Latest news with #GenKRU
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elite opens official Instagram account amid rise in popularity
19 Jun - After receiving much love from fans following their reunion at KRU's GenKRU concert, '90's female pop group Elite recently announced that they have officially opened a new Instagram account. Member Linda Rafar, who shared the good news, said that the account @eliteofficialmy is open so that they can share their activities with the fans, especially since they have received lots of invitations following their performance at the concert. "We used to have an Instagram account in the past. But since then, everybody became busy with their own careers that the account became no longer active," she said. "But after we got involved in the GenKRU concert, suddenly we received a lot of attention. We didn't expect so many people want to know about Elite's activities." When asked if this means that Elite will one day hold their own concert, the singer stated that they will take whatever opportunity that comes their way. "We do receive lots of offers to hold a concert. But even before accepting them, we have to do a lot of preparations and not just in terms of singing. We are all in our 40s now. We have to start exercising and taking vocal lessons. Even KRU started doing fitness six months prior to their concert," she said. It was back in May that Linda was reunited with the rest of the Elite members; Abby Abadi, Sasha Saidin, Watie Sadali, and Azza Zawari to perform the song, "Di Pintu Syurga" with KRU. The group made their debut in 1995 and is known for hits like "Tamparan Wanita", "Manisnya Senyumanmu" and "Trauma". (Photo Source: Elite IG, Sasha Saidin IG)
![[FIRESIDE CHAT] Norman KRU Talks GenKRU Success, Music Royalties and the Growth of Local Music](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic-mobile-files.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com%2Fsinar.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Sinar Daily
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
[FIRESIDE CHAT] Norman KRU Talks GenKRU Success, Music Royalties and the Growth of Local Music
24 May 2025 05:00pm In this exclusive Fireside Chat, Norman KRU – legendary producer, singer, and songwriter – gets candid about the massive success of the GenKRU concert and reflects on the evolution of Malaysia's music scene. From nostalgic comebacks to today's industry challenges, Norman doesn't hold back. He shares his honest thoughts on the music royalty issues in Malaysia, the ongoing struggles faced by local artistes, and what it really takes to build a thriving and sustainable Malaysian music industry. Don't miss this powerful conversation! Watch the full Fireside Chat now on all Sinar Daily social media platforms. #NormanKRU #GenKRU #FiresideChat #MusicIndustryMY #SupportLocalMusic #SinarDaily #MusicRoyalty #MalaysianMusicScene #BehindTheMusic More Like This
Sinar Daily
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
GenKRU: A love letter for fans who grew up with them
For the past two consecutive weekends, it felt like the peak of Malay pop culture re-entered our lives and wrapped itself around our collective memory like a well-worn denim jacket from the 90s. Faded, but never out of style. It was because KRU staged a four-night spectacle that turned into a cultural exhale. The trio brothers - Norman, Yusry and Edry gave it their all with amazing showmanship and moments of raw, unfiltered emotions that struck deeper than any beat drop. Now if there's one thing we all live for (consciously or not) it's the chance to relive simpler times. For millennials and Gen Xers, the GenKRU 2025 concert was our chance to do just that. It was equivalent of opening a long-time capsule. Like many 90s kids, our cultural compass didn't point to TikTok. For me, I listened to KRU because my older siblings listened to KRU. It was a secondhand discovery, but one that stayed with me into my adult years. It's only now that I realise how they were in every sense, ahead of their time as artists because decades later, their songs still resonate. They weren't just any boyband built for bubblegum, they were architects of their own sound. 'Malam ini kita menjadi remaja selamanya,' said Edry on stage. It was great seeing fellow millennials and Gen Xers just let go and immerse themselves in the music. For a few hours, we all forgot about adulting, school runs, deadlines and just enjoyed the moment. But it would've been extra cool if my siblings were there dancing with me too. I noticed how the little details were tailored perfectly to the generations in the audience. The seated setup was a thoughtful move especially considering, you know, that backaches tend to creep in once you hit your 30s. It was like they knew we'd want to sing and dance, but maybe not for three hours straight without a little support. KRU wasn't just any boyband built for bubblegum, they were architects of their own sound. - Photo: Bangswan Pictures Then there were the lyrics, projected on the screen for every song. It felt like a subtle nod to the fact that, yes, we might need a little refresher on some of those iconic tunes. Later, at the press conference after the third night of the concert, the trio reflected on how the energy was particularly electric that night (have to say I patted myself on the back for contributing to that). The setlist - made up of songs like The Way We Jam, Fanatik, Awas, Jangan Lafazkan, Apa Saja, Terhangat Di Pasaran and more - were expertly curated, giving fans both the nostalgia they craved and unexpected thrills. But what made GenKRU special wasn't just the playlist, it was their presence. The brothers looked seasoned, yes, but never out of touch. The choreography was tight, the banter was natural and the vocals were still sharp. In a live music landscape increasingly dominated by international acts and digital flash-in-the-pans, GenKRU was a reminder that Malaysia has its own legends. - Photo: Bangsawan Pictures One of the most memorable moments of the concert was when the brothers dedicated a song to their parents for Mother's Day called Penjunjung Namaku. It was a genuine, touching moment to see three grown men, standing in front of a packed Axiata Arena, be vulnerable with their emotions without a second thought. You could feel how grounded they are in love and respect for their parents. 'After 33 years of watching us perform, we want to cherish every moment and give them the memories that we performed for them,' said Edry during the press conference. For fans, KRU's legacy isn't just about memory. This concert reminded us just how much they've contributed outside the spotlight too as producers, storytellers, filmmakers and composers. In the end, GenKRU wasn't about reviving the past. It was about showing us how much of it still lives in us.
