02/02/2026

LYFE MONDAY | FEB 2, 2026

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Ella prepares for return to grand stage o Queen of Rock watches health, diet, sleep ahead of Bukit Jalil concert F OLLOWING the excitement surrounding national songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin’s concert mission and turning this concert into a piece of history that we want to create,” she told reporters at a media luncheon recently. acoustics. The technical team has taken all these factors into account.” “We will also be supported by large LED screens so that audiences seated far away can still enjoy the performance,” she said.

Sharing her preparations for the mega concert, the wife of Captain Azhar Ghazali said that besides vocal training, she is also paying close attention to her health, including diet, exercise and getting sufficient rest. “I watch what I eat, cut down on sugar, exercise and, most importantly, get enough sleep. If possible, I make sure I’m in bed before 10 or 11 at night,” said the singer, who is known for hits such as Retak and SepiSekuntum Mawar Merah . In terms of performance, Ella said all plans have been meticulously arranged with an experienced production team, which has helped her feel calmer despite the scale of the show being far larger than her previous concerts. Working closely with organiser Hitman Group, including sharing ideas to ensure smooth execution, the legendary singer said special attention is being given to sound quality at the large venue as well as visuals, to ensure audiences in every corner of the stadium enjoy the best possible experience. “I’m not overwhelmed because I have a very good team. We’re also very sensitive to sound and venue

earlier this month, entertainment fans are now turning their attention to another mega performance by Malaysia’s Queen of Rock, Ella, who is set to heat up the stage on Feb 14. Ella’s return to the same iconic venue – the Bukit Jalil National Stadium – after a long absence from large-scale performances has sparked lively discussion among fans, with some already beginning to compare her upcoming Majlis Tertinggi Rockqueen Ella concert with other major shows previously held at the stadium. However, the singer, whose real name is Nor Zila Aminuddin, said such comparisons do not place significant pressure on her. Instead, she believes her main challenge is ensuring that the mega concert succeeds in creating yet another historic moment in her more than four-decade artistic journey. More than just an ordinary concert, Majlis Tertinggi Rockqueen Ella will take audiences through the rock queen’s musical journey, while also serving as a special tribute to loyal fans who have continued to support her since the early days of her music career. “My only pressure is making sure that I am truly prepared. That pressure is about fulfilling the

Meanwhile, Hitman Group chief executive officer and founder Rohit Rampal said about 90% of tickets for the concert – involving more than 50,000 tickets – have been sold so far, and the organisers are optimistic that the remaining tickets will be snapped up before concert day. At the same event, several guest performers were announced, including Amir Masdi, Sam Bunkface and Tam Spider, while two more names are being kept under wraps as a surprise for audiences. Organised by Hitman Solutions and Rockqueen, the concert carries the theme Peace, Love & Rindu. The Peace element symbolises solidarity with the struggle of the people of Gaza, Love addresses the issue of bullying in educational institutions, while Rindu is dedicated to local artistes who continue to create and contribute to the industry. Interestingly, the concert is not merely about entertainment. Each ticket purchase also gives audiences the opportunity to choose a donation fund: Peace for Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia, Love for Yayasan Kebajikan Negara, or Rindu for Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanah Air. – Bernama

Ella says special attention is being given to sound quality and visuals at the concert venue. – BERNAMAPIC

Chinese who raps in Malay dazzles at Jakarta’s BigBang Festival Singing since he was a child, Francis is respected for his sharp lyricism, quick wit and commanding stage presence in the competitive rap battle scene.

A Chinese Malaysian rapper who performs primarily in Bahasa Malaysia, Francis Roman, is drawing regional attention after being invited to perform at BigBang Festival 2025 in Jakarta – a major New Year’s countdown event that attracted over 30,000 live attendees. In a regional music scene where language and cultural boundaries often define audiences, Francis’s rise stands out. As a Chinese artiste choosing to rap in Malay, he represents

presence. By 2025, clips of his performances began circulating widely on social media, catching the attention of overseas audiences and eventually leading to his invitation to perform on Jakarta’s countdown stage. From a Chinese kid rapping in Malay at local stages to performing before tens of thousands overseas, Francis’s journey reflects more than personal success – it signals how cross-cultural Malaysian music is beginning to resonate across the region.

international radar. Tracks such as Wangsa Maju, Ok Je , and Spit It Out later gained strong recognition within Malaysia’s hip-hop community. He also co-founded YouTube collective FKK Heros, where their content resonated strongly with youth audiences, with several videos surpassing one million views. In parallel, Francis built credibility in the competitive rap battle scene, earning respect for his sharp lyricism, quick wit and commanding stage

hardship. During his college years, Francis faced financial struggles while continuing to pursue music. In 2017, he took a significant leap by writing and producing his own material – and made a defining decision to rap predominantly in Bahasa Malaysia, a choice that challenged expectations for a Chinese Malaysian artiste at the time. That same year marked a breakthrough when he became a top four finalist at Aloft Perth Amplified by MTV Asia 2017, placing him on a wider

a growing cross-cultural wave in Malaysian hip-hop – one that is now gaining traction beyond national borders. Francis’ musical journey began at home, singing children’s songs with his mother. At 12, he discovered rap and was drawn to its rhythm, storytelling and raw emotional expression. By 15, he was already performing with a band and competing in music competitions, frequently emerging as a winner. His path, however, was not without