#SHOWBIZ: Misha Omar scores a first with 'Break'
Recently released under Sony Music Entertainment, the song marks Misha's first-ever cross-border collaboration with Indonesian music legend Melly Goeslaw.
Written entirely by Melly and produced by Tohpati, 'Break' is a soul-stirring anthem wrapped in raw emotions.
It also serves as the official soundtrack for the drama series 'Mandul Bukan Pilihan'.
A MESSAGE, A MILESTONE
The song began with a message, literally. Misha sent Melly a DM on Instagram.
"I gathered my courage and messaged her," says Misha. "I told her I wanted a song written by her. To my surprise and joy, she agreed and composed 'Break' just for me."
For Melly, the feeling was mutual. "I've been a fan for such a long time. She simply has an amazing voice. I've always been in awe of Misha."
Though the song was recorded in Jakarta, the two had never actually met prior to the private media listening party hosted by Misha recently at Courtyard by Marriott KL South.
BACK TO SCHOOL (SORT OF)
The intimate event felt more like a reunion with old friends than a press launch.
Misha, elegant yet irreverently witty, cracked jokes and charmed the room like she was hosting a long-overdue catch-up.
"I've been doing this for two decades," she said with a grin. "I wouldn't have made it this far without media friends. Thank you for still writing about me, still listening."
Then came the surprise: Melly appeared.
The crowd erupted as the two divas embraced for the first time in person.
They later took the stage together, with Misha performing 'Break' live.
"When I was writing this song, it sounded ordinary," Melly said.
"But when I heard Misha's vocals, it became extraordinary. She gave it soul."
PREPARATION WITH PURPOSE
Despite her decades of experience and three 'Anugerah Juara Lagu' Best Vocal wins, Misha still treats every project like the first.
Before recording 'Break', she returned to vocal classes with her long-time coach, Datuk Syafinaz Selamat, who was at the event as well.
"Every time I start something new, I go back to class," she says.
"We dissect the lyrics, line by line, to really feel the emotions behind the words."
While the title may hint at pause or heartbreak, for Misha, 'Break' means reclaiming space.
"It's not about stopping," she says. "It's about giving myself permission to create something meaningful again."
And 'Break' delivers just that: an elegant heartbreak ballad that feels timeless, universal and entirely her own.
It's also a celebration of regional creativity, bridging the musical worlds of Malaysia and Indonesia.
"This isn't about replacing local composers," she clarifies.
"It's about exploring, pushing boundaries and celebrating the richness of Nusantara music."
WHAT'S NEXT?
With 'Break' already streaming on all major platforms, Misha is warming up for her next big move.
Her solo concert, 'DiA MISHA OMAR' on Nov 29 at Mega Star Arena, promises to be another milestone in her illustrious career. Tickets, priced from RM288 to RM1,200, have been on sale since July 25.
Between now and then? Maybe another collaboration. Maybe more ballads.
But one thing's for sure, Misha's not slowing down.
"As long as I have something honest to say, I'll keep singing," she says.
"Each new song should feel like the start of something."
So, if 'Break' feels like a beginning, it's because it is. Misha hopes this collaboration builds bridges through melody and acknowledging the interconnected nature of Southeast Asian creativity.
'Break' is available across all major streaming platforms, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music.
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