16/06/2025

LYFE MONDAY | JUNE 16, 2025

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Independent preacher reaches out through music R ECOGNISING music’s emotional power, emerging artiste Syed Iqbal uses songs as a medium for his spiritual message. o Basstaman : Syed Iqbal’s spiritual message in song

Sofyank, Louis Koo collab goes viral A surprise collaboration between Hong Kong screen legend Louis Koo and Malaysian visual effects creator Sofyank (real name Mohamad Sofian) has taken local social media by storm, following the release of a short promotional video for Koo’s upcoming film Behind the Shadow . The quirky yet impressive 50-second spot racked up over one million views in just 12 hours, quickly becoming a trending topic among Malaysian netizens across all major social media platforms. “Koo is one of the first Hong Kong actors I have ever worked with. I grew up watching his movies – he was always the hero on TV. To now share the screen with him... it really feels like a dream come true,” Sofyank shared. Despite Koo’s packed schedule, the video shoot was completed in just under 20 minutes, thanks to both parties’ efficiency and mutual respect. “He looked really serious and cool at first, but thankfully he was incredibly professional and down-to-earth. In fact, it was Koo who suggested some spontaneous comedic moments – including the popcorn bit and a hilarious line, ‘Behind the Window’” Sofyank added with a laugh. The video features Sofyank walking through a cinema hallway holding popcorn, before accidentally bumping into a person and dropping it. Out of nowhere, Koo “steps out” of a movie poster and hands him a fresh box – all while dropping some delightfully unexpected Bahasa Malaysia lines in his Cantonese-accented voice: “ Jom sapot !” (Let’s support!). Netizens were charmed. Many praised the East-meets-Southeast-Asia pairing as refreshing, fun and culturally heartwarming. Sofyank (left) highlights Koo’s professionalism during the filming of the promotional video.

With his debut single titled Basstamam , this independent preacher takes his first step into the local music scene with the aim of spreading positive messages to the public. “Initially, I was hesitant to combine preaching with entertainment because I value the purity of dakwah that is not mixed with the entertainment world. But after receiving advice

from my teacher, I decided to take this risk. “Perhaps this approach could broaden the reach of my preaching. God willing, I pray that everything goes smoothly and is eased,” he told a press conference last week.

Syed Iqbal’s debut single explores the themes of inner peace and happiness in the face of life’s pressures. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

composed by Amir Hufaz, Wan Saleh and Abdulkarim Al Ali. “The strength of this song really lies in the blend of Malay and Arabic lyrics. Our (Malay) culture has long been familiar with Arabic, the language of the Quran, so hearing Arabic in songs makes us feel at ease. “Maybe that is also why the song has the potential to become a hit, locally and in Indonesia,” said Syed Iqbal, who plans to continue performing songs in a similar style. Since its release, the song has created buzz on social media, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. It has also inspired the Wahai Bulan Purnama trend, which showcases personal transformation stories toward goodness. Basstamam is available on all digital streaming platforms and its music video can be viewed on Masyhur’s official YouTube channel. – Bernama

about soothing the people we love – whether friends, family or a partner – so they can enjoy life free from stress and burdens. “I hope listeners truly

Speaking about his single, the artiste – signed to the Islamic-oriented label Masyhur, under Universal Music Malaysia – said the song explores the themes of inner peace and happiness in the face of life’s pressures. “This song carries a heartfelt message

absorb every lyric and feel that sense of ‘ basstamam ’ (deep peace) in their hearts. We all need tranquility and I hope this song becomes a balm for souls going through trials,” he said. Raised in Egypt, Syed Iqbal had no trouble delivering the desert-style track with a Middle Eastern feel,

Syed Iqbal uses songs as a medium for his spiritual message.

Marsha, Dolla to represent Malaysia at Asean-Korea Music Festival LOCAL artistes Marsha Milan Londoh and the girl group Dolla have been selected to represent Malaysia at the Asean-Korea Music Festival 2025, which will be held at Zepp Kuala Lumpur next Saturday and Sunday. Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said both artistes were chosen for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, in line with the festival’s aim of strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering closer Asean-Korea ties through the arts. regional sociocultural cooperation, promote cultural and heritage tourism, and support the growth of the country’s creative economy. “Cultural initiatives such as this festival show that arts and culture can serve as a bridge that unites regional countries in pursuit of unity, stability and shared prosperity.

“Marsha is recognised for her powerful vocals and Kadazandusun heritage, which highlight Malaysia’s cultural diversity and ethnic communities as part of the national identity. “Meanwhile, Dolla is a Malaysian girl group known for their modern musical style and stage presence on par with K-pop artistes. With a large number of social media followers and an international fanbase, they serve as a valuable asset in Malaysia’s digital cultural diplomacy strategy,” he told reporters after appearing as a guest on the Hello Asean programme at Wisma Bernama. Shaharuddin said the festival is part of Malaysia’s strategic efforts as the Asean chair in 2025 to enhance

“The festival is not only about entertainment performances but also includes industry networking opportunities and artistic exchanges, in line with Asean’s mission to foster a strong regional identity through cultural platforms,” he added. The event will also feature artistes from other Asean countries, namely He’ Lay (Myanmar), 1st One (Philippines), Minh Toc & Lam (Vietnam), Thay Champasak (Laos), Yung Raja (Singapore), The Pujanggas (Brunei), Retrospect (Thailand), Tep Boprek (Cambodia), Yan Josua (Indonesia), as well as Dragon Pony, Paul Kim and Touched from South Korea. Shaharuddin expressed hope that the festival would not only serve as a

Girl group Dolla is said to have a stage presence on par with K-pop artistes. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @DOLLAOFFICIAL

Malaysia 2026 target. “We view this festival as an opportunity to promote Malaysia’s cultural and heritage tourism products more widely, including to international markets, which will in turn positively impact the national economy,” he said. – Bernama

platform for entertainment and artistic expression but also as a symbol of the close cooperation between Asean and Korea in the fields of arts, culture, tourism and the creative economy. “We also hope the festival will attract more tourists to Malaysia in the coming years, in line with the Visit

Marsha is known for her powerful vocals. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @MARSHAMILANLONDOH