Weekend for the arts: Pangrok Sulap exhibition, KL Sing Song returns
EXHIBITION: PANGROK SULAP's 'THE SOUND OF SALIENCE'
Venue: Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya
Date: June 28 to July 20
Fans of renowned Sabahan art collective Pangrok Sulap, rejoice - Tali Art Gallery in Petaling Jaya is set to host an exhibition celebrating the group's bold and distinctive woodcut aesthetic, opening this Saturday.
Titled The Sound Of Salience , the exhibition - featuring a mix of past and new works - highlights Pangrok Sulap's signature blend of richly textured visuals and participatory printmaking. It will feature eight main works alongside a selection of assorted prints.
Renowned for using art as a vehicle for social commentary, the collective's works serve as a bridge between communities and pressing issues like climate change, land rights, cultural identity, and sovereignty.
It's been increasingly difficult to catch the group's work in the Klang Valley, as Pangrok Sulap has been actively involved in residencies and exhibitions around the world - most recently with a strong showing at the University of Tennessee in the United States in March, and a community art festival in Patani, southern Thailand earlier this month.
Formed in 2010, Pangrok Sulap - which roughly translates to 'Punk Rock Hut' - is made up of artists, musicians, printmakers, and activists. Internationally recognised for its socially engaged practice, the group advocates for self-sufficient community development through collaboration, dialogue, and shared creativity.
The exhibition's official opening takes place on Sunday (June 29) from 4pm onwards. Admission is free.
More info here.
MUSIC: KL SING SONG 20th ANNIVERSARY SERIES #1
Venue: Merderkarya, Petaling Jaya
Date: June 28, 9pm
The Troubadours collective - comprising Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon, and Jerome Kugan - is picking up the thread it last wove in 2009, reviving the long-dormant KL Sing Song series with renewed purpose. With the backing of indie haven Merdekarya, this revival isn't just a nostalgic return - it's a timely reawakening of a movement that once championed the raw, unvarnished voice of the Malaysian singer-songwriter.
This weekend's show reunites founding members Azmyl, Tan, and Kugan, joined by Karen Nunis, Mei Chern, and Bihzhu, for a grand evening of folk, blues, pop, and electronica.
KL Sing Song was never just a gig series - it was a gathering of outsiders and kindred spirits, a space where musicians, writers, poets and artists collided to create something larger than themselves. This revival signals more than a reunion; it's a reassertion of the value of independent voices in a scene that has grown but often lost its footing. In a world saturated with noise, KL Sing Song remains committed to authenticity, craft, and the quiet power of a song well sung.
More KL Sing Song nights will be announced soon - but for now, this Saturday marks a wonderful comeback.
More info here.
An eye-catching trio (from left) - Sofia Jane, Nabila Huda, and Nadia Aqilah - lead a fresh revival of the late Jit Murad's 'Visits', a dark comedy centred on mental health. Photo: DramaLab
THEATRE: JITFEST 2025 PRESENTS 'VISITS'
Venue: Nero, PJPAC, Petaling Jaya
Date: ends June 29
The late Jit Murad's Visits has returned to the stage after 22 years - and with rave reviews pouring in, it's wise to book your ticket soon. Directed by Ida Nerina and starring Sofia Jane, Nadia Aqilah, and Nabila Huda, this new production breathes fresh life into one of the theatre legend's most poignant works.
First staged in 2002, Visits is a sharply observed, darkly funny play that brings together three women at a high-end mental health retreat.
A patient, her sister-in-law, and an enigmatic nurse find themselves in a surreal space where memory, identity, and power slowly unravel.
This new staging at PJPAC is part of JitFest 2025, organised by DramaLab—a timely revival that balances humour and heartbreak with stunning clarity.
More info here.
In his new show at Harta Space, Bayu unveils 16 large-scale, emotionally charged paintings of contorted, anonymous male figures, blurring the lines between abstract and figurative. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan
EXHIBITION: BAYU UTOMO RADJIKIN'S 'RESONANCE OF SOULS'
Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor
Date: ends July 6
Bayu's Resonance of Souls signals a striking new chapter in the veteran artist's journey - so it's no surprise the exhibition has been extended to July 6.
Known for expressive intensity, the Sabah-born artist creates intense drama at the Harta Space gallery, presenting 16 large-scale paintings of anonymous male figures – raw, contorted, and emotionally charged.
