#SHOWBIZ: In the footsteps of his mentor
Meet Malik Choo, who still goes by the name DJ Kino when he is playing music for the dance floor at venues across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
As Malik, the 36-year-old KL boy has just released his debut single titled 'Suka Kamu', a heartfelt Malay pop song that celebrates love in its most genuine form.
The single, along with its music video, is now available on all digital music streaming platforms and is produced by Persatuan.
'Suka Kamu', which Malik calls a refreshing take on modern romance, emphasises admiration beyond superficial traits and is co-written by Shazee Ishak, Mambang (Altimet) and the singer himself.
At the recent launch of his debut single, Malik said: "Kino is a Japanese name that I discovered while playing a game and embraced it almost instantly.
"I spent three months learning to be a DJ, and I've always wanted to sing as well," said Malik, an only child whose initial dream was to be a chef.
JAY CHOU
Encouraged to sing by his mother, Malik grew up listening to hip-hop and R&B music.
"My main influences are Linkin Park, Chris Brown, Usher, Jay Chou, Anuar Zain, Misha Omar, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Wang Leehom," he said, adding that he learnt the piano when he was 7 and served as Jay's DJ during the Loud Festival in Singapore held a decade ago.
"I also sang 'Ralit' with Tuju of K-Clique, and it was one of the songs in the Zul Ariffin action film, 'J-Retribusi', in 2021."
Elaborating on his new song, Malik said that it contains a catchy chorus that goes "Ku suka kamu seperti kamu", which captures the beauty of loving someone for his or her true self.
"The music video is directed by Fareez Nasir and brings the song's narrative to life with relatable stories involving couples who find true love," he said.
Malik added that the central story is one of multi-racial love between a shy delivery boy played by himself and a bold, outspoken and educated girl played by Wan Nasuha.
"The video beautifully captures the nervous excitement of new emotions and hopes, while accepting individuality and acceptance," said Malik.
TRILINGUAL
A multi-lingual singer, dancer and hip-hopper fluent in Cantonese, Malay and English, Malik was into sports in school and represented the Federal Territories state basketball team.
"I do love sports such as basketball and athletics, but I have always envisioned myself doing music someday," he said.
"Nevertheless, I took my time to join the industry, and I'm happy to have started as a DJ and model first, as these jobs help me become a good performer."
Malik has appeared in many television and print advertisements over the last decade and has had several viral hits including 'Kita Jaga Kita', an anthem that gained nationwide fame during the Covid-19 pandemic and garnered over 10 million YouTube views.
He is also behind 'Lelaki Di Telefon', a duet with actor Afieq Shazwan which amassed over 1.7 million Spotify streams and 11 million YouTube views.
Discovered and mentored by Altimet, Malik was part of the hip-hop trio Chop in 'The Last Trio Standing', a dance and song reality show.
Malik reveals he has two other songs in the pipeline which are set to be released at year end.
KUALA LUMPUR
Malik looks up to Altimet, and aspires to become a successful composer, lyricist and music producer like him someday.
"While it's good to sing overseas, I'm quite the homesick person, so I'm happier to be based in KL, where my loved ones are," he said.
When asked where he would love to perform, Malik listed Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States.
"As for acting, while it's an interesting thing, I don't think I'm cut out for it. But I'm perfectly okay playing cameo roles in movies and dramas, preferably not as a singer!"
MUSICALS
Malik would love to star in musicals, especially those which celebrate hip-hop and R&B music.
"I believe that the music industry is a lot more Bangsa Malaysia now, especially with the rise of social media artistes, who amplify their talents easily," he said.
"But what is most important is that we junior artistes should have good mentors, and in my case Altimet is the best of the best."
'Suka Kamu' marks Malik's first single under Dana Kebolehan Pasaran Domestik, a government initiative to assist budding artistes.
