Latest news with #Meor
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
KL Sing Song celebrates 20 years with reunion at Merdekarya
Almost every year of the KL Sing Song series marked a breakthrough for the singer-songwriter scene in the Klang Valley. From its debut as an ambitious regional gathering of kindred spirits to its leap onto the KLPac stage (then a newly opened venue), the independent series left a lasting mark - propelling the late folk singer-songwriter Meor Yusof Aziddin, better known as Meor, into wider recognition and giving a young Yuna one of her earliest platforms. Held annually from 2005 to 2009, KL Sing Song was the brainchild of the Troubadours Enterprise trio – Azmyl Yunor, Tan Sei Hon, and Jerome Kugan – who joined forces to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. They came from different backgrounds – art, writing, teaching – but it was music that connected them. The second KL Sing Song in 2006 also brought the release of Voices From Next Door, a double CD compilation featuring 24 tracks from a wide-ranging line-up including Azmyl, Meor, Nightlife Camera, Fathulistiwa Soundscapes, Mei Chern, Reza Salleh and Jasemaine Gan. What set KL Sing Song apart was its willingness to curate beyond the norm – bringing together singer-songwriters in English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Mandarin on the same stage. It wasn't unusual to see scene veterans like the late Hassan Peter Brown and Markiza celebrated, while Boh Cameronian Arts Award winners such as Kugan and Shanon Shah shared the spotlight with AIM winner Pete Teo. At the same time, newcomers like Liyana Fizi (then with Estrella), Mia Palencia, and Reza Salleh added fresh voices to the mix. In this 2005 photo, the KL Sing Song founding trio (from left) - Tan Sei Hon, Azmyl Yunor, and Jerome Kugan - came together under Troubadours Enterprise to give 'outsider voices' a space to shine. Photo: Filepic/The Star In its five-year run, KL Sing Song did what few others could – it collapsed boundaries and drew diverse scenes closer together. Alongside the main event were offshoots like Troubadours (at various venues), Troubaganger (with Doppelganger, a female singer-songwriter/poet collective), and Troubadours Open Doors (at KLPac). But as John Lennon once sang, 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.' In time, KL Sing Song and other Troubadours activities slowed down, as the founders took on new commitments and moved in different directions. 'I couldn't commit anymore - I had started working full-time at the National Art Gallery in 2008. I'd stopped performing and writing new songs, and had shifted my focus to the visual arts scene. We also felt we'd tapped most of the local talent pool, and by then, some had gone on to create their own platforms to support like-minded artists,' says Tan, who stepped back from the scene but continued to find opportunities to feature indie singer-songwriters at art gallery events. Back on stage Somehow, music loops you back to your roots – softly, insistently. Marking 20 years since KL Sing Song first took root, Azmyl – still active on the local and regional gig circuit – floated the idea of a special series of shows to celebrate the milestone and see where it might lead. His Troubadours partners didn't hesistate to jump back in. The first event kicks off tonight at 9pm (June 28) with a reunion show at Merdekarya, Petaling Jaya, featuring Azmyl, Tan, and Kugan back on stage alongside Karen Nunis, Mei Chern, and Bihzhu. The line-up carries a strong lineage to the KL Sing Song story – Mei Chern was a quietly powerful presence on stage in the 2006 edition, while Nunis and Bihzhu bring seasoned voices that reflect the movement's spirit and evolution, blending folk blues and jazzy pop. 'We were outsiders because singer-songwriters, I think, tend to transcend and bypass music subcultures, scenes, and genres. There was nothing particularly 'cool' or trendy about it – just your songs and how you performed them. We also sidestepped the tribalism and cliques that usually come with music scenes. And since we were all individuals, it made things easier – no band politics, no egos to manage. Setting up gigs was simple: all you needed was a PA, a space, and your own instruments,' says Azmyl, reflecting on how naturally the Troubadours trio slipped back into rhythm – and how open Merdekarya was to welcoming them. 