From seeking husband's permission to picking the perfect organiser: Girl group Elite shares tidbits ahead of September concert
The Elite Live '25 concert will see all five original members of the group — once dubbed the 'Malaysian Spice Girls' — take the stage on September 20 at Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Members confirmed to perform include Abby Abadi, Azza Zawari, Linda Rafar, Watie Sadali and Sasha Saidin.
The concert also marks the group's 30th anniversary.
Hubby's green light
The founder of Icon Entertainment, Iman Tang (middle). — Picture by Firdaus Latiff
During the concert's press conference in KL — attended by all the members except Watie — Elite shared that they had a lot to discuss among themselves before agreeing to the comeback concert.
This included seeking permission from their respective husbands, as all the members are now married.
Abby and Sasha had no issues gaining approval from their husbands. Sasha, who recently tied the knot with Dubai-based entrepreneur Sirhan Wahab in January 2024, said it was easy on her part as her husband has been supportive of her career.
However, Linda and Azza admitted it took them some time to convince their spouses.
According to Linda, who's married to local actor and director Syed Aiman, her husband didn't give his blessing at first. However, after she convinced him that this was her chance to reunite with her groupmates, he eventually agreed.
Meanwhile, Azza, who is married to local businessman Azlan Zulaily, said her situation was similar to Linda's. She promised her husband she would manage her time well, especially since they run a business together.
'I actually told him when we got married that he's marrying a member of Elite, and at that time, Elite had already slowed down compared to how packed our schedule was back in the day.
'So he needs to understand that he's married to a member of Elite — and Elite consists of all five of us. If I'm not there, then they're incomplete.
'When I told him all the girls were coming back, he gave me his blessing,' Azza said.
Dress accordingly
Members of local girl group Elite (with the exception of Watie Sadali) from left to right; Abby Abadi, Azza Zawari, Linda Rafar and Sasha Saidin. — Picture by Firdaus Latiff
The Elite Live '25 concert is organised by Icon Entertainment, which was founded by Iman Tang, a veteran in the local entertainment industry with over 30 years of experience.
According to Tang, the main theme for Elite's upcoming concert is Catwalk, and concertgoers are encouraged to dress their best, as there will be a red carpet session.
However, Tang reminded attendees to dress appropriately and to be themselves.
This was also a nod to the Anugerah Juara Lagu 39 (AJL39) incident earlier this year, where several social media influencers faced backlash for cross-dressing, drawing criticism from the public.
This included remarks from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), which stated that it is against Islamic teachings for Muslim men to dress as women.
'To be honest, I don't watch AJL, and I'm not sure what happened at the last one — but I think, if possible, just be who we are.
'Check our ICs (identification cards) and be who you are,' Tang said.
Only the best
Elite admitted that the overwhelming support they received from their surprise appearance during KRU's four-day concert in May played a major role in their decision to hold their own solo show.
Prior to being approached by Icon Entertainment, Linda revealed that several local event organisers had offered to host their concert. However, the Trauma singer said they ultimately decided to go with Tang because they had more confidence in him.
'When we received the offer from Tang, we had several discussions among ourselves, because this is not a small thing.
'The responsibility we carry is huge, and we didn't want to do something that could embarrass us.
'That's why preparations are important, and we're confident that Tang and his team will take care of us. That's why we didn't accept other offers — we chose Tang because he can also guide us on our appearance and vocals,' Linda said.
Azza added that aside from offers by event organisers, they've also received interest from big brands seeking collaborations since their KRU performance.
Formed in 1995, Elite was the first act signed under KRU Records. Over five years with the label, they released several albums including Catwalk, Tamparan, Idola, Selamat Tinggal Teman, G.I.G, and Merbahaya.
Tickets for Elite Live '25 will go on sale starting June 26 at 2pm, with prices ranging from RM268 to RM1,088.
