From Texas to Kedah: Malaysian rapper Zamaera gears up for national ‘Epiphany Tour' after SXSW high
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysian singer-songwriter Zamaera is back in the country and she's hungrier than ever.
The 29-year-old from Subang Jaya, Selangor is riding high after making her debut at not one, but three showcases at SXSW 2025 in March.
SXSW, or South by Southwest, is a renowned annual festival and conference in Texas, the United States, celebrating the intersection of music, film, interactive media and education that has been running since 1987, drawing global creatives and industry players each year.
Now, building on the momentum from her SXSW appearances – and fuelled by a last-minute cancellation of her Japan tour – Zamaera has her eyes locked firmly on the future.
But before we look ahead, here's a quick rewind on the rapper behind the single 'Z vs Z'
Zamaera was previously featured on Joe Flizzow's acclaimed album 'Havoc' in the track 'Aku Tak Kenalmu'. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Zamaera, whose full name is Sharifah Zamaera Syed Zafilen Al Edros, began her journey in the local entertainment industry at nine years old, transitioning from TV hosting to becoming one of Malaysia's prominent female rappers.
Early in her career, she was featured on Joe Flizzow's 2013 Havoc album in the track 'Aku Tak Kenalmu'. She later emerged as runner-up in the 2016 Red Bull Blend Cypher, standing out as the only female competitor.
She officially debuted as a solo rapper in 2017 with her single 'Helly Kelly', and has since continued to break boundaries. She was the first artiste to headline a hip-hop show at the prestigious Istana Budaya during the 2020 Asean-Korean Music Festival (AKMF Round).
In 2023, she launched Queendom Fest through her company Mean Malaya Entertainment. The event, Malaysia's first all-female music festival, featured acts such as Dolla, Hullera, and The Impatient Sisters.
In 2021, she parted ways with US indie label Lakefront Records and has since been moving independently, with Mean Malaya now at the core of her creative journey.
SXSW debut
Performing at SXSW had always been a dream for Zamaera and in March, it became a reality.
Over two days, she took the stage at three showcases: Taiwan Beats Day Party, Women in Music Canada, and Sounds of SEA (South-east Asia), the latter spearheaded by Malaysian music advocate Arin Sharnaz Rashdi of Tala Records Asia.
She secured her spot at the renowned festival after applying through SXSW's official platform in September 2024 – just days before the deadline, and received confirmation two months later.
'I was celebrating a friend's birthday when I got the email, we were jumping up and down,' Zamaera said.
'I immediately called my family. My parents have always been a huge part of my journey. I had to tell them first.'
That excitement translated into her performances, where her opening act at the Taiwan Beats Day Party drew nearly 170 people out of a 200-capacity venue.
'That showcase really set the tone for the whole trip. Because of it, people came to the next two shows,' she said.
Her SXSW set featured her original songs, as well as remixes including a unique take on 'Ikan Kekek' by legendary singer Saloma.
Beyond the stage, Zamaera also made industry connections, including with US producer Theron 'Neff-U' Feemster, known for working with Michael Jackson, Eminem, and Dr Dre.
'This time around, I didn't feel like a fish out of water,' she said.
'In 2018, everything was overwhelming – it was fast-paced, and I didn't know how to navigate. I was 23 then. I've grown since, especially in terms of mindset.'
The Epiphany Tour
Zamaera had planned an eight-city tour in Japan this April, including stops in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, but the trip was cancelled at the last minute due to organiser issues.
Refusing to lose steam, she redirected her energy into a national six-state tour, dubbed The Epiphany Tour.
The tour kicks off in Kedah, Penang and Perak from May 9 to May 11, followed by Melaka (May 14), Sabah (May 16), and Sarawak (May 17). She will wrap up the tour by headlining the Road to FAM (Future Asian Music) show at Over & Above Club in Kuala Lumpur on May 21.
FAM is a collaboration between major record label 88rising and denim brand Levi's.
Zamaera will be joined on tour by long-time producer and collaborator I-SKY, and will spotlight at least two local acts at each stop. For instance, Alor Setar audiences can catch DJ NZHN as the opening act.
Fans can expect a refined version of her SXSW sets throughout the tour.
This marks her second national tour, following a self-funded four-state tour in 2022.
'That first tour, I did it all on my own,' she said.
'I took the bus, set up my own shows, worked with each venue's DJ. The Epiphany Tour is a result of the relationships I've built since then.'
The 'Epiphany Tour' is built on the experiences and connections Zamaera made during her 2022 tour. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Planning this time around has been smoother than expected, with support not only from guest artistes but also venue providers and local partners.
The tour is officially supported by BYD Iroll EV, who are providing transportation for the journey.
Looking forward, Zamaera hopes to see more 'plug-and-play' venues around Malaysia to support local creatives and boost the economy.
She also encourages other local artistes to consider touring but stresses the importance of being financially prepared.
'My manager helped break down everything – venues, accommodation, transport, food, production – so we could really track expenses,' she said.
'Financial literacy is so important. I used to be scared of facing the numbers. But when you understand the cost, ticket sales, and audience size, you can plan properly.'
Beyond her national tour, Zamaera is also finalising an Asia Tour, with plans to perform in six countries including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
She is also set to perform at FAM 2025 in Bangkok this June.
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