Latest news with #Nusantara
The Star
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian rapper Kmy Kmo and versatile singer Halim rev up for their new single with a social message: 'Layar Boneka'
'This one comes with a sound advice, ' says versatile Malaysian singer Halim and well-known rapper Kmy Kmno on their new single 'Layar Boneka', which was released to the masses last week. Halim and Kmy Kmo said this song is just not for entertainment, as it also comes with a strong message for the people in this country. 'We want to speak up, we don't just want to sing," said the duo, for the song was created by Kmy Kmo himself and HMstatenine. Kmy Kmo, a well-known name in the local entertainment world, is a rapper famous for his unique voice, rap style, and his songs also have always had meaningful lyrics. Meanwhile, Halim, an artistic figure who is more comfortable with free expression, infuses soul into every verse of his singing, while also being active in entrepreneurial activities. Kmy Kmo's recent effort was 'Ke Mana Ni', a smash hit single which he collaborated with his good friends Luca Sikta and Salammusik. That effort was also about the current living conditions and issues youths face in the city. As for the new song, Halim and Kmy Kmo said they were excited about working together for the first time. "I was happy to duet with Kmy Kmo and record a song together because I see him as a versatile rapper and also as an element of Nusantara music in his music. "It just so happens that I am interested in the music that Kmy brings. I am also interested in various genres such as Slow Rock, Pop Ballad, and Hip Hop. But I prefer the Hip Hop music genre," said Halim. "Getting to know Kmy Kmo from the filming set for the Astro Oasis TV programme produced by my own company, titled Manhajj Mutawiff, has inspired me to move more into the recording studio. Kmy Kmo has been involved in producing the theme song for the programme." The 'Layar Boneka' single has also become the starting point in the collaboration of Halim & Kmy Kmo's partnership for the current Malay rapper/hip hop music market, which is also popular in Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. The concept of this song highlights an emotional vocal struggle, calling for courage, self-esteem and determination to rise from the fall and use slander as a stepping stone to continue to stand firm. The song recording and music arrangement were done by song producer – HMstatenine, featuring a combination of modern pop, contemporary ballads, and Malay hip hop elements, creating a musical experience that is not only sonically interesting but also emotionally touching. 'This song is for those who have been silent for too long because of the suffocating insults; it's time for us to level it all out,' said Halim. Kmy added that: "I believe Halim has a unique voice that could be said to be very suitable for the Kapak Rock or Malay Rock Genre. He is also a friend who is very diligent and sincere in learning something new, daring to challenge himself. It was a brilliant experience working with him." Kmy added that he hopes the messages in the lyrics of this song can be conveyed to all the communities in the country. "This is a song for everyone who has gone through life under very tough circumstances," he added. Top local producer Luncai Emas is also acting as digital distributor for this song. The official audio and music video for 'Layar Boneka' are available on all digital channels and the Luncai Emas YouTube channel.
The Star
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Popular 1990s singer Sheqal passes away at 60
Sheqal succumbed to bacterial infection and complications from fluid in the lungs at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban on June 17. Photo: Bernama Popular 1990s singer Sheqal, whose real name was Shaharim Sallehudin, had yearned to return and settle down in his hometown of Kampung Tanjung Putus in Raub, Pahang. However, that dream was left unfulfilled following his passing on June 17. His wife, Normah Mohd Yussof, 58, said the late singer, who had been wheelchair-bound after suffering four strokes since 2020, was admitted to hospital on June 5 and placed in an induced coma the following day. "I didn't expect his passing to happen so suddenly. As his wife, I had hoped he would recover and return to the family in good health. However, he passed away very peacefully, without any pain at all. I was by his side in his final moments. "My family and I accept Allah's will. The pain he endured since 2020 is now gone. During that period, he was active and able to take care of himself independently. Before he passed, there were no signs of decline. He only said he was short of breath,' she told reporters when met at Masjid Tuanku Ja'afar on June 17. Sheqal, 60, succumbed to bacterial infection and complications from fluid in the lungs at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban, at 12.31pm. His final rites were carried out at Masjid Tuanku Ja'afar and his remains were buried in his hometown in the evening. The singer, best known for the hit song Cinta Nusantara , had previously expressed his wish to return to his hometown after spending more than 40 years away, and to continue creating art. When asked about his personality, Normah described him as kind-hearted and always positive with their children. "Recently, his mother came to visit him. At the time, he was still in an induced coma, but we could see that he was trying hard to wake up and even responded slightly,' she added. Meanwhile, renowned singer Datuk Nashrudin Elias, better known as Nash, described Sheqal as a multi-talented artiste who pioneered Nusantara and contemporary music, while also having a knack for painting. Nash, who had known Sheqal for over 40 years, said he was not only talented but also possessed admirable character and a distinct artistic identity. "His passing is a great loss to the country's creative industry. I have known him from the time he worked as a leather shoe and bag tailor at Kompleks Pertama in Kuala Lumpur. I was also impressed by his abstract artwork and anyone who still has one of his paintings is truly lucky. "We've lost an extraordinary artiste. I once performed with him, and to me, his performances were always creative and distinctive, with his own melodious vocal style,' he said. – Bernama