'Jerome, Sei Hon, and I came from different backgrounds – Jerome as a writer and poet, Sei Hon as a visual artist and educator, and myself from the underground and experimental circuit. That mix helped us tap into diverse networks, which gave the collective a distinct identity for that moment in time. It felt like a new wave movement, shaped by the media and political climate – we had a new Prime Minister after decades of Mahathirism, and cultural spaces for expression were opening up. 'At the time, solo singer-songwriters weren't being invited to gigs - most shows were still band-based - so we became that platform, building on the pioneering work of Markiza and Hassan's 'Acoustic Jam', and Joe Kidd's 'Unclogged' series. We played anywhere: art galleries, exhibition openings, readings - you name it. We were mobile, and we bypassed the mainstream idea of what 'playing music' looked like. Our collaboration with Jasmine Low's Doppelganger for the Troubaganger gigs at Tengkat Tong Shin in KL further expanded the mix of voices and backgrounds involved,' he adds. When the stars align The Troubadours weren't the only singer-songwriter gig organisers in town, but they knew how to connect – keeping the pioneers involved while giving new talent a stage to grow. 'I remember how exciting it was to see all these homegrown talents singing their own songs. And there was such a diversity of styles and approaches that it seemed like a movement. Which is why Azmyl, Sei Hon, and I started KL Sing Song. We just wanted to do an event that captured that singer-songwriter scene. I'm not sure how the bands felt about it though,' recalls Kugan. In this 2006 photo, Mei Chern lights up the KL Sing Song stage at KLPac with her performance. Photo: The Star/Filepic The Kota Kinabalu-based Kugan, who has long straddled the arts, literary and music scenes, has also seen movements, venues, and trends come and go during his time living in Kuala Lumpur. For context, both KL Sing Song and Readings KL began in 2005. Two decades on, it's clear that music in Malaysia has had a harder time sustaining that kind of grassroots momentum compared to the literary scene. 'Yes, music always has it harder. The spatial and technical demands of live performance are just more complicated than for readings. Most venues aren't built with music in mind – the stage is often an afterthought. I once performed at a place where the toilet was right next to the stage. So not only were people constantly milling about in front of me, I also had to compete with the sound of flushing toilets throughout the set,' he says. Keeping independent music alive in Malaysia may always be a challenge, but Kugan is happy to give KL Sing Song a new lease of life. An evening to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones is always a good place to start. But tonight's show at Merdekarya is more spontaneous gathering than long-planned affair. 'I'm not sure how much support we'll get. The scene's different now - the new generation is so polished and all over social media. We're not trying to make any big statements, we just want to tap into that KL Sing Song spirit - a space for people to share a common love for music," says Tan. The weight of legacy is also best avoided. 'I don't know if this counts as a legacy - we didn't start a 'movement'. We just picked up on what was already there and added our own generational spirit to it. The (early) 2000s felt like a zeitgeist moment for Malaysia, a time when solo singer-songwriters were becoming part of the fabric. Globally and locally, that sound was rising, and things happened organically,' says Azmyl. 'This 20th anniversary show came together because the timing was right. Jerome, who's now based in Kota Kinabalu, happened to be back in KL for his art exhibition, and I'd recently reconnected with Sei Hon. "It felt like a now-or-never moment – same instinct we had back when we started Troubadours and launched KL Sing Song. Karen and Mei Chern said yes right away, and so did the rest of the alumni,' he concludes. The next KL Sing Song series dates will be announced soon, with performers such as Melina William, Reza Salleh, Panda Head Curry?, Amrita Soon, Umar Akmal, Ray Cheong, Bumi Liar, Otam, Markiza, and Kien Lim already pencilled in.