Sinar Daily
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Reliving KRU's legacy: Norman shares his thoughts on GenKRU's success
Norman expressed his amazement at the scale of the production and the love shown by fans online. By DANIAL HAKIM 24 May 2025 02:30pm KRU's Datuk Norman Abdul Halim opens up about the unexpected journey leading to the groundbreaking success of the recent GenKRU concert, reminiscing about what led to the overwhelming fan response, and what might come next for the timelessly iconic pop group. They say if you don't ask, the answer will always be no. Who would have guessed that a simple message exchange between Icon Entertainment founder Iman Tang and Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim of KRU would spark something much bigger? What started as a tentative pitch to get Yusry and his brothers Datuk Norman Abdul Halim and Edry Abdul Halim on board for a concert soon blossomed into a creative journey none of them expected. The mission was simple: bring the brothers back on stage and let fans relive their fondest memories of KRU's legendary legacy and iconic music. Norman reflects on how that single conversation led to releasing a single, then an album, and eventually expanding from one concert night to three—and then four. 'Actually, it was not just Iman Tang, there were a few other promoters that actually approached me and Edry separately. 'We never discussed or thought of doing a reunion concert until it came up naturally,' he recalled. Their conversation turned into a creative spark when Yusry became intrigued by the idea of using AI technology to produce music videos. That casual interest spiraled into the idea of recording a single, which then evolved into a full album. 'A representative from Sony Music approached us and said, 'Why stop at just one song? Why don't you just do an album?' 'So one song became an album, and then from that album, a lot of people started to approach us for a concert,' Norman said. What was supposed to be a one-night-only gig grew into a legendary four-night concert spanning across two consecutive weekends. It is no secret that KRU has been around the Malaysian music industry since the olden days, having performed for countless of fans across multiple generations. As such, seeing fans who once rocked out to KRU now bringing their children to the concert was deeply emotional for the trio. Datuk Norman Abdul Halim. 'It's a great honor for us to still be relevant, to be on stage and still get the same reaction — or even probably more — from our fans. 'Of course, to be on stage with my brothers again, it was a good feeling to be there and especially when singing the song during the Mother's Day celebration. It was very emotional for us,' Norman mused. As far as concerts go, the title 'GenKRU' wasn't picked randomly. For KRU, it reflected the band's desire to unify fans of all ages under one musical identity. 'We don't want to differentiate our older fans from the younger fans. Whether it's Gen X, Y, Z or even Alpha, we thought, why not just generalize everyone as GenKRU?' said Norman. Returning to the stage after years away came with its challenges — physically and emotionally. Norman admitted he could see the difference in his performance style when comparing old footage to now. 'Honestly, when I look at my older videos, I could see that my movements were much sharper. 'But during that one or two weeks, I really felt that I was tapping into that mode of becoming an artiste again,' he noted. Despite the success of GenKRU, Norman mentioned that the siblings were not without hardship as several hiccups stood in their way, yet it never stopped them from giving it their all. Despite not being at their best physically — Yusry was unwell before the first show, and Norman himself, along with Edry Abdul Halim, lost their voices after the second — they pushed through with energy and determination. 'The energy from the audience actually helped us and inspired us to give our best,' he said. The most demanding performance of the night? Their iconic hit 'Awas', which closes the show and involves heavy choreography. 'That's the time when we really had to push ourselves. 'But we designed the set list in a way that ensured we were able to perform it well,' he said. After four sold-out nights, fan enthusiasm has sparked new possibilities for the celebrated pop band. Norman confirmed that concerts in other states across Malaysia are being discussed. 'We've received offers from various parties. 'Right now, we're focusing first on the concert in Singapore on June 28, and we are also in discussions to hold concerts in other states,' he said. Reflecting on the journey so far, Norman expressed his amazement at the scale of the production and the love shown by fans online. 'On social media, I saw that fans were truly immersed, as if they, like Yusry said, had 'entered a time tunnel' and were reliving the moment, that's what made me most excited. 'When looking back at the production value, the drone shots and so on, I thought, wow, this is definitely the biggest concert we've ever done,'' he said. More Like This
