06/07/2026

LYFE MONDAY | JULY 6, 2026

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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FANS of Indonesian pop-rock are set for a nostalgic trip down memory lane as Dadali, Repvblik, Armada and Samsons come together for the first time on a Malaysian stage in Konsert Muzik D.R.A.S. , taking place on Aug 22 at Unifi Arena. The concert brings together four bands whose emotional ballads and radio staples dominated playlists across Southeast Asia throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Rather than serving as a showcase for a single act, the concert promises more than two decades of chart-topping hits in one evening, offering audiences a chance to relive songs that have remained favourites long after their original release. The four-hour lineup is expected to blend heartfelt ballads with pop-rock anthems that continue to attract millions of streams, highlighting the enduring appeal of Indonesian music among Malaysian audiences. Described as more than a reunion of bands, the concert is a celebration of songs that have become part of listeners’ Sakura Band Restarts with new seven-track album AFTER more than a decade away from the mainstream music scene, Sakura Band, known for hits such as Polaroid and Lepas Kamu , is making a carefully planned comeback with renewed energy and a clear vision. One of the group’s biggest strengths is its unchanged lineup. Sakura Band continues to feature original members Melly Matius (Mell) on vocals, Ali Ezzati Musavi Abd Malek (Ali) on lead guitar, Muhammad Haniff Johari (Anip, second guitar) and Mohd Haikal Mohd Zainin (Akai, bass). According to Mell, the title of their latest album Re:Start reflects a fresh beginning. The seven-track album is Sakura Band’s first new release in nearly 12 years. “This is something we’ve been looking forward to for a very long time, so we’ve given it our 100% commitment. We’re willing to invest to promote the songs in this album,” she told Bernama recently. Although the full Re:Start album is now available on all major digital streaming platforms, Sakura Band has opted for a different release strategy by introducing the songs gradually rather than all at once. The campaign began with the lead single Masih , which is now available on YouTube and serves as the gateway to the rest of the album. Mell said the strategy is designed to give each song enough time to connect with listeners instead of competing for attention within a short release window. So far, the response has been highly encouraging, with streaming numbers and online viewership showing positive growth. While Masih retains the signature pop-rock sound that first made Sakura Band popular, the new album takes on a more mature and “aggressive” approach. Ali explained the shift is a musical evolution that occurs along with the increasing age and life experiences of the band members. Anip, meanwhile, said Mell’s appearance on the hit reality singing competition Gegar Vaganza was part of the plan to reintroduce Sakura Band to the public. Mell added for now her priority is Sakura Band although she remains open to releasing solo material in the future. With the release of Re:Start, Sakura Band hopes to reconnect with longtime fans while introducing its music to a new generation of listeners who may have missed the band’s original rise to fame.

Busy schedule delays Aisha Retno’s album release

S INGER-SONGWRITER Aisha Retno has postponed the release of her second album despite completing all its tracks, citing a packed schedule this year. She said the decision was made to ensure the album receives the attention and promotional support it deserves when it is eventually released. “All the songs and promotional assets are ready. However, because my schedule throughout 2026 is packed, we’ve decided to postpone the release of the album, possibly until the end of the year or early next year,” she said during Bernama Radio’s Fokus 30 programme recently. Aisha also said she is excited to take on the lead role in Enfiniti Productions’ musical theatre production Puteri Gunung Ledang in October, describing it as one of the biggest challenges of her career. The Sutera singer will portray Gusti Putri Raden Ajeng Retno Dumilah, a role she said demands significant commitment, particularly as the large-scale production will run for 23 consecutive performances and marks her debut in musical theatre. “It will be my first experience in a musical theatre production and would be an invaluable learning journey. It requires a broad range of skills because it combines singing, dancing, acting and live performance,” she said. Responding to comments on social media suggesting she was cast in the musical because of her popularity, Aisha stressed she underwent the same selection process as every other actor, including three rounds of callback auditions. The cast of Puteri Gunung Ledang also o Artiste looking forward to debut in Puteri Gunung Ledang this October

Aisha Retno appears as a guest on Bernama Radio’s Fokus 30 programme to share the latest developments in her artistic career as well as various latest plans.. – BERNAMAPIC

features Mila Mohsin, Mimi Fly, Nadia Aqilah, Aqasha and Luqman Hafidz. Aisha is also currently focusing on preparing for the 40th Anugerah Juara Lagu event on Aug 15. Her self-composed song Tak Adil has secured a place in the competition’s

grand final alongside nine other finalists, including Kamu by Aina Abdul, Cak Cak Cekuk by Wani Kayrie, Lemah by Dayang Nurfaizah, Nurcinta by Amir Masdi and Tangisan Seorang Pendosa by Marsha Milan. – Bernama

Four Indonesian hitmakers reunite for nostalgic, four-hour Kuala Lumpur concert

of Indonesia’s most successful exports, with songs that remain staples on streaming platforms, karaoke playlists and live performances years after their debut. The production has been designed to match the scale of the musical reunion. The concert will feature a custom-built stage and seamless transitions between performances, allowing each band its own spotlight while maintaining a continuous live experience. Rather than recreating past performances, the show aims to present each group’s signature songs within a contemporary production featuring large-scale visuals and concert staging. The event is also expected to attract audiences from across the region, including Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and various parts of Malaysia, underscoring the cross-border popularity of Indonesian pop-rock. Organised by Star Planet, tickets for Konsert Muzik D.R.A.S. are currently on sale online at ticket2u.com.my.

lives across generations. Each band arrives with its own catalogue of signature hits. Dadali built its reputation through emotionally charged ballads including Disaat Aku Mencintaimu, Disaat Aku Tersakiti and Disaat Patah Hati , songs that helped establish the group as one of Indonesia’s most recognisable pop acts. Armada, meanwhile, remains among Indonesia’s biggest contemporary bands, with hits such as Asal Kau Bahagia, Pergi Pagi Pulang Pagi, Pemilik Hati and Awas Jatuh Cinta . Its music has amassed billions of streams and continues to enjoy strong popularity across Southeast Asia. Repvblik became a household name through catchy singalong favourites including Selimut Tetangga, Aku Takut and Sandiwara Cinta , while Samsons cemented its legacy with romantic rock classics such as Kenangan Terindah, Naluri Lelaki, Tuhan Tak Pernah Salah and Bukan Diriku . Together, the four acts represent some

With decades of chart-topping music between them, Dadali, Repvblik, Armada and Samsons continue to prove the enduring appeal of Indonesian pop-rock beyond their home country. – HANDOUT PIC