14/07/2025

LYFE MONDAY | JULY 14, 2025

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Kitaro set for M’sian return F OR over four decades, Kitaro has been acknowledged as an icon of instrumental music – a Grammy- and Golden o Legendary multi-instrumentalist to stage concert at Arena of Stars on Sept 20

American activist Dennis Banks. Whether composing for film, performing at sacred sites or releasing popular albums such as Kojiki , Kitaro continues to draw fans to his music. Having performed at the Arena of Stars multiple times, Kitaro has consistently enchanted Malaysian audiences with his signature soundscapes and live shows – and this year’s concert promises to be no exception. Audiences can look forward to an immersive experience featuring acoustic instrumentation and a traditional Japanese taiko drum (approximately 24” head) mounted on floor stands, blending ancient tradition with modern musical mastery. Tickets will go on general sale tomorrow and are priced from RM198 to RM498.

Globe-winning composer, musician and producer, and a founding architect of the New Age genre. He is once again set to perform in Malaysia on Sept 20 at the Arena of Stars. With his blend of electronic artistry, traditional Japanese instrumentation and Western melodic sensibilities, he has crafted a lush, poetic and meditative sound that transcends cultural and musical boundaries. Kitaro’s music is personal expression and a global call for peace – from his Love and Peace Tour and performances at the Nagano Winter Olympics to unique collaborations such as Let Mother Earth Speak with Native THE Film Competition, which has announced its top 10 finalists for 2025, will screen the 10 short films this September in Taiping, Perak during the 2nd Raintown Film Festival. Selected from a total of 103 submissions across Malaysia, the 10 films will compete in seven award categories: Best Short Film, Jury Award, Best Director, Best Script, Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Sound Design. Organised by the Raintown Film Festival, the competition aims to discover and celebrate local short film talent while providing a platform for Malaysian filmmakers to create, share and exchange ideas. This year’s competition places particular emphasis on originality, narrative structure, interpretation of the theme “rain” and the filmmaker’s unique voice. The competition received submissions from a wide range of participants across different age groups and backgrounds – from first-time filmmakers and young creatives to experienced professionals in the local film scene. Notably, the submissions also included entries from high school students and retirees. Despite having no formal background in filmmaking, they took the initiative to pick up a camera or handphone, self-learn filming and editing, and submitted their very first short films. The 10 shortlisted films span diverse styles and genres, including Raintown Short

Kitaro is widely recognised as an icon of instrumental music.

Raintown Short Film Competition announces top 10 finalists for seven awards

Nmixx is known for its bold and ever-evolving aesthetics.

Nmixx to perform in KL on Aug 31 NMIXX is scheduled to perform at the Super K-Wave Concert on Aug 31. The gig will take place at the Idea Live Arena, 3 Damansara, commencing at 6pm. at events such as the Music Bank World Tour in Madrid and Kcon LA, Nmixx is primed to bring their electrifying energy to Kuala Lumpur.

Fans can expect a setlist packed with the group’s most popular hits and deep cuts, showcasing the outfit’s live prowess. Beyond music, Nmixx is a force to be reckoned with in K-pop fashion. Renowned for its bold and ever-evolving aesthetics, the group continously sets trends – from its coveted appointment as global ambassador for luxury fashion house Loewe to its striking use of coloured contacts.

Nmixx has been making waves with a slew of hit singles, including O.O, Dice, Love Me Like This, DASH. Sonar (Breaker) and the viral Young, Dumb, Stupid. The constant flow of singles ensures the girl group remains steadfastly in the minds and eyes of K-pop fans. Having already rocked audiences on its Nmixx Change Up: Mixx Lab tour across Australia and Bangkok, and gracing stages

narrative, and AI-generated works – showcasing the richness and creative energy of Malaysian short filmmaking. The finalists are: 1) Where the Fish Looked Up by Too Zhi Yan 2) Hujan di Tengah Hari by Faris Nabil 3) Madeleine – AI film by Goh Zi Wei 4) Hadiah Dari Hujan by Faris Nabil 5) Chili, Garlic and Onion by Kent Tan 6) Kuala Lain by Adam Taufiq Suharto 7) I Talk to the Rain by Vincent Chong Chun Yang 8) Racun Di Nadi by Najib Ya’acob 9) Drip by Drip by Liang Xuan 10) Thulir by Kuhanraj Rajasingam The selection committee was composed of five individuals active in Malaysia’s film and arts scene. Actress Leysha Al-Yahya, best known for her leading role in Muallaf directed by Yasmin Ahmad, The competition aims to discover local short film talent as well as provide a platform for exchanging ideas. experimental

joined filmmaker and screenwriter Gogularaajan Rajendran, whose short film Walay Balay was selected for the 2024 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. They were joined by artist and university lecturer Ho Chee Jen, writer-director Yazeid Suhaimi , currently studying at Vancouver Film School, and Jacky Yeap, founder of WuBen Film Magazine and the Raintown Film Festival. The final jury consists of Datuk Kamil Othman, adviser to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, Liew Suet Fun, a writer based in Taiping, and filmmaker Amen Khalid. Together, they will determine the winners in all seven award categories. The final results will be announced during the awards ceremony on the closing night of the 2nd Raintown Film Festival. The shortlisted films span diverse styles and genres. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @RAINTOWNFILMFESTIVAL

The group has been appointed as global ambassador for luxury fashion house Loewe.