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: KRU still a force to be reckoned with
IN Malaysian music history, two "bands of brothers" have become household names in different decades. There was The Alleycats in the 1970s, who were defined by their afros and superb rendition of Malay pop songs. And there was KRU in the 1990s, who were defined by electrifying hip-hop beats and catchy pop tunes. COMEBACK KRU — comprising Datuk Norman, Datuk Yusry and Edry Abdul Halim — announced their much-touted comeback with a spellbinding, two-and-a-half-hour concert at the popular Axiata Arena recently and gave fans an explosive evening of non-stop entertainment. Norman, Yusry and Edry had more than 9,000 fans singing and dancing to 24 of their songs at their GenKRU concert. Taking fans back to their early days in the 1990s, the trio who looked fit, youthful and rejuvenated danced, sang and partied non-stop and offered plenty of sing-along opportunities throughout their show. KRU's concert wowed fans with state-of-the-art visuals on a large screen. Better still, they brought on stage their first proteges girl group Elite and their best-known discovery from Akademi Fantasia, Sabahan hip-hop singer Adam Mat Saman. KRU emerged on stage at 8.45pm dressed stylishly in black suits and waving to the cheering crowd. Their show got off to an explosive start with 'Fanatik', their energetic rebuke of extremists which reminded Malaysians to always choose moderation. BEAUTIFUL "Apa khabar Malaysia?" said Norman, and the crowd responded positively. "It's such a beautiful night," said Yusry, giving hints of their second song, the melodious 'Malam Kita'. The audience's excitement rose several notches with the groovy 'Ooh La La', that was accompanied by bright lights and skyscrapers. Yusry said that he had two English songs, and the crowd shouted out the name of one. Alas they were wrong as KRU sang the R&B tune 'Babe'. The fans' answer, 'The Way We Jam', came next, and the brothers proved that their footwork was as good as during their heyday. KRU continued their magic with the feel good 'Untukmu', and the big screen featured relaxing images of palm beaches and starry nights. YOUTHFUL A familiar beat came next, signalling the catchy 'Terhangat Di Pasaran', KRU's collaboration with Adam, and he soon came up stage, looking youthful but larger. "I'm so happy to be back tonight, thank you KRU," said Adam. KRU, now in violet suits, delivered two less-known songs 'Balada Hati' and 'Di Dalam Dilema'. A tribute to the King Of Entertainment Datuk Sudirman Arshad, 'Perpisahan Terasing' came next, complete with photos of the legend. Everyone sang along and Edry said that Sudirman will always live in our hearts. KRU then delivered the first single from their latest album 'Kaset' titled 'Voodoo'. The haunting song featured a creepy video of the brothers being "created" Frankenstein monster-style in a laboratory. Three songs came next, as the brothers' Mother's Day segment. "Happy Mother's Day to all mums," said Norman, as KRU belted out 'Bidadari Hingga Ke Jannah', 'Wanita' and 'Apa Saja'. Yusry reminded fans that he acted in the 2003 movie 'Cinta Kolesterol'. He asked if they knew its theme song, and belted out 'Dekat Padamu', giving his microphone to the crowd. Next came 'Negatif' which sounded like a New Kids On The Block song. Elite, comprising Sasha Saidin, Abby Abadi, Watie Sadali, Linda Rafar and Azza Zawari, emerged to roaring applause. The best-known girl group of the 1990s joined KRU in 'Di Pintu Syurga' which was both spiritual and romantic. MEDLEY In the first medley for the evening, Yusry led KRU in singing 'Sedetik Lebih', made popular by Anuar Zain from their hit movie 'Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa'. It was nicely paired with The Lima's ballad 'Separuh Masa', Edry's band Mojo's 'Romancinta' and Ezlynn's catchy 'Hi Hi Bye Bye'. The show continued with a less known romantic number 'Dua', a romantic medley of 'Hanya Kau' and 'Inikah Ertinya Cinta', and another comprising feel good songs 'Semuanya OK' and 'Mengerti'. KRU revisited their second single from 'Kaset' titled 'One More Time', before announcing that their time was up. "It was a great night, and we hope to be back for more next time," said Norman. The brothers went backstage briefly and returned with the anthem about honesty 'Jangan Tinggal Janji', the catchy plea for mercy 'Jangan Lafazkan' and the explosive 'Awas'. Norman said: "We are delighted to see such great support and love from fans far and near. "Thank you all for supporting us all these years, and we assure you that entertainment will always be part of us." Norman, Yusry and Edry proved to Malaysians that they remain relevant to the music industry, as music-makers and live performers.
