02/03/2026

LYFE MONDAY | MAR 2, 2026

24

Anuv Jain to hold first-ever performance in Kuala Lumpur

INDIAN and composer Anuv Jain will be taking his Dastakhat Tour 2025–2026 to Kuala Lumpur on July 29 at Zepp KL. Rising from an online sensation to a global indie music powerhouse, Anuv has made a strong impact with his ability to capture raw human emotions and compelling live performances. The Dastakhat Tour marks a significant moment in Anuv’s acclaimed trilogy of tours. This tour represents a culmination of his story so far and an invitation to audiences worldwide to join him as he steps beyond borders, bringing his heartfelt sound to fans miles away from home. His first national tour Dastakein (2021) sold out across 10 Indian cities. Each stop comprised of a symbolic “dastak” (knock) introducing his music to audiences across India. In 2023, he singer-songwriter

then independently produced his Guldasta (bouquet) Tour, which drew record crowds and provided audiences a vibrant experience of immersive performances that deepened his connection with audiences. Since 2012, he has released 14 singles. He made his debut on Coke Studio Bharat with Arz Kiya Hai . Afsos (January 2025) marked his first-ever collaboration featuring Canadian rapper AP Dhilion. His success has also transcended borders – Husn (December 2023) garnered over 500 million streams globally, climbing Spotify Viral charts to second worldwide and first in India, Pakistan, Bhutan and the Maldives. Jo Tum Mere Ho (August 2024) followed, becoming his second consecutive number one hit in India. Tickets, starting from RM328, will be available from Thursday.

IN conjunction with Ramadan, singer Black Hanifah has come forward with his latest single titled Hadirmu Ramadan , a reflective work that highlights messages of repentance and hope, in line with the spiritual essence of the holy month. Serving as co-composer and lyricist, Black, whose real name is Hanifah Muhammad Hanafiah, described the song as a gentle reminder to make Ramadan a time for spiritual purification and self-reflection, rather than merely celebrating it as a festive season. He said the main inspiration for the song stemmed from his personal experiences of embracing the Ramadan atmosphere, particularly the serenity of its nights, the prayers offered and the sense of longing that returns each time the sacred month arrives. “This song is also inspired by witnessing how Ramadan can soften the human heart. Even if only momentarily, its impact remains profound,” he said in a statement. Admitting that it is not easy to deliver a song with a spiritual theme, the 39-year-old singer said one of the main challenges was ensuring the delivery remained sincere and not cliche, while also making sure the message was clearly understood by listeners. “Most importantly, I wanted to ensure the song remains sincere and not overdone. I want the message to feel close to listeners without being too heavy or too light. “Each line of the lyrics is arranged like a dialogue between a servant and his Creator, born from an inner voice filled with repentance and honesty,” he said. Collaborating with singer Hazama as a co-lyricist, Black said the partnership came about spontaneously after he shared the song’s demo. The father of Khaleef Dayyan and Rindu Dayyana said their casual discussions on the lyrics opened up room for refinement so that the song would better align with its emotional tone and melody. “The combination of ideas made Hadirmu Ramadan more balanced and soulful,” he said, adding that the process of completing the song took several weeks. He hopes the song will accompany listeners in their Ramadan reflections and serve as a reminder of the values of moderation and sincerity throughout the holy month. Hadirmu Ramadan is available for streaming on all digital music platforms, while the official music video can be viewed on the Nova Music Videos YouTube channel. – Bernama Black Hanifah’s message of reflection Ramadan atmosphere. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @NOVA MUSIC VIDEOS Black says the song was inspired by his personal experiences of embracing the

The 30-year-old singer-songwriter is known for capturing raw human emotions.

Mamak sessions to musical EP o Smesta tackles unemployment, changing dating scene in new release

S MESTA has released its new EP Smesta Maju , a collection of “ mamak -style” chronicles – the unfiltered, raw and often bittersweet talks with friends late at night, that is beyond water-cooler chats. “What do we talk about when the world settles down, and we’re stuck at a mamak table at 2am?” – the EP answers this question candidly. Inspired by the burden of unemployment and the inexplicable social shifts in Malaysian culture, Smesta Maju delves into the pulse of the streets as it narrates the urban youth’s anxiety. Opening with Tanam Anggur, the track captures the existential dread of waking up early only to realise you have no job to go to and nowhere to be. This is followed by Satu Malam Berdiri – a candid exploration of the rising “one-night stand” culture that has become increasingly prevalent in the local social and dating scene. The narrative takes a desperate, relatable turn with Kacip , which depicts that specific moment when you and your housemate are left literally praying to God because your “supplies” have finally run out. As the year winds down, Sumpahan Disember reflects on the recurring seasonal gloom, the feeling that it is just another December, same as the last. The journey concludes with Berdiri Di Kota Ini , the ultimate mamak -table realisation: that no matter how hard the hustle gets, we still have to survive and find our place in this city. Commemorating the release, Smesta brought these mamak -table stories to the stage for a special acoustic set on Saturday at SUA 616 Cafe, with Maniac Monday as its opening act. A sextet alternative rock and emo band, comprising Kopi (vocalist), Sandro (bassist), Zakuan (guitarist – rhythm), Eli Nyson (drummer), Mior (keyboardist and ukulelist) and Adams (lead guitarist), Smesta is known for its high-energy performances and music that blends elements of post-hardcore, pop and alternative rock with a distinctly Malaysian identity. Smesta Maju is available on all streaming platforms.

From left: Zakuan, Eli, Sandro, Kopi, Mior and Adams.

An alternative rock and emo band, Smesta is known for its high-energy performances.