24/05/2025

LYFE SATURDAY | MAY 24, 2025

24

Great comeback

Number_i drops hit EP JAPANESE music sensation Number_i has released its new EP God_I earlier this week. The boy band’s new collection of infectious tracks feature the single Frisco , alongside previous releases that landed on Billboard Japan #1 (God_I and Hirakegoma) . The EP’s title track God_I debuted at the top of the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart earlier this year. Produced by group member Yuta Kishi, the track featured a new sound for Number_i, with a melancholic top line and an addictive beat in the chorus. Other tracks in the EP highlight each artiste’s versatility, such as a bass-filled funk track, while songs such as I_Dog and Psycho sees Number_i coming back with a harder edge. The release of God_i comes after the group’s recent collaboration with Hong Kong rapper and singer Jackson Wang for a remix of his GBad single. A FTER nearly 30 years without releasing any song, actor, comedian and singer Joey Daud has finally returned to enliven the local music industry with his latest single titled Wamwamsam . This experimental pop rock song blends elements of humour, satire and deep social messages – while also highlighting the importance of education as the foundation for shaping the identity and future of society. Joey, 52, whose real name is Zulkifli Daud, said it took him nearly 30 years to overcome the trauma he faced after two albums he released in the 1990s were banned. “To release this (latest) song, my level of nervousness was indescribable. I do not know if listeners will accept it or not, especially since I am already quite old. “If this song does not get any attention, it might be the last song I am recording,” he told reporters after the song’s launch. Joey, who was the first recording artiste signed by Luncai Emas Sdn Bhd in 1994, returned to collaborate with the label to bring this project to life. He said his comeback in the music industry and the release of the new single were the result of encouragement from his wife Watie Sadali and veteran singer-songwriter Datuk M. Nasir. “Every time I met Datuk (M. Nasir), he would persuade me to return. He always said things like, ‘Come back,’ ‘Sing again’ – those were the words he kept repeating. “After discussing it with my wife, who is like my backbone, I finally made my comeback today (yesterday),” he said. Commenting on his new song, Joey said it is not just a string of o Joey Daud releases single after 30-year hiatus

Lala Hsu returns to Kuala Lumpur for concert Hsu’s concert is set to take place on Aug 10 at Megastar Arena KL.

Joey has been missing from the local music scene for three decades following the fallout of his first two albums being banned. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

AFTER eight years, Golden Melody Award-winning songstress LaLa Hsu is set to return to Kuala Lumpur with her new concert tour Sometimes, Less is More on Aug 10 Mega Star Arena KL, promising a night filled with heartfelt music. Refined by time and experience, Hsu’s music has become richer and more resonant. This time, she returns to Malaysia with songs that reflect her personal journey over the years, bringing with her the most heartfelt emotions. The gentle melancholy song such as Down in Sandbar and the melodious operatic line Riding a White Horse , both showcase Hsu’s delicate voice. Each of her songs evokes warm and profound love letters that transcend time. Widely acclaimed songs such as I Dare You , Missing , The Prayer and more,

unforgettable night for her fans. With her vocal tone and innovative songwriting style, the concert promises moments of thoughtful creativity. Whether reimagined through a string orchestra arrangement or preserving the song’s original creative essence, she masterfully conveys the music’s simplicity and richness in a profoundly captivating way. In 2017, Hsu’s You Made My Day Live tour achieved remarkable success in ticket sales. On stage, she captivated audiences with her original hits and unforgettable renditions from I Am a Singer , leaving fans yearning for more. At the end of the performance, encore calls echoed throughout the venue, further solidifying her reputation as a singer-songwriter prodigy.

(From left) Joey, M. Nasir dan Amen at the launch of Wamwamsam at Sky Ark Kuala Lumpur.

Wamwamsam directed by Amen Khalid was also launched earlier this week. Incidentally, the music video also serves as an exclusive teaser for the film Daud M Origin, which is set to begin filming at the end of this year. The music video is now available for viewing on Luncai Emas YouTube channel. – Bernama

words – but a guide to life born from experience, social observation and old memories. The single features the collaboration of two young composers Ilham Nasir and Hidayat Nasir – and includes a special rap segment by A.D, a member of the hip-hop group Isobahtos. The official music video for

Constantly striving to redefine limits, Hsu steps out of her comfort zone to embrace the joy and freedom of performing live. Through her interactions with fans, she shared her inner joy. The audience was drawn in by the music, leaning forward with rapt attention as they listened intently and left the concert with smiles lingering on their faces. This upcoming Kuala Lumpur concert is no exception. For Hsu, it represents a cherished and “luxurious” moment, as the long awaited reunion with her fans has finally come true. Ticket prices start from RM288, with the public sale commencing on May 27. Pre-sale will begin on May 26 for those who are entitled.

strike a chord with fans, capturing the emotions of youth and the bittersweet journey of love. With her distinctive vocal tone and emotionally rich songwriting, Hsu has captured the hearts of countless fans, building a dedicated following and bagging five Golden Melody Awards along the way. The concept behind this tour centres around the idea of “luxury”. This is not about material luxury, but rather the precious emotions and experiences that become more valuable with time, including achievements in career and family. Inspired by this theme, Hsu has put immense effort into the stage design and concert production to create an

This is Hsu’s second gig in Malaysia.

Number_i has won Best Music Group at GQ Japan’s Men Of The Year 2024 last year.