20/01/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2026

25

Local film makes bank M ALAYSIAN film Papa Zola The Movie continues to showcase the strength of local creativity, o Papa Zola The Movie takes RM59.8 million at box office in Malaysia that resonate with

contributing RM58.5 million. This outstanding achievement not only reflects the strong support of local audiences, but also symbolises the rise of Malaysian animation as a key driver in the national film industry. Papa Zola The Movie has consistently attracted audiences of all ages, thanks to its heartwarming storytelling, strong family themes and entertaining humour. Beyond entertainment, the film carries meaningful values, family messages and local cultural identity

Malaysian audiences. The combination of sincere storytelling and high-quality production has been a key factor behind the film’s box office success. The RM60 million milestone serves as an inspiration for creatives to continue producing bold, fresh and worthwhile works on a broader scale. Papa Zola The Movie tells the story of Papa Zola, a hardworking father supporting his small family. Unexpectedly, he reunites with an old friend who once served alongside him in the secret organisation Papa (Protect and Prevent Agency). But things take a tense turn when his child Pipi is kidnapped by extraterrestrial beings. Papa Zola, together with Mama Zila, must act swiftly to save Pipi and protect the world from imminent threats. The film is now screening in cinemas across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, and will premiere in Indonesia this Friday. It is also slated for release in India, Vietnam and key Middle Eastern markets, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Turkiye in April.

achieving a box office collection of RM59.8 million in the country alone, with the numbers going up to RM60 million when Brunei is taken into account. Last year, two animated films were released, generating a combined total of RM118.3 million, with Papa Zola The Movie contributing RM59.8 million and Ejen Ali The Movie 2

Shin to set stage ablaze at Arena of Stars Papa Zola The Movie tells the story of Papa Zola (right), a hardworking father supporting his small family.

Papa Zola The Movie has consistently attracted audiences of all ages, thanks to its heartwarming storytelling, strong family themes and entertaining humour.

Az Samad revisits early recordings in new EP MALAYSIAN fingerstyle guitarist Az Samad has released a new five-track acoustic EP, titled Sehayat Dalam Sedetik, embodying the core philosophy of depth over time.

tuning, a defining element of Az’s playing style. He cites late guitarist Eric Roche as a mentor, with additional stylistic influences drawn from fingerstyle players such as Michael Hedges and Alex De Grassi. Among the tracks, Mengapa was written in response to grief following the death of a friend’s father, while Kit’s Song reflects a friendship formed during his years overseas. Bayang Biru takes structural cues from classic folk ballads. Az is a Yamaha Music Malaysia guitar ambassador and NUX endorsee. He recently showcased his versatility at the Klang River Festival, blending instrumental virtuosity with spoken word poetry. The EP is available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp and YouTube Music.

ROCK powerhouse Shin is set to bring his “All In” concert tour to the Arena of Stars on March 21. Known for his explosive live performances and unmistakable high-register vocals, Shin promises an electrifying night of rock, emotion and shared memories, delivering a full-scale live experience for fans. Widely regarded as one of Mandopop’s most powerful rock vocalists, Shin first rose to prominence as the frontman of legendary rock band Shin Band before embarking on a successful solo career that has spanned more than two decades. Often described by fans as a “rock beast” with a tender heart, Shin is known for combining raw vocal power with emotional depth. His iconic songs such as Si Le Dou Yao Ai (Die To Love) , Li Ge (Farewell Song) , Hai Kuo Tian Kong (Sea & Sky) and Huo Shao De Ji Mo (Burning Loneliness) have become timeless anthems, shaping the soundscape of an entire generation and cementing his legacy as a defining voice in Chinese rock music. The “All In” concert tour represents a significant milestone in Shin’s career, serving as his first large-scale personal tour in years and a culmination of his musical journey to date. Since its launch, the tour has travelled across multiple cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xiamen, Changchun and Changsha, drawing packed venues and overwhelming audience response. True to its name, “All In” reflects Shin’s personal philosophy of giving everything to every performance, treating each show as a once-in-a-lifetime moment shared with his audience. Audiences can expect a setlist that

The instrumental EP, which arrived on Jan 1, draws from recordings made between 2004 and 2010, many of them captured during Az’s time in Berkeley, California. The tracks were recently revisited and remixed, with the original performances largely preserved. The title translates to “a lifetime in a second” and reflects the personal context behind the release. “It reflects how the quality of a friendship or experience isn’t defined by duration. Sometimes, a single moment can feel like a lifetime. This record is about cherishing the people around us,” Az said. The EP is built around the Dadgad

Sehayat Dalam Sedetik represents a return to his roots, a document of Az’s evolution as a composer and a heartfelt gift to the fingerstyle community.

With unwavering passion and a voice that refuses to fade, Shin continues to prove that rock is not defined by age, but by spirit. blends newly released tracks, such as Ai Hui Tong De , Wang Ji Bu Hui (Love Will Hurt, Never Forgotten) and Wo Dui Ni De Ai Yong Chui Bu Xiu (My Love for You Will Never Perish) with re-arranged classics and unforgettable sing-along anthems. The concert showcases Shin’s relentless stamina as he sings from start to finish with a single microphone, delivering soaring high notes, emotionally charged ballads and full-throttle rock performances. The show promises not only musical intensity, but moments of vulnerability, nostalgia and genuine connection that define the “All In” experience. Tickets are priced from RM282 to RM882. More than just a concert, “All In” is Shin’s declaration of devotion to the stage, to music and to the fans who have grown alongside him through the years.

Az has been active in the Malaysian music scene for about 30 years and continues to perform and record instrumental work.