It is also a joint release by Sony Music Malaysia and Svltan Management, Malik's management company.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
8 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Godzilla's scars: How the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings continue to influence Japanese art
TOKYO - From Godzilla's fiery atomic breath to post-apocalyptic anime and harrowing depictions of radiation sickness, the influence of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki runs deep in Japanese popular culture. In the 80 years since the World War II attacks, stories of destruction and mutation have been fused with fears around natural disasters and, more recently, the Fukushima crisis. A volunteer pushes paper lanterns out onto the Motoyasu River after they were released by visitors to mark the 80th anniversary of the world's first atomic bomb attack, in the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 2025. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP) Classic manga and anime series "Astro Boy" is called "Mighty Atom" in Japanese, while city-levelling explosions loom large in other titles such as "Akira", "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and "Attack on Titan". "Living through tremendous pain" and overcoming trauma is a recurrent theme in Japan's cultural output "that global audiences have found fascinating", said William Tsutsui, a history professor at Ottawa University. The US nuclear bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 left around 140,000 people dead. It was followed days later by the bombing of Nagasaki that killed around 74,000 people. Some poetry "portrays the sheer terror of the atomic bomb at the moment it was dropped", but many novels and artworks address the topic indirectly, said author Yoko Tawada. "It's very difficult for the experience of the atomic bomb, which had never existed in history before, to find a place in the human heart as a memory," she told AFP. Tawada's 2014 book "The Emissary" focuses on the aftermath of an unspecified terrible event. She was inspired by connections between the atomic bombs, the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and "Minamata disease" -- mass mercury poisoning caused by industrial pollution in southwest Japan from the 1950s. The story "is less of a warning, and more a message to say: things may get bad, but we'll find a way to survive", Tawada said. Godzilla's skin Narratives reflecting Japan's complex relationship with nuclear technologies abound, but the most famous example is Godzilla, a prehistoric creature awakened by US hydrogen bomb testing in the Pacific. "We need monsters to give a face and form to abstract fears," said professor Tsutsui, author of the book "Godzilla on My Mind". "In the 1950s, Godzilla fulfilled that role for the Japanese -- with atomic energy, with radiation, with memories of the A-bombs." Many people who watched Godzilla rampage through Tokyo in the original 1954 film left theatres in tears, he said. And "it's said that the special effects people working on Godzilla modelled the monster's heavily furrowed skin after the keloid scars on the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki." In the nearly 40 Godzilla movies released since, nuclear themes are present but often given less prominence, partly to appease American audiences, Tsutsui said. Even so, the series remains hugely popular, with 2016 megahit "Shin Godzilla" seen as a critique of Japan's response to the tsunami-triggered Fukushima disaster. 'Black Rain' "Black Rain", a 1965 novel by Masuji Ibuse about radiation sickness and discrimination, is one of Japan's best-known novels about the Hiroshima bombing. But the fact Ibuse was not an A-bomb survivor is part of a "big debate about who is permitted to write these stories", said Victoria Young of the University of Cambridge. "How we talk about or create literature out of real life is always going to be difficult," she said. "Are you allowed to write about it if you didn't directly experience it?" Nobel-winning author Kenzaburo Oe collected survivor accounts in "Hiroshima Notes", essays written on visits to the city in the 1960s. "He's confronting reality, but tries to approach it from a personal angle" including his relationship with his disabled son, said Tawada, who has lived in Germany for four decades after growing up in Japan. "The anti-war education I received sometimes gave the impression that Japan was solely a victim" in World War II, she said. "When it comes to the bombings, Japan was a victim -- no doubt" but "it's important to look at the bigger picture" including Japan's wartime atrocities, she said. As a child, illustrations of the nuclear bombings in contemporary picture books reminded her of depictions of hell in historical Japanese art. This "made me consider whether human civilisation itself harboured inherent dangers", making atomic weapons feel less like "developments in technology, and more like something latent within humanity". - AFP
