contemporary Chinese dance choreography by Marrow Collective, creating a multi-sensory, cross-disciplinary experience. Presented by Playspace and RMP Productions, the team behind Dondang Dongeng (Boh Cameronian Arts Awards 2024: Best Musical Direction, Best Production Values,

“As a third-generation Malaysian, what does it truly mean to be Malaysian?” posed the alternative-folk singer-songwriter, inviting audiences on an intimate journey of identity, home and belonging. Born in Kuala Lumpur and now based in Kota Kinabalu, Lim performs in over five languages – including Hinghwa, Bajau, Mandarin, Malay and English – blending traditional and contemporary elements from across Malaysia to reflect our shared cultural fabric and emotional connections. This live debut of her new album is a milestone in her artistic journey. After travelling to over 50 countries, she decided to return and root herself in Malaysia. This homecoming fuels

The live showcase of Lim’s latest album will feature guest musicians. Best of 2023), the showcase also features the single Home , which recently won Best Overall Production and Creative Excellence Award at the Short + Sweet Malaysia Festival 2024: Song, organised by KLPac. Contributing musicians on the album include sape singer-songwriter Alena Murang, tabla percussionist Prakash Kandasamy (Temple of Fine Arts), traditional Malay percussionist Hisharudy Mahmud (White Percussion Unit founder) and more. Lim’s music seeks to inspire positive change, blending soulful melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. Whether performing solo with live-looping, in a duo, trio or full band, she brings depth and tranquility to performances. She is known for her versatile style and commitment to meaningful causes.

(From left) Aidilfitri, Drama Byte general manager Mia Lim, Drama Byte director Eric Tam and Pekin launching Do Drama.

Born in KL and now based in Kota Kinabalu, Lim performs in over five languages.