These haunting forms, stripped of identity, evoke universal themes of struggle and resilience.
With brooding tones and visceral textures, the works signal a bold evolution in the 56-year old artist's practice, blending abstraction and figuration. After more than 30 years in the field, the Matahati and Hom Art Trans co-founder shows he's still pushing forward.
More info here.
A view of artist Binti's debut solo exhibition 'Sesuatu Yang Something' at Cult Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan
EXHIBITION: BINTI'S 'SESUATU YANG SOMETHING'
Venue: Cult Gallery, Taman Tunku, Kuala Lumpur
Date: ends July 14
Step into the vibrant, emotionally rich world of Binti, a 27-year-old multidisciplinary artist making her much-anticipated solo debut. This appointment-only exhibition presents seven distinct series that weave together text, photography, collage, drawing, and even AI-generated imagery.
Binti's work is rooted in deeply personal themes - self-acceptance, emotional honesty, and the challenges of navigating life as a young creative today. Her sharp writing, inventive compositions, and fearless use of materials give each piece a distinct voice and presence.
Drawing from family histories, layered language, and a disarming sense of humour, Binti creates a space where vulnerability meets protest, and joy shares the stage with reflection. This exhibition isn't just a viewing - it's an invitation to connect with her world. Admission is free.
More info here.
DANCE/THEATRE: 'WILL YOU BE MY WITNESS?'
Venue: Black Box, DPAC, Empire Damansara, Selangor
Date: June 26-29
Theatre collective lowercase laboratories returns with 'will you be my witness?' a bold new performance that blends contemporary dance and theatre in an emotional, thought-provoking journey about what it means to be truly seen.
Directed by Low Yee Choy and choreographed by Kenny Shim (of Kenny Shim Dance Collective), the show follows six performers - James Kan, Amirah Redza, Si Jin, Alisya Razman, Wen Chin, and Xue Li - through everyday routines like brushing teeth and scrolling on phones, before diving into themes of digital overload, identity, and emotional disconnection.
The performance uses movement, stillness, and powerful imagery to explore our deep need for connection in a world where everything is shared but not always understood. It's surreal, intimate, and at times haunting, inviting audiences to slow down, reflect, and witness each other more fully.
If you're looking for something raw, moving, and beautifully staged, this is a performance worth witnessing.
More info here.
Ain's 'Melangkaui Pagar' (ash and pigment on paper, 2025). Photo: The Back Room
EXHIBITION: AIN's 'ATAS PAGAR'
Venue: The Back Room, Zhongshan building, KL
Date: June 28 to July 20
This weekend, the Back Room is launching Atas Pagar , the second solo exhibition by emerging Malaysian artist Ain. After collaborating with her for its presentation at S.E.A. Focus 2025 in Singapore, the independent gallery is now set to host her first formal solo in its Kuala Lumpur space.
Atas Pagar is a quiet, contemplative show shaped by the remnants of memory.
It features a new series of delicate ash paintings - intimate works made from ceramic ash and pigments. Their fragile, transient quality speaks to Ain's ongoing exploration of memory, loss, and family history, where each piece holds the quiet possibility of disintegration.