Sinar Daily
11 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
Peranakan heritage comes alive through a heartfelt musical celebration this October
THIS October, audiences will be transported into the heart of Peranakan heritage – a world of vivid colours, nostalgic melodies, and heartfelt community spirit. Peranakan: A Musical Legacy, presented by Somerset Music, is more than just a concert; it is a living celebration of culture woven with purpose, bringing together music, tradition, and charity for a cause that touches lives. Malaysia's cultural identity has long been likened to a richly patterned mosaic, each tradition adding its own colour and character to the nation's story. Few traditions embody this fusion as beautifully as the Peranakan heritage – a blend of Malay, Chinese, and colonial influences reflected in its clothing, cuisine, and music. Taking centre stage at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) on Oct 4 and 5 2025, Peranakan: A Musical Legacy will offer audiences a heartfelt evening of song and story while raising funds for two meaningful causes – The National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) and the Malaysia Assistance Fund by World Vision Malaysia. Organised by Somerset Music, the concert is set to feature a choir dressed in authentic Peranakan attire, with many of its singers being individuals with special needs. 'Somerset Music is pleased to organise this fund raiser which is in aid of The National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) and the Malaysia Assistance Fund by World Vision Malaysia. Members of the public are invited to actively play a personal part in this charitable cause, while enjoying an artistic evening of songs, stories and culture with the choir attired in authentic Peranakan outfits,' said Somerset Music Principal Joanne Poh. Photo: DPAC Website 'This fund-raising concert is a heartfelt celebration of Southeast Asia's Peranakan heritage told through songs passed down across generations. The programme features a thoughtfully curated selection of folk melodies, from playful childhood rhymes to soulful love ballads, rooted in the traditions of the Malay Archipelago and the Straits-born Chinese community. There will be many sing-along moments for the audience throughout the concert. We hope to bring to life again the sense of togetherness in a community through music and laughter,' she added. The line-up includes well-loved classics such as Rasa Sayang, Trek Tek Tek, Chan Mali Chan, Kopi Susu, Lenggang Kangkung, and Bengawan Solo. Each song paints a scene – from carefree kampung days to the warmth of family gatherings – set against the backdrop of simpler, rustic times. For Nasom, this partnership is as much about cultural preservation as it is about advocacy. 'We are incredibly excited about partnering with Somerset Music on their upcoming fundraising concert, Peranakan: A Musical Legacy. This event celebrates a rich cultural heritage while directly supporting Nasom's vital work in our community. We believe this collaboration will create a truly meaningful impact,' said Nasom chairman Julian Wong Ming Vui. 'We are delighted to present the exceptional talents of the Nasom Maestros, our very own choir group who are known for their heartwarming and inspiring performances. This collaboration not only brings us closer to our mission of raising awareness about autism but also offers a wonderful platform for the Nasom Maestros to showcase their incredible talents,' she added. A sneak preview to Peranakan: A Musical Legacy concert on Oct 4-5 at DPAC to celebrate diversity of South-east Asia's Baba and Nyonya heritage with well-loved songs like Bengawan Solo, Burung Kakak Tua to name a few. World Vision Malaysia is also part of this initiative, with chief executive officer Hernando Betita III highlighting its significance. 'We are grateful to be part of this initiative and to Somerset Music for making a difference with us. World Vision Malaysia is dedicated to the wellbeing of children and vulnerable communities, both locally and globally. The support generated through this concert will go a long way in improving lives through child-focused development programmes especially individuals with special needs, towards a more compassionate and just world for all,' he said. With ticket prices set at RM80, RM130, and RM180, and open to audiences of all ages, the event promises not only an evening of rich cultural immersion but also the chance to be part of something larger – a celebration of heritage, compassion, and the unifying power of music. The concert is supported by community partners Nusantara Performing Arts Research Centre (NusPARC), with Acre Works lending their support and attire sponsored by Giddy Nyonyas.
