27/05/2026

LYFE WEDNESDAY | MAY 27, 2026

FOLLOW

ON INSTAGRAM

26

Malaysian Paper

@thesundaily @t

o Artiste says Mandarin music has been part of her identity, DNA since early days of career Shila Amzah eyes performing in Philippines, Thailand

S INGER Shila Amzah is set to expand her international presence, with the Philippines and Thailand emerging as the latest potential destinations in her overseas concert plans this year. Shila, 36, whose full name is Nurshahila Amir Amzah, said besides preparing for a solo concert in Malaysia this August, she and her management team are currently in talks with several parties to bring her performances to the two countries concerned. The Patah Seribu singer said she will also continue her concert tour in China through its second and third phases until the end of this year, following the overwhelming response she has received there. “My fans have continuously been asking for shows in China and several other countries. Alhamdulillah, I can confidently say the support has been very encouraging,” she told Bernama. She added China holds a special place in her journey as a singer as Mandarin music has been part of her identity and DNA since the early days of her career. “If you are a fan of Shila, then you already know that this is part of who I am. Singing Mandarin songs has always

come naturally to me. At the same time, many fans also want to see me sing more Malay songs and bring local traditional elements onto the international stage, including in China. “However, that effort will take some time because I’m only beginning to build my footing there. So, it will definitely require patience and time,” she said. Shila also expressed gratitude for every opportunity that has come her way, along with the overwhelming response from fans to her concerts and international appearances. She added her success today feels even more meaningful because she is able to share it with her husband and two children, who have remained her strongest pillar of support throughout her career. The singer also hopes her personal and professional journey can inspire women, especially single mothers, to never lose hope while rebuilding their lives. “We can always start over at any age. Just because one door closes doesn’t mean every door is shut. We have to look for the doors that remain open to us because God’s blessings and opportunities are limitless,” she said.

Ruffedge navigates digital era with Kamu Yang IN the past, popularity in the entertainment industry was measured by how frequently artistes appeared on television or how often their songs were played on the radio. Today, however, smartphone screens have largely taken over that role. The drastic transformation of today’s highly digital music industry is acknowledged by legendary R&B group Ruffedge member Azan Addin Abdul Wahab, who described the shift as one of the biggest challenges facing veteran artistes. Azan, 52, candidly admitted the group has also had to adapt to the tastes of the younger generation, most of whom now turn to social media platforms such as TikTok for entertainment. Ruffedge, which now operates independently without the backing of a recording label, admitted promoting songs is far from easy, especially on social media, where marketing requires its own strategy. “Although we continue to produce quality music, we do not have the expertise when it comes to promotion and marketing,” he told Bernama in a recent interview. Speaking about their latest single Kamu Yang , released in March, Azan said the lo-fi R&B track was actually recorded in 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and several other circumstances, the song was shelved before being refreshed to suit current sound trends. “Actually, the song was featured briefly in the movie Tipah Tertipu (released in 2006), but only as a short version. This is the full version,” he said. Ruffedge, formed in 1998, consists of five members – Azan, Cat Farish, Sein Qudsi, Zain Hamid and Mode. The group rose to fame with hit songs such as Khayalan, Bila Rindu, Tipah Tertipu and Da’ Bomb before the members decided to go their separate ways in 2008 to focus on family commitments and solo careers. They reunited in early 2018, including staging large-scale concerts and have since released new songs such as Seperti Mereka (2018), Belenggu (2023), Putus (2023) and Senja (2025). Meanwhile, Mode, whose real name is Syed Mohammad Syed Abdullah, said Ruffedge deeply appreciates the continued support fans have shown for the band’s earlier hits but hopes its newer works will also resonate with listeners. “Whenever we are given limited performance slots, we have to fulfil requests for old songs, which makes it difficult for us to introduce our newer material,” he said. At the same time, in preparation for a mega concert to celebrate Ruffedge’s 30th anniversary next year, the group is currently finalising the production of a full album under a new label. Ruffedge is preparing for a mega concert next year to celebrate its 30th anniversary. – BERNAMAPIC

Disagree returns loud AFTER more than a decade away from the spotlight, Malaysian alternative rock band Disagree returns with a line-up comprising Zahid, Hamka and Taa to deliver Let’s Do It All Again , to give the same raw energy and emotional intensity that defined the band’s earlier work but now, infused with deeper storytelling and evolved musicality. Their return is driven by a simple yet heartfelt intention – to complete what was left unfinished. More than a decade ago, life led the members down different paths, pulling them away from the music scene and leaving behind a lingering sense of longing. Unfinished business go, until now. All over again Shila says singing Mandarin songs has always come naturally to her. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @SHAHILAAMZAH

from music due to life transitions, family commitments and career priorities, the band quietly went on hiatus, leaving behind a legacy in Malaysia’s alternative rock scene and a fanbase that never fully let The single is a heartfelt anthem of return, regret and gratitude to tell the story of a band that once had everything, only to eventually walk away without saying their goodbyes. At its core the song is a sincere apology letter to make things right and an invitation to reconnect. It is nostalgic and forward-looking, a reminder that what appear to be endings can sometimes just be life’s pauses. Recorded across Malaysia and Australia, the track was mixed and produced by multiple AIM award winner Greg Henderson and mastered by Leon Zervos, a renowned Grammy winner, at Studios 301 in Australia, giving it a sonically refined yet emotionally raw piece that underscores

Disagree’s return is driven by a heartfelt intention to complete what was left unfinished.

festivals during that era and an opening act to international bands such as Hoobastank and The All American Rejects to name a few. If Disagree once represented the voice of youthful uncertainty and emotional grunge intensity, today they stand for something more reflective, with Let’s Do It All Again being a prelude to their upcoming full-length album Black & White in Colour , which will explore themes of heartache, trauma, turmoil, reconnection, faith and the ups and downs of life’s journey.

the song’s introspective and reflective tone. Then versus now Originally active throughout the early 2000s and early 2010s, Disagree cultivated a strong following with their distinct Malaysian indie progressive rock sound, performed in English with their radio hit singles being standout tracks such as Crumbs, Suicide Note , Scarecrow Adams , Osaka and Haley . They were a staple offering at the iconic annual Rock The World

Disagree’s comeback is not built on nostalgia alone, but on closure that never came for them and for the fans. “We didn’t really get to say goodbye. “Life moved forward and so did we. But somewhere along the way, we left something unfinished,” the band reflected. After years of stepping away