Latest news with #AkademiFantasia
New Straits Times
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Khai of AF1: Didn't even have RM10 to donate to the mosque
KUALA LUMPUR: Falling on hard times after their debut in the first season of Akademi Fantasia (AF1) in 2003 taught singers Khai and Rosma a valuable lesson: diversify their income beyond entertainment. Despite the initial buzz from the reality show, performance offers weren't always consistent, leading the couple to struggle financially in Kuala Lumpur. They often questioned their career choice as artistes. Khai, whose real name is Mohammad Khairul Nizam Mohammad Wahi, 46, acknowledged the unpredictable nature of an artiste's income. "As artistes, we don't have a steady income; there are times when there are lots of offers and there are times when there aren't any. "Sometimes it takes several months to get paid. We've been through that phase and there were times when we felt like looking for a permanent job," he told Berita Harian. Khai, known for his song 'Dambaan Pilu', even considered returning to banking, where he worked for six years before AF1. A particularly difficult period for Khai was in 2007 when a severe sore throat prevented him from singing, forcing him to decline all performance invitations. This led to a financial crisis, which he vividly remembers. "I still remember, at that time, I finished praying at a mosque in Putrajaya. But I couldn't even afford to give RM10 in charity at the mosque. "In fact, I saw foreign workers giving charity and putting money in the mosque's treasury. I thought, even I, who am an artiste, can't do that." Realising the need for a more stable income, Khai and Rosma decided to venture into business. "I think we need to start a business because in the art industry, we can't just survive," Khai explained. They began slowly, even selling "jelly" pillows that could be heated or cooled. Their efforts gradually paid off. Rosma, whose real name is Rosmayati Sidik, 40, emphasised their teamwork in overcoming challenges. "Khai and I always sit together and discuss to find a solution." She recalled that even before they were married in 2008, they supported each other. Rosma's own career saw a boost with a duet, 'Joget Cinta Sakti', with Haziq Rosebi, which led to a year of non-stop performance offers. She commended Khai's resilience: "Even in difficult times, we help each other. I still help Khai… I know he is someone who is always trying to change his life. Praise be to God. He doesn't just talk, but proves it with his own efforts." Today, Khai and Rosma, who have three children – Muhammad Amzar Danish, 19; Nur Amani Damia, 11; and Nur Alya Dhania, 6 – are the founders of health products, Magic Slims, and run Coffee Rich Cafe. Their journey underscores the importance of perseverance and diversification in life's unpredictable moments.
The Star
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
I'm not a narcissist, sings Hazama
Compiled by DIYANA PFORDTEN, and R. ARAVINTHAN SINGER Hazama has launched his latest single, Aku Bukan Narsisis (I'm not a narcissist), which centres on narcissistic personality traits, Kosmo! reported. However, Hazama, whose full name is Hazama Ahmad Azmi, is uneasy with the term. 'I actually don't agree with the word narcissistic. To me, it's negative and I've never worked with, met or labelled anyone that way. 'Even if someone shows those traits, I just assume they're having a bad day. If we label them permanently, we don't give them a chance to change,' he said. Hazama said the theme was requested by Sony Music and composer Farouk Roman, so he went along with it despite his discomfort. Reflecting on his career since winning Akademi Fantasia (AF) Season 9, Hazama credited the three-month reality programme with teaching him the fundamentals of quality in performance and professionalism. 'I don't chase controversy. AF didn't teach us how to create drama; it taught us how to deliver good music,' he added, emphasising that lasting talent comes from substance, not sensationalism. > The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) made the nation proud by winning 19 gold medals at the World Police and Fire Games 2025 (WPFG) in Birmingham, United States, Harian Metro reported. The contingent also bagged 17 silver and 10 bronze medals, placing Malaysia ninth overall in the prestigious international tournament. JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad praised the athletes' performance, citing their extraordinary discipline and fighting spirit. 'This achievement surpasses our target of 18 gold medals and breaks JBPM's previous record at the 2023 games in Winnipeg, Canada,' he said. Three gold medals were from the bodybuilding event, while seven golds were from tenpin bowling, six from golf and three from darts. Golf also contributed eight silver medals, followed by six from bowling, two from darts and one from the push pull and bench press event. Ten bronze medals were earned through bowling (six), golf (three) and darts (one). JBPM's bodybuilding team leader Snr Asst Supt Hasmadi Jusoh said the team had trained intensively for five months leading up to the games. 'We faced major challenges on the first day, especially competing against more experienced international athletes,' he said, crediting the team's success to their discipline and preparation for the tournament. > Motorists travelling along Jalan Felda Aring to Tasik Kenyir, Hulu Terengganu, were startled when a full-grown Malayan tiger was seen crossing the road in broad daylight, Harian Metro reported. In a video that has since gone viral, the tiger, estimated to weigh around 200kg, was spotted calmly emerging from the roadside before disappearing into the bushy slope across the road. (The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)