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Indonesia's Independence Day games: Why we still play these wild Aug 17 traditions
JAKARTA: Every year when we mark Indonesia's Independence Day, neighbourhoods all across the country buzz with the same joyful chaos: kids face-planting into kerupuk (crackers), uncles tripping in sack races and everyone cheering on that one guy trying to conquer the slippery greasy pole. It is easy to laugh, and we should, but there is more to these beloved Independence Day games than just competition and nostalgia. It is worth remembering that these quirky Aug 17 traditions are rooted in grit, struggle and history. Beyond the festivities, they are part of how we remember, reclaim and celebrate our merdeka (freedom). 'These competitive games aren't meaningless,' says Heri Priyatmoko, history lecturer at Sanata Dharma University Jogjakarta, according to kompas. 'They also serve as a collective memory of our nation.' Not all of them were born with the republic. Some actually predate independence, carrying the baggage of colonial rule. 'We only started playing games on the fifth anniversary. Before then, the celebrations did not involve any of these games,' says historian JJ Rizal in an interview with CNN Indonesia. 'But they've been around since the Dutch and Japanese era. We embraced and carried them forward to mark future milestones with merriment.' So as you laugh your way through another tug-of-war or cheer on a climber slipping up a greasy pole, pause for a moment. These games might look like harmless fun, but they are laced with the grit that built our freedom. More than a snack attack: Lomba makan kerupuk It is the most iconic celabration game of all: face first, hands-free and almost always captured with a mid-bite photo. But this cracker-eating contest harkens back to the situation of food scarcity during the 1930s and 1940s. During the economic crisis of that era, kerupuk (crackers) became a survival staple. As prices soared, these crispy crackers were often all people could afford. Contestants race to eat crackers without using their hands, a game rooted in a time when crackers were a survival staple. - Photo: The Jakarta Post/ANN After independence, lomba makan kerupuk morphed into a symbol of resilience. So yes, you are playing for fun, but now you know: you are also chewing through a bit of history. Also, sometimes you do not need a meal to enjoy a good kerupuk. More than a hop and a fall: Balap karung Hopping from one end to the other, balap karung (sack race) is hilarious every time. It might be the only time you can laugh without guilt, watching your uncle faceplant during the race or your neighbour hop away like a furious pocong (a wrapped-in-shroud ghost). But behind the laughter is a story from one of our bleakest periods. Racers leap forward in a sack race, a game rooted in the scarcity of wartime Indonesia. - Photo: The Jakarta Post/ANN During the Japanese occupation, many Indonesians wore gunny sacks instead of proper clothing, according to JJ Rizal's correspondence with Nope, it was not a fashion statement, it was all they had. These sacks have since been repurposed into a game. From grim hardship to slapstick, the reimagination speaks volumes. More than a slippery slope: Panjat pinang Panjat pinang (greasy pole) has always drawn crowds, and gasps. Since its genesis, the slippery pole has always placed absurd prizes at the top. The pole? Slathered in grease to amuse our colonial elites. The people? Determined climbers trying to reach the unattainable. The game first appears in records from Dutch-era festivities. It even made its way into the lineup during the wedding of Mangkunegara VII. 'We don't know who exactly came up with this game,' Heri explains in an article on Kompas. 'But it's a tradition that's long been instilled into our culture.' Captured in 1995, this moment shows climbers navigating a grease-slicked pole in a demanding test of strength, balance and collective effort. - Photo: The Jakarta Post/ANN Sure, back then, it was staged ironically. Today, it is about teamwork, determination and grit. The grease still makes you slip, but the meaning has shifted. More than clunky footwork: Balap bakiak Try walking in perfect sync while strapped to two oversized planks. You will quickly realize that this game is all about unity. Balap bakiak (clog race) is said to be heavily inspired by the Japanese geta (wooden sandals), worn by geisha during performances. When the game took hold in Indonesia, it was not just a test of balance, it became a lesson in coordination. To move forward, we have to move together. It is more than just a game, it is a fitting metaphor for Indonesia's unity. More than a rope: Tarik tambang Tarik tambang (tug of war) has been played in Indonesia since at least 1942, when the Japanese colonial publication Djawa Baroe (New Java) magazine included it in its anniversary celebrations. Back then, it was just for fun. Today, it carries more symbolic weight. More than a game of strength, tug-of-war has symbolised solidarity since the 1940s, carrying the national spirit of gotong royong (communal cooperation). - Photo: The Jakarta Post/ANN It is now less about which side is stronger and more about what it symbolises: our gotong royong (communal cooperation) philosophy. It is about unshakable solidarity and shared effort. As we know now, the rope burns may be real, but so is our togetherness. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
