Latest news with #AyuDamit
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: A memorable evening with three dynamic songbirds
THE recent "An Evening To Remember" showcase, featuring three popular singers — Datin Alyah, Ayu Damit and Idayu Yaakob — was a resounding success. The two-night event, held at the Park Inn by Radisson Putrajaya Hotel, was a sold-out affair which drew over 400 fans, including some who travelled all the way from Singapore. Resounding success After the final performance, Alyah, 44, whose full name is Noor Hasliah Abu Hasan, expressed her satisfaction and relief at the showcase's success, which exceeded her expectations. "I'm grateful that a showcase of this scale successfully achieved its target," she said. "Although we were saddened to hear the news of the sudden passing of Raja Nurfatimah Mawar Mohamed, assistant editor of entertainment news at 'Berita Harian', earlier on Sunday afternoon, we carried the 'vibe' from the first night well into the second," she said after the second night's performance, which concluded at 11.30pm. When asked about the trio's performance, Alyah believed the audience left feeling satisfied and entertained on both evenings. "The three of us did our utmost best because the songs and segments were different for the first and second nights. "We also received very positive feedback from fans and acquaintances." The evening began with a lively opening act by host Kelly Azman, who performed his single 'No No No'. This was followed by a brief moment of silence in honour of the late Raja Nurfatimah, before the trio took to the stage to perform two songs, 'Semua Jadi Satu' and 'Hanya Memuji'. Impressive vocal work Next was Idayu Yaakob's solo segment, which she kicked off with 'I Love You'. The 40-year-old then delivered an impressive rendition of Jaclyn Victor's 'Di Bawah Pohon Asmara', impersonating several singers, starting with Jaclyn's distinctive style and voice. The audience's reaction clearly showed their delight as Idayu flawlessly covered the song, mimicking iconic voices such as Ning Baizura, Ella, Noraniza Idris, Yuna, Wann, Datuk Sheila Majid, Datuk Sudirman and even Luciano Pavarotti. Idayu continued her medley with 'Kasih Yang Terpisah' and 'Tiada Lagi Tangisan', the latter a tribute to the late composer Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan. Captivating and poignant sessions Alyah then took to the stage for her much-anticipated solo performance, opening with her popular hits 'Sesal Separuh Nyawa', 'Kisah Hati' and 'Jutaan Purnama'. She concluded her segment with a captivating cover of Rihanna's 'Where Have You Been'. Ayu Damit, 35, followed, enchanting the audience with 'Bukan Dia Tapi Aku', 'Hanya Di Mercu' and 'To Love Somebody'. It was a touching moment when the three singers reunited to perform 'Dawai', a powerful tribute to the people of Gaza. This segment was also a collaboration with the non-governmental organisation Karisma Humanitarian Outreach Mission (KHOM). To conclude the evening, the trio performed a series of songs: 'Dia', 'Sekilas Senyumanmu', 'Akhirnya Kini Pasti' and 'Kesal', before returning for an encore with 'Simply The Best'. Beyong the music The showcase also featured a captivating fashion show, a collaboration with the Malaysian Fashion Business Development Association (PEFEM), highlighting collections from local designer brands Nina By Couture and Symplleen by Sharleen David. There was also a dynamic dance performance by Adults & Kids by Dayana Production. Beyond being serenaded by the talented singers, audience members had the chance to win exciting prizes if they had dressed up for the evening. Lucky attendees walked away with gifts sponsored by Mandalay and Rafflesia, as well as two umrah packages courtesy of Izz Ikhwan Travel & Tours.
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ayu puts her studies first
SINGER Ayu Damit is bidding farewell to reality TV, stating she's prioritising her academic pursuits. "Enough is enough when it comes to reality TV programmes, because I simply don't have the time for that any more," says Ayu, 35, the former 'One in A Million Season 2' champion and 'Gegar Vaganza' finallist. She says she won't be participating in singing competitions for now. "My mission is to obtain a degree and embark on a career as a lecturer," Ayu said, adding that her husband supports her decision to focus on her studies and avoid the stress of reality TV. She recalls the demanding schedule of 'Gegar Vaganza'. "During my time on GV7, I suffered from migraines due to the overwhelming workload. "I've been through that intense process, and I've decided that it's time for me to step away from singing reality programmes." Ayu clarifies she's not retiring from singing altogether. "I've set a long-term goal for my artistic journey. By the time I reach 45, I envision myself living a quiet and peaceful life. "I don't see myself performing on stage at 60." She anticipates scaling back her involvement around that age to dedicate more time to business ventures and teaching. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Foundation in Creative Arts at the National Academy of Cultural Arts and Heritage (Aswara), Ayu plans to continue her studies. "After completing my degree at Aswara in two years, I intend to pursue a master's degree and potentially begin teaching. God willing, if all goes according to plan, I will continue my studies to the doctoral level." Before fully immersing herself in academia, Ayu will perform alongside Datin Alyah and Idayu in the upcoming music showcase, 'An Evening to Remember', in Putrajaya on June 21 and 22.