More info here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
7 hours ago
- Daily Express
Unduk Ngadau panel should be strict with contestants
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 Text Size: I WRITE not in condemnation but of concern – as an ordinary Sabahan, a cultural observer and someone who believes that our traditions are not just seasonal costumes but living legacies that deserve dignity beyond the Kaamatan stage. The recent online activities involving an Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan finalist and a young local businessman have stirred more than just gossip. They have opened a necessary conversation on the responsibilities that come with carrying a title so intimately tied to the spirit of Huminodun and the values of the momogun communities. Many of us were taken aback by images and videos circulating on social media of the two in intimate settings, feeding each other in a romanticised manner, appearing too physically close and engaging in content that would be more fitting for a commercial influencer couple than the cultural icon she is supposed to portray. While we acknowledge that these may have been part of a 'marketing strategy', the decision to use suggestive or flirtatious portrayals in such a public and curated way raises deeper questions about respect for the role and meaning of Unduk Ngadau itself. The Unduk Ngadau is not merely a beauty yardstick. She is a symbol of self-sacrifice, wisdom, humility, and poise – a living representation of Huminodun, who gave herself for the people. Her conduct, both during and after the competition, is a continuation of that symbolic role. The title demands grace and discretion, particularly when navigating the public sphere where eyes – young and old – look to her as a role model. Some may argue that times have changed, and that our cultural figures must adapt to modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram to remain visible and relevant. I agree that engagement with digital spaces is both necessary and inevitable. However, relevance should not come at the cost of integrity. One can be modern and still rooted. One can be visible without being provocative. The choice of content shared – especially those suggestive of a romantic entanglement – may seem harmless to some, but for a community that holds cultural representation with sacred regard, such portrayals can undermine years of work to instil pride and understanding in our Indigenous identity. This is particularly disheartening when the images appear carefully staged for public consumption, not accidental or private moments leaked without consent. If we blur the line between cultural roles and commercial branding, then what does that say about our collective identity? Are we willing to see our most respected symbols turned into marketing tools – their value determined not by meaning but by engagement metrics? The intention of this letter is not to shame either individual involved. The young businessman is equally entitled to his career and image. But he must have awareness of what the contestant represents, especially in public collaborations. The burden of representation is not one to be taken lightly. I urge the State Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Committee, which is helmed by two knowledgeable figures, as well as KDCA, to consider setting clearer post-crowning guidelines – not as censorship, but as a gentle compass for conduct befitting the cultural weight of the title. I also call on future contestants to reflect on the distinction between self-expression and public responsibility. The richness of our culture lies not just in rituals, songs, and dresses, but in how we carry ourselves – with honour, restraint, and humility. Let us not cheapen that inheritance for the fleeting attention of algorithms. Voice of Nunuk Ragang YOUR concern is seems timely, in the light of another Unduk Ngadau contestant who has been candid in her fb postings about seeking a caucasian for a lifepartner and is now in Europe on that mission. Her wishes are not the issue but her remarks of how she found caucasians to be better at intimacy or things to that effect, which the complainants said are giving an unfair and bad impression to the world about the pageant and native Sabah women, in general. We decided not to give these complaints any attention as they are a private matter and should be directed at the committee, instead, since it sets the guidelines on how the contestants should carry themselves. Neither are we the custodians of what is moral. Just like another complaint we received that while many of the contestants are sincere in portraying culture and tradition, in line with Huminodun, there are those whose motivation in taking part is the hope of landing rich husbands or astronomical dowries. Speculations aside, let's hope that contestants live up to the ideals and expectations of the pageant. – Ed.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Weekend for the arts: Pangrok Sulap exhibition, KL Sing Song returns
