12/03/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 12, 2026

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Malaysian Paper

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Monsta X returns to Malaysia

K -POP group Monsta X is set to return to Malaysia with its brand-new world tour, 2026 Monsta X World Tour [The X: Nexus] in Kuala Lumpur. After seven long years, the group will reunite with Malaysian Monbebe (fandom name) on March 28 at Mega Star Arena, promising an electrifying night filled with unforgettable memories. The Kuala Lumpur stop is organised by Firestone & NextLive, co-organised by H&B and executed by Stormex Entertainment. Together, the group is committed to delivering a top-tier production and immersive concert experience that will showcase Monsta X’s unmatched stage presence and performance power. Celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, Monsta X – comprising Kihyun, Shownu, Hyungwon, Minhyuk, Joohoney and I.M – commemorated the milestone with the release of the group’s mini album [The X] . Since its debut in 2015, the group has swept major music awards, including the Mama Awards and Melon Music Awards, firmly establishing its status as a trustworthy performance-driven boy group. The group’s hit track Hero surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, while fan favourites INDIE band Sakura Band is coming out to enliven Aidilfitri this year with a new song titled Raya di Kampung , which is inspired by the personal experience of its vocalist, Melley Matius or Mell, celebrating Hari Raya after converting to Islam. Mell said the song features an indie concept with a touch of nostalgia that depicts the atmosphere of returning to her hometown ahead of Aidilfitri. The melody and lyrics of the song were produced by her husband, drummer of the band 6ixth Sense, Mohammad Safwan Hasnan or Wan, with music inspired by his band’s popular song Polaroid . Raya di Kampung is more about the feeling and experience of returning home. “This song also has its own meaning to me because when I was

o Concert spells new beginning with Monbebes

This is the group’s second time in Malaysia. – PIC FROM X @MONSTA X

such as Love Killa and Who Do U Love? (Feat. French Montana) have also achieved multi-million streams and views worldwide, reflecting its strong global fanbase and musical impact. Furthermore, its English album All About Luv debuted

beginning of an exciting new chapter. You can expect explosive performances, powerful vocals and captivating interactions that will deliver a truly sensational live experience. Prices for the tickets range from RM398 to RM828.

in the top five of the Billboard 200, marking a significant achievement and highlighting its international influence. 2026 Monsta X World Tour [The X: Nexus] represents not only a deeper connection between the members and their fans, but also the

Only five members, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, Shownu and Minhyuk , will participate in this concert, as its youngest member I.M has gone for his mandatory military service.

Sakura Band enlivens Aidilfitri with Raya di Kampung little, I didn’t have much experience celebrating Hari Raya. After

namely Zimie and Adi Priyo Sambodo. She said all the songs for the album were recorded immediately after the singer, who is a mother of one, finished competing in the Gegar Vaganza (GV) reality show. “Actually, the day after the GV final, I went straight into the studio and recorded a new song because we wanted to catch up on time to complete this album. Alhamdulillah , everything is done and now it is in the final phase,” she said. The fifth place winner of GV season 12 plans to expand her solo career next year, but is focusing on her group this year. “Of course I have plans for a solo project, but not this year. For now, my main focus is on Sakura Band because our new album will be launched soon,” she said.

converting to Islam, I had the opportunity to experience the joy of celebrating Aidilfitri and that feeling is what I tried to convey in this song,” she told Bernama after an iftar with Mell Sakura here recently. She said the music video for the song is expected to be released before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. Meanwhile, the band, which is popular for its song Melepaskanmu , is currently preparing a new album which is expected to be launched in April. Mell said the indie concept album will contain seven songs, five of which were entirely composed by the Sakura Band members themselves, while two songs were by external composers,

Yu is a Chinese actress and singer.

Esther Yu to make first appearance in Kuala Lumpur STREAMING platform iQiyi

which are available on iQiyi International. During the event, she will also respond to the strong support from Malaysian audiences for the iQiyi Original drama Speed and Love, in which she stars, and share behind-the scenes stories and insights into her role. Speed and Love is an iQiyi original C-drama. Centred around the world of competitive racing, the series blends themes of growth, self-discovery and emotional tension. Since its release, the drama has sparked vibrant discussions across Southeast Asia and has emerged as one of the region’s most talked-about C-drama titles. Participation opportunities for the iQiyi Starship 2026 Malaysia event will be prioritised for iQiyi International Malaysia Annual VIP members.

International has announced iQiyi Starship 2026 will launch its first stop in Malaysia on April 7, where iQiyi International Global Ambassador Esther Yu will make a special appearance that day at Zepp Kuala Lumpur, meeting audiences in Malaysia for the first time. Following the enthusiastic response to multiple iQiyi Starship activations across Southeast Asia last year, Malaysia has been selected as the first stop of the 2026 tour, reflecting its deepening presence in the Malaysian market. Yu was appointed its International Global Ambassador in November last year. Her notable works include Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022), My Journey to You (2023) and Sword and Fairy (2024), all of

Raya di Kampung is more about the feeling and experience of returning home. – PIC FROM YOUTUBE @SAKURANET WORKMY