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Football coach in tears after claiming trial to abusing two female students
KOTA TINGGI: A football coach broke down in tears as he was led out of the Sessions Court here today after pleading not guilty to four charges of sexually assaulting two 13-year-old schoolgirls in separate incidents. Meor Azizi Zolkfle, 33, allegedly committed the offences between November last year and May this year at a sports complex in Stadium Bandar Penawar and near a secondary school field in Felda Adela. Appearing before judge Hayda Faridzal Abu Hasan, Meor claimed trial to the charges which involved allegedly touching the teenage girls' thighs and backs and groping their breasts. The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16(1) of the same Act. If convicted, the accused faces up to 20 years in jail and whipping, with additional penalties of at least two strokes under Section 16. Deputy public prosecutor Foo Fang Leong did not offer bail but proposed RM10,000 for each charge should the court consider bail, along with additional conditions to protect the victims. "The accused must not contact the victims or prosecution witnesses and must report to the nearest police station once a month until the case concludes," said Foo. Meor, who sobbed throughout proceedings, appealed for a lower bail amount, citing his RM2,000 monthly income and responsibility for two children. The court granted him bail of RM20,000 for all charges combined and imposed the conditions sought by the prosecution. The case has been fixed for mention on July 17 for document submission and the appointment of defence counsel.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- The Sun
Ex-IT officer pleads guilty to posting offensive comment on Facebook
IPOH: A former information technology (IT) officer at a local media company pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of making an offensive comment on social media with the intent to hurt others' feelings, in February this year. Ariff Zulkarnain Ameer Mohd Imam, 50, entered the plea after the charge was read before Judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi. According to the charge, he allegedly used the Facebook application through the account 'Ariff Zulkarnain Mohd Imam' at the link to knowingly make and initiate a transmission using a communication service. He was accused of posting a comment on an article titled 'Khatib enggan baca teks khutbah disediakan keterlaluan, jangan dibiarkan - Sultan Nazrin', published on the Facebook page of Harian Metro at the link The offence was allegedly read at the Complaints Counter of the Central Police Station at the Ipoh District Police Headquarters at about 5.45 pm on Feb 25. For the offence, he was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and punishable under Section 233(3) of the same Act, which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. An additional fine of RM5,000 for each day or part of a day the offence continues after conviction may also be imposed, upon conviction. His lawyer, M. Saravanan from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK), appealed for time or a later date to allow the accused to raise funds in case a fine is imposed, noting that the offence was serious as it involved the Sultan of Perak. Deputy public prosecutor Nasrul Hadi Abdul Ghani said he had no objection to sentencing being set for a later date, but offered bail of RM30,000 with two sureties. He also requested that the accused report to the nearest police station once a month and surrender his passport to the court. Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Hidayu Zakaria also conducted the prosecution. Saravanan then appealed for a lower bail amount, saying the accused was 50 years old, his wife was unemployed, and he had lost his job at the media company as a result of his actions. He added that the accused had no stable income and pledged to comply with all imposed conditions. The judge then set July 30 as the sentencing date and fixed bail at RM10,000 with one surety. The accused was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court by noon on June 20, until sentencing is concluded.