EXHIBITION: PANGROK SULAP's 'THE SOUND OF SALIENCE' Venue: Tali Art Gallery, Petaling Jaya Date: June 28 to July 20 Fans of renowned Sabahan art collective Pangrok Sulap, rejoice - Tali Art Gallery in Petaling Jaya is set to host an exhibition celebrating the group's bold and distinctive woodcut aesthetic, opening this Saturday. Titled The Sound Of Salience , the exhibition - featuring a mix of past and new works - highlights Pangrok Sulap's signature blend of richly textured visuals and participatory printmaking. It will feature eight main works alongside a selection of assorted prints. Renowned for using art as a vehicle for social commentary, the collective's works serve as a bridge between communities and pressing issues like climate change, land rights, cultural identity, and sovereignty. It's been increasingly difficult to catch the group's work in the Klang Valley, as Pangrok Sulap has been actively involved in residencies and exhibitions around the world - most recently with a strong showing at the University of Tennessee in the United States in March, and a community art festival in Patani, southern Thailand earlier this month. Formed in 2010, Pangrok Sulap - which roughly translates to 'Punk Rock Hut' - is made up of artists, musicians, printmakers, and activists. Internationally recognised for its socially engaged practice, the group advocates for self-sufficient community development through collaboration, dialogue, and shared creativity. The exhibition's official opening takes place on Sunday (June 29) from 4pm onwards. Admission is free. More info here. MUSIC: KL SING SONG 20th ANNIVERSARY SERIES #1 Venue: Merderkarya, Petaling Jaya Date: June 28, 9pm The Troubadours collective - comprising Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon, and Jerome Kugan - is picking up the thread it last wove in 2009, reviving the long-dormant KL Sing Song series with renewed purpose. With the backing of indie haven Merdekarya, this revival isn't just a nostalgic return - it's a timely reawakening of a movement that once championed the raw, unvarnished voice of the Malaysian singer-songwriter. This weekend's show reunites founding members Azmyl, Tan, and Kugan, joined by Karen Nunis, Mei Chern, and Bihzhu, for a grand evening of folk, blues, pop, and electronica. KL Sing Song was never just a gig series - it was a gathering of outsiders and kindred spirits, a space where musicians, writers, poets and artists collided to create something larger than themselves. This revival signals more than a reunion; it's a reassertion of the value of independent voices in a scene that has grown but often lost its footing. In a world saturated with noise, KL Sing Song remains committed to authenticity, craft, and the quiet power of a song well sung. More KL Sing Song nights will be announced soon - but for now, this Saturday marks a wonderful comeback. More info here. An eye-catching trio (from left) - Sofia Jane, Nabila Huda, and Nadia Aqilah - lead a fresh revival of the late Jit Murad's 'Visits', a dark comedy centred on mental health. Photo: DramaLab THEATRE: JITFEST 2025 PRESENTS 'VISITS' Venue: Nero, PJPAC, Petaling Jaya Date: ends June 29 The late Jit Murad's Visits has returned to the stage after 22 years - and with rave reviews pouring in, it's wise to book your ticket soon. Directed by Ida Nerina and starring Sofia Jane, Nadia Aqilah, and Nabila Huda, this new production breathes fresh life into one of the theatre legend's most poignant works. First staged in 2002, Visits is a sharply observed, darkly funny play that brings together three women at a high-end mental health retreat. A patient, her sister-in-law, and an enigmatic nurse find themselves in a surreal space where memory, identity, and power slowly unravel. This new staging at PJPAC is part of JitFest 2025, organised by DramaLab—a timely revival that balances humour and heartbreak with stunning clarity. More info here. In his new show at Harta Space, Bayu unveils 16 large-scale, emotionally charged paintings of contorted, anonymous male figures, blurring the lines between abstract and figurative. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan EXHIBITION: BAYU UTOMO RADJIKIN'S 'RESONANCE OF SOULS' Venue: Harta Space, Ampang, Selangor Date: ends July 6 Bayu's Resonance of Souls signals a striking new chapter in the veteran artist's journey - so it's no surprise the exhibition has been extended to July 6. Known for expressive intensity, the Sabah-born artist creates intense drama at the Harta Space gallery, presenting 16 large-scale paintings of anonymous male figures – raw, contorted, and emotionally charged. These haunting forms, stripped of identity, evoke universal themes of struggle and resilience. With brooding tones and visceral textures, the works signal a bold evolution in the 56-year old artist's practice, blending abstraction and figuration. After more than 30 years in the field, the Matahati and Hom Art Trans co-founder shows he's still pushing forward. More info here. A view of artist Binti's debut solo exhibition 'Sesuatu Yang Something' at Cult Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: The Star/Glenn Guan EXHIBITION: BINTI'S 'SESUATU YANG SOMETHING' Venue: Cult Gallery, Taman Tunku, Kuala Lumpur Date: ends July 14 Step into the vibrant, emotionally rich world of Binti, a 27-year-old multidisciplinary artist making her much-anticipated solo debut. This appointment-only exhibition presents seven distinct series that weave together text, photography, collage, drawing, and even AI-generated imagery. Binti's work is rooted in deeply personal themes - self-acceptance, emotional honesty, and the challenges of navigating life as a young creative today. Her sharp writing, inventive compositions, and fearless use of materials give each piece a distinct voice and presence. Drawing from