New Straits Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Singer Sheqal dies at 60
KUALA LUMPUR: Beloved Malaysian singer Shahrin Salehuddin, better known as Sheqal, passed away at 60. The iconic voice of 1990s Nusantara and traditional pop music breathed his last at 12.31pm today at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban. Sheqal had been battling a severe lung infection and fluid in his lungs. The news of his passing was confirmed by the Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT), whose chairman, Datuk DJ Dave, was present at the hospital during his final moments, alongside Sheqal's wife and two children. A statement from YKAT read, "We have just lost an artistic soul." "Shahrin Salehuddin, better known as Sheqal, who was hugely popular in the 1990s with his Nusantara and traditional pop music, passed away at 12.31pm today. "He had been suffering from a lung infection and fluid in his lungs." The statement further detailed the emotional scene at the hospital. "The YKAT team had just arrived at the Anggerik ICU in Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital, Seremban. "Upon their arrival, he took his last breath, witnessed by Datuk DJ Dave (Chairman of YKAT), alongside his wife and two children." Sheqal rose to prominence in the 1990s, captivating audiences with his unique blend of traditional Malay melodies and contemporary pop sensibilities. His music played a significant role in popularising the Nusantara genre, leaving an indelible mark on the Malaysian music landscape. Condolences have begun pouring in from fellow artistes and admirers, all remembering his distinctive voice and the timeless music he created. According to YKAT, Sheqal's body is expected to be taken to Raub, Pahang, for funeral arrangements. The foundation has also extended financial assistance to his family to help with the immediate costs. The statement concluded with a call for prayer: "Let's all offer Al-Fatihah and pray that his soul is blessed." Previously, Sheqal was admitted to Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital on June 4 and put in an induced coma on June 6. Through his marriage to his ex-wife, Raja Ema, Sheqal was blessed with two sons, Putera Ammar and Putera Al-Kasyah. Meanwhile, his marriage to his current wife, Normah Mohd Yusoff, has been blessed with a pair of children: Muhammad Fatullah Shaharim, 21, and Ummu Hani Shaharim, 20.
Hype Malaysia
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Sheila On 7 To Return To Malaysia This July; Joins Latihan Pestapora Music Festival's Phase 2 Lineup
Earlier in May, it was announced that some of Malaysia and Indonesia's biggest names in music will be performing at Latihan Pestapora Malaysia later this year. Confirmed acts for Phase 1 include .Feast, Hindia, Pamungkas, Bunkface, DOLLA, SonaOne, Salammusik, and many more! Following the explosive response to the initial lineup announcement, the festival is turning up the volume for its debut edition with the reveal of its Phase 2 lineup, featuring the legendary Sheila On 7 from Indonesia! Sheila On 7 is officially set to make their long-awaited return to Malaysian soil in a monumental homecoming celebration at Latihan Pestapora Malaysia—now upgraded to Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil this July. Joining the stage for the festival's Phase 2 lineup are also Nadin Amizah and ALVN. The move to Malaysia's largest stadium allows even more fans to be part of this unforgettable, stadium-scale experience. 'Sheila On 7 is not just a band – they are a shared memory, a generational anthem. Their return to Malaysia is more than a performance – it's a cultural moment. With Stadium Nasional as the new venue, we are ready to etch this event into the history of live music festivals in Malaysia,' said Rohit Rampal, CEO & Founder of Hitman Group. Organised by Hitman Solutions and Boss Creator, the original team behind Jakarta's iconic Pestapora festival, this Malaysian edition brings the true spirit of Nusantara music to life like never before. Event details are as follows: Date: 26th July 2025 26th July 2025 Venue: Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil Organiser: Hitman Solutions and Boss Creator Hitman Solutions and Boss Creator Ticketing: Rockzone (Free Standing) – RM299, GA (Free Standing) – RM249, CAT 1 (Numbered Seat) – RM399, CAT 2 (Numbered Seat) – RM189 Phase 2 tickets will go on sale starting 9th June 2025, 12pm at This follows the successful closure of Phase 1 sales, which saw thousands of fans locking in their spots even before the full lineup was revealed. Are you excited to see the iconic Sheila On 7 perform on stage next month? What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Sheila On 7 returns to Malaysia for 'Latihan Pestapora'
KUALA LUMPUR: Legendary Indonesian band Sheila On 7 is officially making their long-awaited return to Malaysian soil for a monumental homecoming celebration at Latihan Pestapora Malaysia. The event has been upgraded to Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil and will take place on July 26. Following an explosive response to the initial lineup announcement in May, the festival is turning up the volume for its debut edition with the reveal of its Phase 2 lineup, featuring Sheila On 7 alongside Nadin Amizah and ALVN. Hitman Group CEO Rohit Rampal, commented on the change of venue: "The move to Malaysia's largest stadium allows even more fans to be part of this unforgettable, stadium-scale experience. "Sheila On 7 isn't just a band – they're a shared memory, a generational anthem. "Their return to Malaysia is more than a performance – it's a cultural moment. "We are ready to etch this event into the history of live music festivals in Malaysia." Festival director and co-founder of Boss Creator, Kiki Ucup, added: "Pestapora is a celebration of music and community. Bringing that spirit to Malaysia is a natural next step for us. We hope to further unite the two nations in one vibrant, love-filled, music-powered experience." Organised by Hitman Solutions and Boss Creator, the original team behind Jakarta's iconic Pestapora festival, this Malaysian edition promises to bring the true spirit of Nusantara music to life like never before. Phase 2 tickets will go on sale on June 9. For more details, visit
