04/06/2026

LYFE THURSDAY | JUNE 4, 2026 25 Pasya says performing with Search will boost solo career S INGER Pasya believes the opportunity to perform alongside legendary rock band Search could become o Artiste notes emotional ballads seem to resonate more with younger listeners

Central Music Fest 2026 to thrill J-pop fans in Kuala Lumpur J-POP fans can mark their calendars as Central Music Fest 2026 returns to Kuala Lumpur this August with an exciting line-up featuring some of Japan’s biggest rising and established acts. Following its Malaysian debut last year, the Yokohama-born music festival is set to take over Zepp Kuala Lumpur on Aug 1 with performances by Kana-Boon, Tatsuya Kitani, ReoNa, Jo0ji and opening act Kiora. Created with the ambition of bringing Japanese music to global audiences, the music festival continues its expansion across Asia with Kuala Lumpur serving as one of its key stops alongside Yokohama and Taipei. Anime fans will likely recognise Kana-Boon almost instantly. The Osaka rock band has built a massive global following through iconic anime openings including Silhouette from Naruto: Shippuden , Starmarker from My Hero Academia and Song of the Dead from Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead . The band most recently released Supernova , the opening theme for the second season of Dr Stone: Science Future . Meanwhile, Tatsuya Kitani continues to dominate the anime music scene after the viral success of Where Our Blue Is , the opening theme for Jujutsu Kaisen Hidden Inventory / Premature Death arc. Beyond his solo career, he is also active as part of the music unit GEMN . ReoNa, known for her emotionally charged vocals and strong ties to anime and gaming soundtracks, will also bring her signature melancholic sound to the festival. Since debuting through Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online , she has gone on to perform songs for major franchises including Shangri-La Frontier and Arknights . Rising singer-songwriter Jo0ji adds a fresh indie presence to the line-up. After gaining traction online and being selected for Spotify’s Radar: Early Noise 2024, the artiste has continued building momentum through festival performances and his first full length album Aeka . He also recently contributed Yoake no uta as an ending theme for the upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen The Culling Game Part 1 . Opening the night is Kiora, a four-member girl group blending modern pop with a “Japanese heritage” concept. The group first appeared earlier this year at Head in the Clouds Tokyo 2026. Ticket prices start from RM268. Kuala Lumpur is a key festival stop alongside Yokohama and Taipei.

pursuing a solo career. “So when they get to know me through Search, they might find out who I am and check out the works I’ve produced. From there, they may discover that I have a solo career and become interested in listening to my songs,” he told Bernama recently. Despite his commitment with Search, Pasya said his solo journey remains active with several new recording projects currently underway with producers and recording companies. He said the current music landscape greatly influences the type of songs he chooses to highlight, especially as emotional ballads are seen to resonate more with today’s younger listeners. “Right now, trending songs are mostly ballads and emotional tracks, so for the time being, we are trying to follow current trends and market demand. When the time comes, we will release rock songs,” he said. Pasya said the approach does not mean he is abandoning the musical identity closest to his heart, but rather adapting to market demands without neglecting his long-term plans. According to him, his passion for rock music remains strong and he already has various songs in the genre waiting for the right moment to be introduced to listeners. “I have a lot of rock-based material that is still being kept, but most producers and recording companies at the moment tend to prefer songs with higher commercial potential. I hope that one day, I’ll be able to release songs that I’ve composed myself,” he said. He added he will continue actively producing new works to strengthen his position in the music industry while remaining relevant among listeners across different generations. – Bernama

an important catalyst in expanding the influence of his solo career, while also introducing his music to a wider audience. According to Pasya, whose real name is Faizul Ashraff Fauzi, his involvement with the band has given him the chance to connect with a different group of fans from

in the local music industry. “I feel that being with Search will further elevate my name because some of my fans may not know I’m involved with Search. At the same time, there are also Search fans who may not know that I’m actually

those who have long followed his solo career. Although not the band’s permanent vocalist, the 32-year-old singer sees the experience of sharing the stage with Search as the best platform to strengthen his presence

Pasya says his solo career remains active. – PIC FROM INSTAGRAM @PASYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Mandopop singer Richie Jen adds concert date at Arena of Stars, Genting

FOLLOWING the overwhelming response to his previously announced concert, fans will now have another chance to catch Richie Jen live at Arena of Stars, with an additional show for Richie Jen Concert Live in Malaysia 2026 confirmed for Aug 21 at 9pm. Known for delivering concerts filled with emotion, nostalgia and unforgettable singalong moments, Jen is set to once again bring audiences through a musical journey packed with timeless classics including Xin Tai Ruan (Too Softhearted), Shang Xin Tai Ping Yang (The Sad Pacific), Dui Mian De Nv Hai Kan Guo Lai (Look Over Here), Yi Kao (Depend On) and many more. This upcoming concert will

also feature a specially designed T stage extension, bringing Jen closer to fans and creating a more immersive live experience inside the arena. With the extended stage layout, audiences can look forward to more intimate interactions, closer views of the performance and an atmosphere that feels even more connected throughout the night. As familiar melodies fill the arena and thousands of voices sing along together, fans can expect an evening overflowing with memories, emotions and the timeless charm that has made Jen one of Mandopop’s most beloved artistes for decades. Tickets are priced from RM238 to RM838.

The concert will feature a specially designed T-stage extension, bringing Jen closer to fans and creating a more immersive live experience inside the arena.