Sinar Daily
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Legoland Malaysia's splash carnival returns with more water, games, and surprises
Summer's heating up and so is Legoland Malaysia – because the iconic Splash Carnival is making a serious comeback for its third year and it's bringing the biggest waves yet. If you're looking for non-stop fun, beats that slap and water-soaked chaos with your besties, this is your sign to grab your crew and dive in. From July 3 to Aug 3, 2025, the Legoland Splash Carnival is throwing a five-week-long water-fueled fiesta that's basically the ultimate combo of beach party energy, epic live performances and splashy games you won't want to miss. This year's theme, 'Music Fiesta', is turning the water park into the it place for vibes – where music meets mayhem in the best way possible. Legoland Malaysia Resort Vice President Cs Lim said this year's carnival has been taken to the next level with expanded musical performances, activities and even more opportunities for families and friends to unwind and enjoy themselves. Legoland Splash Carnival is throwing a five-week-long water-fueled fiesta that's basically the ultimate combo of beach party energy. "This is our most exciting Splash Carnival yet, with more activities, more performers and more ways for families to create unforgettable memories. "We're proud to spotlight Malaysia's musical talent and bring back fan-favourite activities, all while introducing new surprises that make this year's carnival truly the biggest and best yet," she said in a statement. Here's what's going down: Every Saturday starting July 5, the Wave Pool transforms into your new favorite concert venue – featuring a fire lineup of Malaysian talent. Expect killer vocals from Hazama (yes, the Akademi Fantasia Season 9 champ), pop powerhouse Kaka Azraff and vibes galore from Aisyah Retno, Aziz Harun, Mimi Fly and rising star Nadeera. Basically, your weekend just got a whole lot cooler. Beyond the music, the Splash Carnival offers a lineup of interactive, water-filled fun for all ages. Visitors can embark on the Melody Quest, a musical treasure hunt to recover five missing instruments hidden around the park and unlock the start of the fiesta! There will be plenty of activities for families and friends to unwind and enjoy themselves. Not only that, visitors can also take a splashy shot at the Dunk Fest Fun, test their reflexes with Splash & Score or build and race their own Lego boats in the Boat Race. There's also the playful Water Limbo inside the Wave Pool and a high-energy Fitness Fiesta inspired by Aqua Zumba. Special highlights include the Drumbeat Splash-tacular (July 31 – Aug 3 only), a roaming percussion party that fills the park with rhythm and Beats on the Beach, a weekend-exclusive musical performance featuring Legoland's iconic mascots. Visitors can also groove along to DJ Surfer Splash Down in the heart of the Wave Pool and cheer on the vibrant Carnival Parade, complete with dancers, stilt walkers, mascots and drummers lighting up the weekends and public holidays. This year's theme, 'Music Fiesta', is turning the water park into the it place for vibes – where music meets mayhem in the best way possible. Want in? You can score your tickets now on Legoland Malaysia's official site. For the full experience, grab the Triple-Park Annual Pass – giving you year-long access to all the madness across the theme park, water park and sea life. Already a passholder? Good news: you can renew and save up to 30 per cent – and if your pass expired this year, you've still got until July 15, 2025 to bounce back with a 20 per cent discount. Just in for the vibes? No prob. Get a 1-Day Water Park Ticket and come make a splash for the day.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Amira on Fattah: 'I don't deny that I'm riding on his popularity'
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer Amira Othman openly shared, "I don't deny that I've been riding on Fattah Amin's popularity." The 31-year-old has recently become a frequent subject in entertainment news, a notable shift from before, despite having been in the industry since 2013, when she participated in Akademi Fantasia. Amira admitted that her close association with the popular 34-year-old single father has brought her increased attention. "Since he has so many fans out there, everything he does is closely scrutinised by them. And, of course, being close to him means I also get some attention," Amira said when speaking to reporters yesterday at an exclusive event held here to promote her single, 'Dalam Sujudku'. The song, alongside Hazama's 'Aku Bukan Narsisis', serves as the soundtrack for the drama series, Dia Bukan Syurga. Both tracks were composed and written for the series by the renowned music maestro, Farouk Roman. Meanwhile, Amira also revealed that she was recently hospitalised for five days due to food poisoning, which also affected her sister. "It led to hypotension, but that's now under control," she said. It was during this time that she received a bouquet of flowers from Fattah and a visit from his mother, further fuelling speculation about the seriousness of their relationship. "I also received flowers from others," she said with a plastered smile, deflecting questions from the reporters.