family histories, layered language, and a disarming sense of humour, Binti creates a space where vulnerability meets protest, and joy shares the stage with reflection. This exhibition isn't just a viewing - it's an invitation to connect with her world. Admission is free. More info here. DANCE/THEATRE: 'WILL YOU BE MY WITNESS?' Venue: Black Box, DPAC, Empire Damansara, Selangor Date: June 26-29 Theatre collective lowercase laboratories returns with 'will you be my witness?' a bold new performance that blends contemporary dance and theatre in an emotional, thought-provoking journey about what it means to be truly seen. Directed by Low Yee Choy and choreographed by Kenny Shim (of Kenny Shim Dance Collective), the show follows six performers - James Kan, Amirah Redza, Si Jin, Alisya Razman, Wen Chin, and Xue Li - through everyday routines like brushing teeth and scrolling on phones, before diving into themes of digital overload, identity, and emotional disconnection. The performance uses movement, stillness, and powerful imagery to explore our deep need for connection in a world where everything is shared but not always understood. It's surreal, intimate, and at times haunting, inviting audiences to slow down, reflect, and witness each other more fully. If you're looking for something raw, moving, and beautifully staged, this is a performance worth witnessing. More info here. Ain's 'Melangkaui Pagar' (ash and pigment on paper, 2025). Photo: The Back Room EXHIBITION: AIN's 'ATAS PAGAR' Venue: The Back Room, Zhongshan building, KL Date: June 28 to July 20 This weekend, the Back Room is launching Atas Pagar , the second solo exhibition by emerging Malaysian artist Ain. After collaborating with her for its presentation at S.E.A. Focus 2025 in Singapore, the independent gallery is now set to host her first formal solo in its Kuala Lumpur space. Atas Pagar is a quiet, contemplative show shaped by the remnants of memory. It features a new series of delicate ash paintings - intimate works made from ceramic ash and pigments. Their fragile, transient quality speaks to Ain's ongoing exploration of memory, loss, and family history, where each piece holds the quiet possibility of disintegration. More info here.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
KL Sing Song celebrates 20 years with reunion at Merdekarya
Almost every year of the KL Sing Song series marked a breakthrough for the singer-songwriter scene in the Klang Valley. From its debut as an ambitious regional gathering of kindred spirits to its leap onto the KLPac stage (then a newly opened venue), the independent series left a lasting mark - propelling the late folk singer-songwriter Meor Yusof Aziddin, better known as Meor, into wider recognition and giving a young Yuna one of her earliest platforms. Held annually from 2005 to 2009, KL Sing Song was the brainchild of the Troubadours Enterprise trio – Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon, and Jerome Kugan – who joined forces to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. They came from different backgrounds – art, writing, teaching – but it was music that connected them. The second KL Sing Song in 2006 also brought the release of Voices From Next Door, a double CD compilation featuring 24 tracks from a wide-ranging line-up including Azmyl, Meor, Nightlife Camera, Fathulistiwa Soundscapes, Mei Chern, Reza Salleh and Jasemaine Gan. What set KL Sing Song apart was its willingness to curate beyond the norm – bringing together singer-songwriters in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin on the same stage. It wasn't unusual to see scene veterans like the late Hassan Peter Brown and Markiza celebrated, while Boh Cameronian Arts Award winners such as Kugan and Shanon Shah shared the spotlight with AIM winner Pete Teo. At the same time, newcomers like Liyana Fizi (then with Estrella), Mia Palencia, and Reza Salleh added fresh voices to the mix. In this 2005 photo, the KL Sing Song founding trio (from left) - Tan Sei Hon, Azmyl Yunor, and Jerome Kugan - came together under Troubadours Enterprise to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. Photo: Filepic/The Star In its five-year run, KL Sing Song did what few others could – it collapsed boundaries and drew diverse scenes closer together. Alongside the main event were offshoots like Troubadours (at various venues), Troubaganger (with Doppelganger, a female singer-songwriter/poet collective), and Troubadours Open Doors (at KLPac). But as John Lennon once sang, 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.' In time, KL Sing Song and other Troubadours activities slowed down, as the founders took on new commitments and moved in different directions. 'I couldn't commit anymore - I had started working full-time at the National Art Gallery in 2008. I'd stopped performing and writing new songs, and had shifted my focus to the visual arts scene. We also felt we'd tapped most of the local talent pool, and by then, some had gone on to create their own platforms to support like-minded artists,' says Tan, who stepped back from the scene but continued to find opportunities to feature indie singer-songwriters at art gallery events. Back on stage Somehow, music loops you back to your roots – softly, insistently. Marking 20 years since KL Sing Song first took root, Azmyl – still active on the local and regional gig circuit – floated the idea of a special series of shows to celebrate the milestone and see where it might lead. His Troubadours partners didn't hesistate to jump back in. The first event kicks off tonight at 9pm (June 28) with a reunion show at Merdekarya, Petaling Jaya, featuring Azmyl, Tan, and Kugan back on stage alongside Karen Nunis, Mei Chern, and Bihzhu. The line-up carries a strong lineage to the KL Sing Song story – Mei Chern was a quietly powerful presence on stage in the 2006 edition, while Nunis and Bihzhu bring seasoned voices that reflect the movement's spirit and evolution, blending folk blues and jazzy pop. 