For more ticketing information, please visit www.ticket2u.com.my
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Rap superstar Bad Bunny's concert residency sparks tourism boom and pride in Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, July 23 — The day before Bad Bunny kicked off his blockbuster residency that's expected to bring hundreds of millions of dollars to Puerto Rico while showcasing its rich culture, he posted a simple message: 'Shop local.' The ethos is core to his 30-show concert series in San Juan which, after nine performances exclusive to residents, will open up to fans from elsewhere — what many Boricuas, as Puerto Ricans are known, are hoping will serve as an exercise in responsible tourism. 'It's an incredible moment for the island,' said Davelyn Tardi of the promotional agency Discover Puerto Rico. The organisation conservatively estimates the residency will bring in some US$200 million (RM845 million) to Puerto Rico over the approximately three-month run, which falls during the typically less-trafficked summer months. Azael Ayala works at a bar in one of San Juan's popular nightlife zones, telling AFP that business was already booming even though the residency was only in its first weekend. It's 'completely changed,' the 29-year-old said, as crowds buzzed about La Placita where some bars were slinging Bad Bunny-themed cocktails. 'We're thrilled,' Ayala said. 'The tips are through the roof.' The fact that people are coming from across the globe to see Bad Bunny 'is a source of pride for Puerto Rico, too,' he added. Arely Ortiz, a 23-year-old student from Los Angeles, couldn't score a ticket to a show — but said Bad Bunny was still the draw that prompted her to book her first trip to Puerto Rico. 'I really love how outspoken he is about his community,' she said. 'Just seeing him, that he can get so far, and he's Latino, it encourages more Latinos to be able to go for what they want.' 'He has for sure empowered Latinos, like 100 per cent.' A girl poses for a photo outside the Coliseo de Puerto Rico before the start of the first show of Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny's 30-date concert residency at the arena in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on July 11, 2025. The day before Bad Bunny kicked off his blockbuster residency that's expected to bring hundreds of millions of dollars to the island while showcasing its rich culture, he posted a simple message: Shop Local. — AFP pic Tourism: it's complicated But while tourism has long been an economic engine for the Caribbean island that remains a territory of the United States, the relationship is complicated. Concerns around gentrification, displacement and cultural dilution have magnified on the archipelago beloved for stunning beaches with turquoise waters — especially as it's become a hotspot for luxury development, short-term rentals and so-called 'digital nomads' who work their laptop jobs remotely while traveling the world. Visiting foreigners sample the island's beauty but are shielded from the struggle, say many locals who are coping with a chronic economic crisis exacerbated by natural disasters, as rents soar and massive blackouts are routine. Bad Bunny — who was born and raised Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio — himself has pointed to such issues and more in his metaphor and reference-laden lyrics. 'In my life, you were a tourist,' reads one translation of his track 'Turista.' 'You only saw the best of me and not how I was suffering.' Historian Jorell Melendez Badillo told AFP that Puerto Rico by design has long catered to foreign investment: 'A lot of people see tourism as sort of like this colonial undertone,' he said. People sit in front of a mural of Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny at La Placita de Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico on May 12, 2025. — AFP pic But when it comes to Bad Bunny and his residency at the affectionately nicknamed venue El Choli, 'we cannot negate the fact that it's going to bring millions of dollars' to the island, he added. 'We can celebrate what Benito is doing while also looking at it critically, and having a conversation around what type of tourism will be incentivised by this residency.' Ana Rodado travelled to Puerto Rico from Spain after a friend native to the island gifted her a ticket. She booked a five-day trip with another friend that included a visit to beachside Vega Baja, the municipality where Bad Bunny grew up and worked bagging groceries before gaining fame. After posing for a photo in the town square, Rodado told AFP that she'd been trying to take the artist's 'shop local' plea to heart. 'Tourism is a global problem,' she said. 'To the extent possible, we have to be responsible with our consumer choices, and above all with the impact our trip has on each place.' 'We try to be respectful, and so far, people have been really nice to us.' Ultimately, Bad Bunny's residency is a love letter to his people — a show about and for Puerto Ricans whose narrative centres on heritage, pride and joy. 'We're here, damn it!' he shouted to ecstatic screams during his sweeping first show, which at times felt like a giant block party. 'I'd come back for the next 100 years — if God lets me, I'll be here.' — AFP
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Malay Mail
KL's DIY community raises over RM9,000 for Palestine through art, music, and solidarity
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — The basement of Semua House KL was buzzing with energy last weekend as around 160 people turned up for the 'Turun Bawah Volume 3: A Push Toward Freedom' charity event. Organised by local non-profit solidarity project Hiphop Against Genocide together with Burrow Skateshop, the benefit show aimed to raise funds and awareness for Palestine, more specifically, the Palestinian skateboarding community, through a full-day celebration of resistance, camaraderie and solidarity. The event featured a slew of activities, including a curated photo exhibition of the Palestine skateboarding scene, a flea market selling merchandise, vinyls, CDs and cassette tapes, live silkscreen printing, a mini skateboarding competition, a graffiti session, and a benefit show by local underground acts. Why the focus on skateboarding, you might ask? According to the group, despite being under military occupation and facing restricted mobility, the Palestinian skateboarding community is thriving. Skateboarding is not seen as just a sport but rather, a form of freedom and resistance. The spirit of Palestinian youth, who continue to carve out space for joy, resilience, and community, was showcased through the 'A Push Toward Freedom' photo exhibition, which will run until July 31. The photo exhibition is free to attend and all 40 photos on display are for sale at RM300 each. The benefit show comes with a RM25 donation tag. Hiphop Against Genocide is also collaborating with UK-based NGO Skatepal, which is actively building skateparks and providing equipment, workshops and support for Palestinian skaters in Palestine. Local skaters from all ages turned up for the 'Turun Bawah Volume 3: A Push Toward Freedom' charity event. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Local underground rapper Yarobin Yashar, who is also the founding member of Hiphop Against Genocide and one of the brains behind the charity event, said that for the first phase collection, they have amassed a total of RM9,770 through ticket donations, photo sales, t-shirt printing and merchandise sales. All of the proceedings will be fully donated to Skatepal. This is not the final figure as the second phase collection will be announced next week after the photo exhibition wraps up. Voices of solidarity and resistance One of the highlights of last weekend's event was the benefit show that took place at the Union Skate Club, an indoor skatepark just one floor beneath Burrow Skateshop – where most activities took place, except for the photo exhibition. The skatepark also had a little makeover, filled with thought-provoking banners and posters showing solidarity with the cause. The benefit show, which took place in the concrete bowl of the skatepark, featured four local underground acts: rappers Yarobin and Altrbng, who were joined by DJ Killah Z on the decks, along with local shoegaze band Commemorate and Shah Alam-based screamo band Piri Reis. The Shah Alam-based screamo band Piri Reis had the audience going during their set. — Picture by Firdaus Latif Yarobin opened the show with a powerful call for solidarity, before diving into his setlist with hunger and purpose – spitting bars that resonated deeply, including several compelling lines that highlighted his message of resistance. Altrbng brought the same matching energy to his set, pausing midway to call for solidarity not only with the Palestinians but also with other displaced communities, including the Rohingyas and Ethiopians. 'Every human being deserves to live,' Altrbng said. The show continued with mesmerising riffs and melodies from Commemorate, who also called for solidarity, emphasising that it transcends faith and religion. 'Just a few days ago, the only Catholic church in Gaza was bombed as well. Obviously this is not about which religion you are in, this is about being human and having empathy,' the band's vocalist, Sasha, said. The show wrapped up with an energetic performance by Piri Reis, which had the crowd hyped—forming mosh pits, crowd surfing, and shouting their solidarity throughout. A communal effort Aside from Hiphop Against Genocide and Burrow Skateshop, 'Turun Bawah Volume 3: A Push Toward Freedom' was also a collective effort from the do-it-yourself (DIY) community around Kuala Lumpur, which consists of skaters, music and visual art lovers. Some of the main faces behind 'Turun Bawah Volume 3: A Push Toward Freedom' charity event, from left to right: Dirty Donuts' Azmal, Burrow Skateshop's Munir Muhammad, rapper Yarobin Yashar, DJ Killah Z and operation manager Syafiq. — Picture by Firdaus Latif For example, the live silkscreen printing was done by Dirty Donuts, with one of their crew members, Azmal, preparing several designs in solidarity with Palestine. The crew also encouraged the public to bring their old t-shirts to be upcycled with their prints. Another highlight was the live graffiti session, which was done by local graffiti collective, Satu Table Crew. According to Burrow Skateshop's representative, Munir Muhammad, the 'Turun Bawah' series, which began in January this year, is part of the store's initiative to showcase the KL skateboarding scene to the public by combining skateboarding, music and arts into one event. For the third instalment of the series, they maintained the same vision, but with an added cause. 'I think what we have curated so far is very special to the community. 'When it comes to skateboarding events, usually it's just competitions but here, we are celebrating the community as a whole instead of just organising skate competitions. 'And to be able to do it while raising funds for a greater cause is just something special for us,' Munir said. Meanwhile, Yarobin, who has been organising similar fundraisers for Palestine in the past under his Hiphop Against Genocide project, admitted that this is by far the largest collection they have made. He extended his gratitude to everyone who was involved with the event. In 2024 alone, Yarobin collected a total of RM7,915 for Palestinian causes through events, exclusive merchandise sales, and album releases, including the Viva La Resistance EP featuring Palestinian poet and actress Dana Dajani. He added that all the proceeds from their latest event will go to Skatepal, sharing that Skatepal had helped build four skateparks in the West Bank, which are still actively in use today.
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Malay Mail
SEVENTEEN's Joshua, DK and Dino confirm Malaysia visit in Mister Potato collab
KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 — SEVENTEEN members Joshua, DK, and Dino have confirmed they will be visiting Malaysia soon, sparking excitement among local K-pop fans. The trio revealed the news themselves in a behind-the-scenes vlog posted on Youtube yesterday, where they were seen filming promotional content for snack brand Mister Potato's new Jinjja Crunch campaign. 'We have exciting news for you guys. We love you, Mister Potato! See you in Malaysia!' the members said in the video. While Mister Potato — a brand under Malaysian food company Mamee-Double Decker — has yet to release official event details, the collaboration featuring the idols and three snack flavours was announced last week. The visit was first hinted at when Mamee-Double Decker Group CEO Pierre Pang shared a teaser on Instagram earlier this month.