Borneo Post
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Stacy's first-ever mega solo concert in Sabah wows fans
Stacy dons a traditional Kadazan attire during her one of her performances. KOTA KINABALU (June 24): Sabah's beloved singer, Stacy Anam, rocked the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) recently with nearly 3,000 witnessing her first ever mega solo concert in her hometown — 'Aku Stacy (Menggegar Kota U)'. After the show, which took nearly three hours, Stacy said she was satisfied with her concert performance, which took almost three years to plan. 'For those involved, those who've been on this journey with me they know (the hard work that it entailed). That's why tonight's concert is deeply sentimental for me. Because this is truly the one I feel encapsulates my journey— almost 20 years now. I've gone from Gangstarz to One In A Million, to Akademi Fantasia and now this. I finally feel like — this is my night,' she said to members of the media. She also thanked her fans for coming to the concert. 'After three months of sleepless nights, juggling a baby in one arm while memorising my steps — tonight's support made it all worthwhile. I'm overwhelmed with emotion. Thank you so much,' she said. Stacy also said that she changed into ten outfits during the show. The night opened with high energy as she performed 'Pakai Buang', dressed in a striking black, white and red ensemble, greeted by roaring cheers across the hall. She kept the energy soaring with a string of her signature hits including 'Cakap Ke Tangan', 'Not For Sale', 'Gilalah', 'Bosan', and up till her latest single 'Menyala'. One of the most dramatic highlights was when Stacy 'soared' through the air above the crowd while performing 'Khayal', sending waves of excitement through the entire venue. Emotions ran high as she delivered heartfelt ballads like 'Kisah Dongeng' and 'Pelangi Senja', sung in unison with thousands of fans. She also gave a special rendition of 'Asmaradana', previously performed on The Hardest Singing Show, now reimagined with traditional Sabah-inspired fashion and cultural elements. The concert came to a rousing close with 'Aku Stacy' — the very song that launched her into stardom nearly two decades ago, now symbolising her full-circle journey as an artist celebrated on her home stage. The romantic duet segment with her husband, Akim Ahmad, began with the popular English number 'Die With A Smile' (originally by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars), drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd. The couple continued with 'Aku, Kau & Muzik' and 'Ritma & Rima', before Akim took the stage solo to perform 'Rampas' from Akim & The Majistret, showcasing his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. 'This is Rhythm & Rhyme's biggest investment to date, and Alhamdulillah, it exceeded all expectations. I'm incredibly thankful to everyone who played a part, directly or indirectly,' Akim shared. The concert was also graced by a dynamic line-up of guest performers including Amir Masdi, Elica Paujin, Hafiz Zainal and Dabra Sia, each delivering charismatic and energetic sets. Comedian Atu Zero also made a surprise appearance, leaving the crowd in stitches with his spontaneous humour. In a heartfelt moment during the press conference, Stacy held back tears as she remembered her late brother, Chaq: 'He was the one who brought me into this industry. On stage tonight, I could feel his presence — and that gave me the strength to perform from the heart.' Stacy also hinted at bigger plans ahead: 'We're planning to bring this concert to the Peninsular next. But … you'll have to wait for the official announcement. If Sabah could shake the SICC like this, I'm confident we can shake up Kuala Lumpur too!' 'Aku Stacy (Menggegar Kota U)' concert is a powerful manifestation of Stacy's love for Sabah, for music, and for everyone who has supported her since 2008. It was organized by Rhythm & Rhyme Entertainment, proudly presented by U Mobile, supported by official media partner, Gempak, and official hotel partner, Promenade Hotel.
