15/03/2026

ON SUNDAY March 15, 2026 VI theSunday Special

T RADITIONAL music is our identity and heritage and it will always remain our pride and joy. Despite all the changes in the music scene, our tradi tional music has stayed important and meaningful. Even in the latest works of new-generation artists, traditional musical elements remain clearly present in the composition, the instruments and the lyrics. These elements remind us of our roots and keep our culture alive. By blending traditional sounds with modern styles, artists help ensure that this music continues to be enjoyed and passed on to future generations. One of them is Aisha Retno, an award winning local singer-songwriter known for her R&B-tinged vocal style set to songs with ethnic musical elements. She describes her musical style as diverse and versatile, blending R&B, traditional EDM and ballads. “My mum used to be a singer too, but she has since retired. Music became my FKRVHQ SDWK WKH PRPHQW , ¿UVW VWHSSHG RQWR WKH VWDJH DW WKH DJH RI ¿YH DW RQH of her shows. Since then, my love of performing and entertaining has grown fonder. And here I am 20 years later,” Aisha shared. Today, Aisha is known for her ability to bring the worlds of traditional and modern music to listeners, regardless of age or race. In 2024, Aisha Retno achieved major recognition at Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL). Her song, titled Sutera HDUQHG ¿UVW runner-up and Aisha also won the Best Performance award for her captivating stage presentation. Her performance included elaborate staging and cultural elements that resonated strongly with both the audience and judges. Her success at AJL38 not only high lighted her talent on a national stage but also cemented her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist capable of bringing diverse musical worlds together. Building

In the realm of traditional music, Aisha ORRNV XS WR KHU PRWKHU ZKR LQÀXHQFHG her musical style and has been her biggest cheerleader since day one. “Ariana Grande is an all-rounder musi FDO LQÀXHQFH IRU PH +HU YHUVDWLOLW\ LV WKH catalyst for musicians like me to keep growing and sustaining my love for what I do. She is really something else.” When it comes to her role as a song writer, lyrics, melody and emotion blend into one. Ideally, in the world of songwrit ing and composition, these three elements come at the right time, in the right place and in the right state of mind. But for Aisha, the melody will come to the table before the lyrics. It is like wrapping a precious gem inside a box with emotions. The entire process of mixing and blend ing both lyrics and melody usually takes about an hour. This is when Aisha comes up with the chorus, hook and music. Aisha has composed songs for local artists such as Siti Nurhaliza, Anuar Zain and Kaka $]UD̆ DPRQJ RWKHUV “One of the most personal songs I’ve ever written is called Tak Adil . The song captures the feelings and experience of heartbreak. I think

Aisha is known for her ability to bring the worlds of traditional and modern music to listeners, regardless of age or race.

many of us can iden tify with the song, as heartbreak is a universal experi ence. The song brings me a lot

#KUJC 4GVPQũU OWUKE TGƔGEVU JGT TQQVU YJKNG pushing creative boundaries Aisha Retno: Bridging tradition & modern sound

of satisfaction despite its sad tone.

on this achievement, Aisha continues to inspire fans and fel low musicians alike

with her innova tive approach to music.

BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

“ Kota Ini Tak Sama Tanpamu is an other favourite. I collaborated with Nadhif Basalamah and Aziz Harun on this song. This song is more uplifting compared to Tak Adil , so listening to both back to back is advisable,” said Aisha. Local identity Being an artist in Malaysia, Aisha is proud of her roots. Our strong, top-notch traditionalism is so diverse. It is quite KDUG WR ¿QG LQ RWKHU FRXQWULHV 7KLV LV why incorporating traditional music with modern-day elements comes very naturally for her. That said, being an artist in Malaysia also comes with its share of

challenges, but Aisha always believes in God’s plan. “I’ve been served with equal amounts of blessings and challenges that both arrive around the same time. One of the biggest letdowns of my career so far was the cancellation of my concert, which sparked quite a controversy. But it shaped me to become a better person. “I looked at it in a positive way and it gives me a strong drive to really believe that giving up is never the option,” Aisha recalled. Amid the growing attention and expec WDWLRQ $LVKD LV NHHSLQJ KHU IHHW ¿UPO\ RQ the ground. She always reminds herself that everything is temporary and nothing lasts forever. She wants nothing more than just to keep building her career. “I would love to consistently play live shows in 2026, performing my original songs, of course. Part 2 of my 2025 album will also come out this year. And of course, getting more awards and recognition for my work would be nice too,” said Aisha, ending the interview on a positive note.

One of the most personal songs I’ve ever written is called Tak Adil . The song captures the feelings and experience of heartbreak.” One of the m I’ve ever wr The song cap experience o g p