16/05/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | MAY 16, 2026

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Shila Amzah celebrates 25 year career in solo concert o Artiste returns to Malaysian stage at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas

A FTER a long wait to see Shila Amzah return with a large scale solo concert in Malaysia, the singer finally captivated local audiences once again through a special performance celebrating her 25-year journey in the entertainment industry. The concert served as a gift to her loyal fans who had been longing for her return since her last performance here in 2023, as she has been focusing on China in recent years. Held at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas recently, Resonance: Shila Amzah in Harmony – 25 Years of Music & Memories was more than just a concert. It became an intimate journey that allowed fans to connect more deeply with the artiste. Shila began the concert promptly at 8.20pm, describing the evening as a reflection of her life story, filled with nostalgic moments of heartbreak, struggles and personal triumphs. “When I look back on 25 years in music, I realise there’s still so much I want to share. There were happy moments, but there were also times when I felt I owed myself an apology for enduring so much for so long. “There are moments that feel like deja vu, when the same stories and wounds repeat. But one thing I truly believe is that every fall is not an ending… it is how God teaches us to become stronger,” she told the audience during the concert. Elegant in a black tailored suit, Shila, 36, whose full name is Nurshahila Amir Hamzah and the daughter of renowned 1980s singer and actor ND Lala, also

shared her latest album SA25 symbolises her journey from the time she entered the entertainment industry at the age of nine until today. The line-up of hit songs she performed at the concert defined different chapters of her career, but what made the evening even more special was her emotional ballads that showcased her powerful vocals. She also impressed the audience with several Mandarin songs that helped elevate her popularity in China. The audience was not only made up of Malays from various age groups but also people of other races, including her loyal fans from China. Performing more than 20 songs, including several medley segments over a two-hour set, the vocal prowess of the 2012 Asian Wave champion was undeniable. Her vocal control and consistency remained flawless throughout the night, even without backing vocalists. There was also a special appearance by Jaclyn Victor, who joined her on stage to perform Sahabat . “Thank you for coming tonight to support my friend. I feel very honoured that after all these years in the industry, she chose me to sing alongside her,” Jaclyn said. Closing the concert, Shila described her 25-year journey in music as not solely about herself but also about her fans who have remained loyal to her throughout the years. Among the songs performed that night were Patah Seribu, Masih Aku Cinta, Dao Shi Shuo Ai Wo, Forever Love and Sirna Hati . – Bernama

ALTHOUGH he is gaining recognition as a singer, Syafiq Farhain remains determined not to abandon his career as a fireman. Syafiq, 32, whose father is the late singer Saleem, said leaving the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has never crossed his mind as he believes his role as a firefighter was the stepping stone that helped him gain recognition in the music industry. “I love my job. As a member of the department’s musical group, I was also able to further develop my singing talent. I don’t think I would have become a singer if I hadn’t joined the fire department,” he told Bernama. Speaking at the National-Level International Firefighters Day Carnival 2026 recently, Syafiq, whose full name is Nursyafiq Farhain A.M. Salim, said he has so far had no difficulty balancing his responsibilities as a firefighter with his singing career. The Kamar Hati singer said his current posting at the Corporate Management Division at the JBPM headquarters allows him to work regular office hours, making it easier for him to accept invitations to perform during weekends or at night. The father of two also shared his new single composed by a local songwriter will be released soon. Syafiq has already released several singles, including Sayang Maafkan Aku, Sepi, Kau Bidadari, Demi Setia and Aku Jatuh Cinta . When asked whether people still compare his voice to that of his father, Syafiq said it is something he cannot avoid but he has never taken it personally. “I’m his son. Naturally, there will be similarities. But at the end of the day, it’s what a person hears with their ears. I choose to take every comment positively,” he said. Having served with JBPM for 13 years, Syafiq also expressed gratitude over the overwhelming turnout at the International Firefighters Day carnival, where thousands of visitors took the opportunity to snap photos with the firefighter-celebrity. “With the lively atmosphere at this carnival, we as firefighters truly feel the support and appreciation from the community. That sense of recognition is very meaningful to us,” he said, adding the exhibition of firefighting assets and machinery was among the event’s biggest attractions. Singer Syafiq Farhain remains committed to firefighter work Syafiq says his new single composed by a local songwriter will be released soon. – BERNAMAPIC

Seats are packed for Shila’s much-anticipated concert.

Emotional ballads showcase Shila’s powerful vocals.

Shila (left) is joined by fellow artiste Jaclyn.

Shila celebrates 25 years of a successful career as an artiste. – ALL PICS FROM BERNAMA