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New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Shila Amzah's new song explores healing and hope
MALAYSIAN singer Shila Amzah returns with her latest single, 'Pernah Punya Aku' (Once Mine), a deeply personal work entirely written and composed by Shila herself. This song also marks a phase of maturity for Shila after 25 years as an artiste. 'Pernah Punya Aku' is Shila's latest offering after a long break from creating, and it arrives brimming with emotion and honesty. Recalling the writing process, Shila explained that the song was crafted in just two days while she was still in her post-partum confinement period. "At that time, my emotions were unstable. My husband suggested I try to express what I was feeling through song, and that's how 'Pernah Punya Aku' was born. "It wasn't just an outlet, but also a healing process for me," Shila said. The song was recorded in a very positive and efficient environment, with Genervie Kam acting as producer and music arranger. Kam, a highly respected female music director in Malaysia, provided full support to Shila throughout the recording process, which took only about 40 minutes to complete. "I felt very comfortable working with Genervie. She understood me as an artiste and a woman. The recording process was very smooth and effective," she said. Shila added that although the song touches on themes of disappointment and sadness in a relationship, she infused elements of hope and strength to make it a space for recovery for listeners. "Even though this song is sad, I want listeners to know that behind every pain there is a way out. "This song reflects the feelings of many women who have been left or betrayed, but at the same time, I included words of encouragement so they know they are not alone," she explained. Shila chose to let her mother hear the song first. "I dedicated this song to a woman who was cheated on and abandoned. I wanted my mother to hear it first because she is closer to that perspective. "According to her, the song was very touching and depicted what she had felt," she said. 'Pernah Punya Aku' is the first single from Shila's upcoming new full-length album, set to be released later this year. It serves as a way for her to let go of a buried story and open a new chapter in her life's journey as a mother, a woman, and an artiste. Produced by Nova Music, it is currently available for streaming on all music streaming platforms. The official music video for the song can be viewed on Nova Music's YouTube channel.
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Shila finds balance in stardom, family life
UNLIKE many local artistes, Shila Amzah found the past Ramadan to be a period of tranquil reflection, affording her the perfect opportunity to observe the holy month and cherish time with her family. She says that her husband, Ubaidillah Zulkefli, whom she married in 2013, often remarks that she's the antithesis of most other artistes, who are typically inundated with shoots during Ramadan. Shila, whose real name is Nurshahila Amir Amzah, notes that her busiest period tends to be in the weeks leading up to the Chinese Lunar New Year. This is a natural consequence of Shila's established presence in the Chinese-speaking market, particularly in China, a connection forged after her participation in the Shanghai-based reality show 'Asian Wave' in 2012. The 35-year-old artiste's unique appearance has resonated with audiences there, setting her apart from the prevailing norms. Recently, Shila graced the stage at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, and earlier last month, she was a featured performer at Wang Leehom's 'The Free Show' event. Shila expressed her delight at performing the song 'Forever Love' as a duet with the 48-year-old Taiwanese-American superstar. Describing the opportunity as a dream realised, Shila sees the experience as proof that no aspiration is unattainable. "Growing up, he was one of my idols," shares Shila, who also performed the song during the preliminary round of 'Asian Wave'. Shila's musical journey began at the tender age of 9, and she eventually released her debut album a year after her 'Asian Wave' victory. Her experience and exposure on the show not only cemented her status but also earned her a six-year recording contract with Shanghai Media Group, prompting her extended stay in China. "I'm comfortable with my following there, and, I travel there monthly for work commitments," says Shila, who is the daughter of famous 1980s singer Datuk Amir Amzah Salleh a.k.a. ND Lala. When asked about the possibility of relocating to China, Shila explains, "I lived there for eight years previously, but now, with two children, my trips are limited to around two weeks at a time." "My eldest child has special needs, which makes prolonged separation from my family challenging. Frequent schedule adjustments can be disruptive for him," she elaborates. Shila expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to spend Ramadan and the festive season with her family, particularly as her youngest child, born last May, approaches significant milestones. "I wouldn't want to miss her first words or her first steps," she says. She seems to have the best of both worlds, having built strong fan bases in Malaysia and China. So, for her Malaysian fans, Shila is currently working on her next Malay album with Nova Music. "It's been quite some time since my last Malay album," Shila acknowledges. "As this year marks my 25th anniversary as a recording artiste, it feels like the perfect time to release this album." Shila reveals that the album, her second self-titled release after her 2013 debut, will feature more than 10 songs, with the first single expected next month and the full album to follow in June or July. With the album's release on the horizon, Shila hints at the possibility of a concert to commemorate her silver jubilee in the music industry. "Stay tuned for an announcement," she says excitedly.
