#SHOWBIZ: Four Malaysian music icons honoured at Osaka Expo 2025

New Straits Times

15-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is showcasing four of Malaysia's most influential music icons in a special exhibition at its Malaysia Hall of Fame.
Universal Music Malaysia, in a recent statement, announced that the exhibition, running from April 13 to Oct 13, pays tribute to the extraordinary legacy and ongoing impact of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ernie Zakri, and the female pop group Dolla.
The Malaysia Hall of Fame, a key cultural attraction within the pavilion, celebrates the nation's excellence through storytelling and audiovisual experiences.
The exhibition highlights how each artiste represents a distinct era in Malaysian music.
It spans from the golden age of Tan Sri P. Ramlee to Dolla's current global influence, demonstrating how Malaysian music has transcended borders and inspired generations.
The exhibits emphasise Tan Sri P. Ramlee's iconic contributions to Malay cinema and music, the remarkable career of Siti Nurhaliza, a beloved figure in Malaysian music, Ernie Zakri's prominence as a leading vocalist in modern Malay pop, and Dolla's bold impact as a new generation of female group taking Malaysian pop to the international stage.
Dolla's Tabitha Ariel Lam (Tabby) expressed her excitement in the statement: "This year has been very exciting for us. We've been exploring new genres and sounds, focusing on self-growth and evolving to be more authentic in our artwork. Fans can expect music that retains our signature sound but with greater courage, maturity, and sincerity."
"Since our debut in 2019, we've grown significantly, not only as performers but as 'sisters'," Tabby continued.
"We've learned to trust each other, and that energy permeates everything we do. We're also grateful for the unwavering support of our fans, especially iDollas, whose encouragement fuels us."
"Being inducted into the Malaysia Hall of Fame in Osaka is a tremendous honour. We thank the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) for this international recognition. We are proud to represent Malaysia and look forward to future achievements," she said.
Ernie Zakri added, "I'm very honoured and grateful that my career journey over the past few years has been recognised and appreciated by everyone, especially the listeners in Malaysia. This recognition has led to my inclusion in the Osaka Hall of Fame. I would like to thank Universal Music Malaysia and my fans for their unwavering support. I am happy and grateful."
Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to draw millions of visitors worldwide, making the Malaysia Hall of Fame a key destination for those seeking to explore the depth and diversity of Malaysian music.