The Sun
17-06-2025
- The Sun
Ex-IT officer pleads guilty to offensive Facebook post
IPOH: A former information technology (IT) officer at a local media company pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of making an offensive comment on social media with the intent to hurt others' feelings, in February this year. Ariff Zulkarnain Ameer Mohd Imam, 50, entered the plea after the charge was read before Judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi. According to the charge, he allegedly used the Facebook application through the account 'Ariff Zulkarnain Mohd Imam' at the link to knowingly make and initiate a transmission using a communication service. He was accused of posting a comment on an article titled 'Khatib enggan baca teks khutbah disediakan keterlaluan, jangan dibiarkan - Sultan Nazrin', published on the Facebook page of Harian Metro at the link The offence was allegedly read at the Complaints Counter of the Central Police Station at the Ipoh District Police Headquarters at about 5.45 pm on Feb 25. For the offence, he was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and punishable under Section 233(3) of the same Act, which provides for a maximum fine of RM500,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. An additional fine of RM5,000 for each day or part of a day the offence continues after conviction may also be imposed, upon conviction. His lawyer, M. Saravanan from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK), appealed for time or a later date to allow the accused to raise funds in case a fine is imposed, noting that the offence was serious as it involved the Sultan of Perak. Deputy public prosecutor Nasrul Hadi Abdul Ghani said he had no objection to sentencing being set for a later date, but offered bail of RM30,000 with two sureties. He also requested that the accused report to the nearest police station once a month and surrender his passport to the court. Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Hidayu Zakaria also conducted the prosecution. Saravanan then appealed for a lower bail amount, saying the accused was 50 years old, his wife was unemployed, and he had lost his job at the media company as a result of his actions. He added that the accused had no stable income and pledged to comply with all imposed conditions. The judge then set July 30 as the sentencing date and fixed bail at RM10,000 with one surety. The accused was also ordered to surrender his passport to the court by noon on June 20, until sentencing is concluded.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Beto Kusyairy's latest movie, a nod for Gayong brethren
AWARD-winning actor Beto Kusyairy has never labelled himself as an action actor. This is because the 45-year-old artiste, whose real name is Nurkusyairy Zakuan Osman, believes that as an actor, he needs to try and excel in various genres of productions. "I've never specifically put the label of action actor for myself. All the characters I played would depend on the scripts and those I'd be working with, from other cast members to the directors," he says in a recent interview. "At this stage, I'm no longer chasing popularity, fame, or even jobs. Instead, I only choose work that I like, that which has an impact on my career and the audience. "An impact which would give the audience the vibe and feel of the performance and its content," he adds. From a humble beginning taking the role of the mascot for children's TV production 'Along' in 2001, Beto has come a long way in his artistic journey, having earned himself some coveted awards. These include the best supporting actor awards at the 32nd Malaysia Film Festival (FFM 32) in 2022 and the 2023 Asean International Film Festival & Awards (Aiffa 2023) for his role as Wahid in the 2022 epic blockbuster 'Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan'. Despite not labelling himself as an action actor, Beto is back playing a character that requires him to show off his martial arts skills. The feature film in question is the action drama and biopic movie, 'Gayong,' currently screening in cinemas nationwide. In this movie, directed by Faisal Ishak and produced by Sol Pictures, Beto plays the role of the late Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman Uda Mohd Hashim, a silat grandmaster and the founder of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia. This first instalment (the sequel of this film has also been filmed) recounts the beginnings of Meor and his martial arts from the late 1930s through to the Japanese occupation of Malaya. Dedicated to the Gayong brethren "Truthfully, I'm a little anxious to see public reaction to this role, as there are many anak Gayong (silat Gayong practitioners) out there. There are easily hundreds of thousands of them "I myself am one," reveals Beto, who learnt the Malay martial art since he was just 7 years old. "While I may not be the most skilful Gayong practitioner, I'm honoured to play this role in this film," shares Beto, who believes that this is his small contribution in honouring the grandmaster and his arts. "I dedicate this contribution to him and all the 'anak' Gayong around the world," says Beto, humbly acknowledging his Gayong brethren, its founder, and his descendants. He says that while the film production team had received the blessing from Datuk Meor's daughter, Datuk Paduka Siti Fadzilah, he did not have the opportunity to meet her due to her health condition. Nevertheless, Beto feels fortunate to have met Datuk Meor's proteges, who include Abdul Majid Md Isa, also known as Pandak Majid, and Cikgu Awang Daud. When he met the silat Gayong luminaries, Beto said he had the opportunity to chat about Datuk Meor. "I wanted to find out more about his personality and his demeanour. It was not my intention to copy Datuk Meor in my screen portrayal, which I don't think would be justifiable anyway. "It was just for me to get an idea of who he was and his personality, so that I could adapt to the script. As an actor, it is my responsibility to colour my character in enhancing the story," he explains. Asked if 'Gayong' and his portrayal of Datuk Meor would bring the crowd to the cinemas like how phenomenal it had been for 'Mat Kilau' back in 2022, Beto admits that it is up to the moviegoers.
