21/08/2026

FRIDAY | AUG 21, 2026

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Aina Abdul to represent Malaysia at Eurovision Asia

Khadijah Ibrahim releases Ibu Doa AFTER a 26-year hiatus from releasing new recordings, Malaysian music legend Datuk Khadijah Ibrahim has returned to the spotlight with a new single Ibu Doa , much to the delight of her fans. The comeback of the singer, affectionately known as Ibu, marks a new chapter for the veteran artiste, who has been a prominent figure in the local music industry since the 1970s, producing 18 albums and more than 180 songs throughout her illustrious career. Khadijah, 67, said the song, written entirely by Baizura Tazri and produced by Jasmine Raj Production, carries a heartfelt message about the boundless love, sacrifice and prayers of a mother that accompany her children throughout their lives. “Baizura has known me since she was a child. She’s my daughter’s close friend and spent so much time at my house that she knows me very well. The first time I heard this song, it made me cry. From that moment, I knew I had to record it,” she told reporters after the song’s launch at a hotel recently. The singer of Doa Buat Kekasih and Kupendam Sebuah Duka said Ibu Doa is rich in emotion and is intended to touch listeners’ hearts, particularly in appreciating a mother’s sacrifices. “Every one of us is born from a mother’s love. No matter how far we go in life, a mother’s prayers remain our source of protection and strength. I hope this song will be a tribute to all mothers and remind us to cherish their sacrifices while we still have the chance,” she said. Throughout her career, Khadijah has received numerous prestigious accolades, including a Platinum Award, cementing her status as one of Malaysia’s most influential female recording artistes. In a separate development, Khadijah said she is planning to record four new songs with Malaysian rock legend Datuk Ramli Sarip. “God willing, I will be sitting down with Ramli soon to discuss producing four new songs. It is also part of our preparation for our special segment at the concert in Sabah on Nov 6,” she said. – Bernama

M ALAYSIAN singer Aina Abdul will represent the country at the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia in Bangkok, Thailand on Nov 14. Her selection was announced following the 40th Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL40), where she received the Best Performance award for Kamu and the Shopee Artiste Icon award, which was decided through a public vote. Aina was selected as Malaysia’s o Artiste’s selection for contest follows her AJL40 win for Best Performance

Aina’s stage wardrobe has become almost as recognisable as her voice. – HANDOUT PICS representative by a professional jury. The song she will perform at Eurovision Asia will be announced at a later date.

The European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation are staging the Asian edition with S2O Productions and Thailand’s Channel 3. At least 10 countries have been confirmed, including Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. Participating broadcasters will choose their entries through national selection programmes ahead of the grand final. More countries may be announced closer to the event. The two-hour grand final will take place in Bangkok and will be broadcast live in Malaysia on TV3 and Tonton at 9pm. It will also be streamed through Eurovision ’s official YouTube channel. The date, host city and Aina’s selection have been confirmed by the official Eurovision Song Contest Asia website.

Her AJL40 performance of Kamu featured volcano-themed visuals and elaborate stage props that reflected the song’s themes of anger, disappointment and loss. Kamu is the fourth single from Aina’s debut album Imaji . The track combines pop and R&B with elements of blues, recounting a relationship in which a former source of solace becomes a painful memory. Malaysia is the second participating country to announce its performer for Eurovision Asia . Bhutan previously selected singer Nyendra, who will compete with Lhayi Semo. The contest will mark the first regional expansion of the Eurovision Song Contest , which was established in Europe in 1956. The name Endangered Species refers to Malaysia’s threatened wildlife and independent artistes operating in a scene sustained by small venues, grassroots organisers, fellow musicians and concertgoers. “The idea behind Endangered Species is to create something that belongs to the scene, rather than just putting on another show. “There are so many interesting artistes working here, often without much visibility outside their own circles. We want to build a platform where those different circles can overlap,” said The Baby Cosmos. For Vol. 2, Golden Mammoth will bring its alternative rock sound to the bill, while Teh Tarik Senja returns with music that crosses several genres. Organisers The Baby Cosmos and

The Malaysian singer joins performers from at least nine other Asian countries.

Endangered Species returns today to KL INDEPENDENT music series Endangered Species will return to Petai Belalang, Kuala Lumpur today with four acts from the local music scene. The second edition will feature Golden Mammoth, Teh Tarik Senja, The Baby Cosmos and Women & Children.

Organised by Kuala Lumpur indie rock band The Baby Cosmos, the series provides a shared stage for independent musicians and introduces their work to audiences outside their usual circles. Its first edition was held at the same venue on July 10 and attracted about 150 people. The line-up comprised The Filters, The Baby Cosmos, Fuad and Open Privacy, with sets spanning punk, rock, math rock and other experimental sounds.

Endangered Species gives concertgoers an opportunity to discover acts beyond their usual playlists. – HANDOUT PIC Women & Children complete the line-up. The Baby Cosmos comprises lead singer and rhythm guitarist Timothy George, lead guitarist Darrel Jacques, bassist Joseph Khoo and drummer Isra Gomez. The organisers are also considering expanding future editions beyond live music by involving visual artists and other creative practitioners. Wildlife conservation fundraising may also be incorporated into later events.

The Baby Cosmos continues to support

grassroots music while developing its own sound. – PIC BY AQIF AZIM

Khadijah has been a prominent figure in the local music industry since the 1970s. – BERNAMAPIC