'We were outsiders because singer-songwriters, I think, tend to transcend and bypass music subcultures, scenes, and genres. There was nothing particularly 'cool' or trendy about it – just your songs and how you performed them. We also sidestepped the tribalism and cliques that usually come with music scenes. And since we were all individuals, it made things easier – no band politics, no egos to manage. Setting up gigs was simple: all you needed was a PA, a space, and your own instruments,' says Azmyl, reflecting on how naturally the Troubadours trio slipped back into rhythm – and how open Merdekarya was to welcoming them. 'Jerome, Sei Hon, and I came from different backgrounds – Jerome as a writer and poet, Sei Hon as a visual artist and educator, and myself from the underground and experimental circuit. That mix helped us tap into diverse networks, which gave the collective a distinct identity for that moment in time. It felt like a new wave movement, shaped by the media and political climate – we had a new Prime Minister after decades of Mahathirism, and cultural spaces for expression were opening up. 'At the time, solo singer-songwriters weren't being invited to gigs - most shows were still band-based - so we became that platform, building on the pioneering work of Markiza and Hassan's 'Acoustic Jam', and Joe Kidd's 'Unclogged' series. We played anywhere: art galleries, exhibition openings, readings - you name it. We were mobile, and we bypassed the mainstream idea of what 'playing music' looked like. Our collaboration with Jasmine Low's Doppelganger for the Troubaganger gigs at Tengkat Tong Shin in KL further expanded the mix of voices and backgrounds involved,' he adds. When the stars align The Troubadours weren't the only singer-songwriter gig organisers in town, but they knew how to connect – keeping the pioneers involved while giving new talent a stage to grow. 'I remember how exciting it was to see all these homegrown talents singing their own songs. And there was such a diversity of styles and approaches that it seemed like a movement. Which is why Azmyl, Sei Hon, and I started KL Sing Song. We just wanted to do an event that captured that singer-songwriter scene. I'm not sure how the bands felt about it though,' recalls Kugan. In this 2006 photo, Mei Chern lights up the KL Sing Song stage at KLPac with her performance. Photo: The Star/Filepic The Kota Kinabalu-based Kugan, who has long straddled the arts, literary and music scenes, has also seen movements, venues, and trends come and go during his time living in Kuala Lumpur. For context, both KL Sing Song and Readings KL began in 2005. Two decades on, it's clear that music in Malaysia has had a harder time sustaining that kind of grassroots momentum compared to the literary scene. 'Yes, music always has it harder. The spatial and technical demands of live performance are just more complicated than for readings. Most venues aren't built with music in mind – the stage is often an afterthought. I once performed at a place where the toilet was right next to the stage. So not only were people constantly milling about in front of me, I also had to compete with the sound of flushing toilets throughout the set,' he says. Keeping independent music alive in Malaysia may always be a challenge, but Kugan is happy to give KL Sing Song a new lease of life. An evening to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones is always a good place to start. But tonight's show at Merdekarya is more spontaneous gathering than long-planned affair. 'I'm not sure how much support we'll get. The scene's different now - the new generation is so polished and all over social media. We're not trying to make any big statements, we just want to tap into that KL Sing Song spirit - a space for people to share a common love for music," says Tan. The weight of legacy is also best avoided. 'I don't know if this counts as a legacy - we didn't start a 'movement'. We just picked up on what was already there and added our own generational spirit to it. The (early) 2000s felt like a zeitgeist moment for Malaysia, a time when solo singer-songwriters were becoming part of the fabric. Globally and locally, that sound was rising, and things happened organically,' says Azmyl. 'This 20th anniversary show came together because the timing was right. Jerome, who's now based in Kota Kinabalu, happened to be back in KL for his art exhibition, and I'd recently reconnected with Sei Hon. "It felt like a now-or-never moment – same instinct we had back when we started Troubadours and launched KL Sing Song. Karen and Mei Chern said yes right away, and so did the rest of the alumni,' he concludes. The next KL Sing Song series dates will be announced soon, with performers such as Melina William, Reza Salleh, Panda Head Curry?, Amrita Soon, Umar Akmal, Ray Cheong, Bumi Liar, Otam, Markiza, and Kien Lim already pencilled in.
