Latest news with #Dolla
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
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.
New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Four Malaysian music icons honoured at Osaka Expo 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is showcasing four of Malaysia's most influential music icons in a special exhibition at its Malaysia Hall of Fame. Universal Music Malaysia, in a recent statement, announced that the exhibition, running from April 13 to Oct 13, pays tribute to the extraordinary legacy and ongoing impact of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ernie Zakri, and the female pop group Dolla. The Malaysia Hall of Fame, a key cultural attraction within the pavilion, celebrates the nation's excellence through storytelling and audiovisual experiences. The exhibition highlights how each artiste represents a distinct era in Malaysian music. It spans from the golden age of Tan Sri P. Ramlee to Dolla's current global influence, demonstrating how Malaysian music has transcended borders and inspired generations. The exhibits emphasise Tan Sri P. Ramlee's iconic contributions to Malay cinema and music, the remarkable career of Siti Nurhaliza, a beloved figure in Malaysian music, Ernie Zakri's prominence as a leading vocalist in modern Malay pop, and Dolla's bold impact as a new generation of female group taking Malaysian pop to the international stage. Dolla's Tabitha Ariel Lam (Tabby) expressed her excitement in the statement: "This year has been very exciting for us. We've been exploring new genres and sounds, focusing on self-growth and evolving to be more authentic in our artwork. Fans can expect music that retains our signature sound but with greater courage, maturity, and sincerity." "Since our debut in 2019, we've grown significantly, not only as performers but as 'sisters'," Tabby continued. "We've learned to trust each other, and that energy permeates everything we do. We're also grateful for the unwavering support of our fans, especially iDollas, whose encouragement fuels us." "Being inducted into the Malaysia Hall of Fame in Osaka is a tremendous honour. We thank the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) for this international recognition. We are proud to represent Malaysia and look forward to future achievements," she said. Ernie Zakri added, "I'm very honoured and grateful that my career journey over the past few years has been recognised and appreciated by everyone, especially the listeners in Malaysia. This recognition has led to my inclusion in the Osaka Hall of Fame. I would like to thank Universal Music Malaysia and my fans for their unwavering support. I am happy and grateful." Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to draw millions of visitors worldwide, making the Malaysia Hall of Fame a key destination for those seeking to explore the depth and diversity of Malaysian music.
The Star
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian girl group Dolla returns with a new single
After a year without any new music, popular Malaysian girl group Dolla finally returns with their latest single, 'MWA!'. — Photo: Bernama After a year without any new music, popular Malaysian girl group Dolla finally returns with their latest single, MWA! . MWA! , created by Chelsea Warner, Gaston, Roland Lim Shi Jie, and the three members of Dolla - Tabby, Sabronzo and Angel - features a fresh and experimental sound. Angel said they were very excited to collaborate with the creative team once again, as it offered them a chance to explore new musical ideas that were more challenging and fun. "After a year without releasing a single due to being busy with concerts and several other projects, this year we successfully released MWA! for our beloved fans. This song feels like a rebranding of our identity. "The recording session also went very smoothly. We experimented a lot with different sounds and structures, and the involvement of every Dolla member this time made the creative process even more meaningful," she said at a press conference after the launch of their new single in Bukit Bintang here. Meanwhile, Tabby said MWA! marks the beginning of many new works that Dolla will be presenting throughout the year. "We consider this year the 'year of Dolla songs' because many more tracks will be released. "We can't wait to bring them to the stage and hope they will attract more listeners because the songs are very fresh and different," she said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Malaysian girl group Dolla returns after a year with fresh, experimental sound in ‘MWA!' (VIDEO)
KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — After not releasing any new song for a year, popular Malaysian girl group Dolla returns with their latest single, 'MWA!'. 'MWA!', created by Chelsea Warner, Gaston, Roland Lim Shi Jie, and the three members of Dolla — Tabby, Sabronzo and Angel — features a fresh and experimental sound that is expected to capture the attention of fans. Angel said they were very excited to collaborate once again with the creative team as it offered them a chance to explore new musical ideas that were more challenging and fun. 'After a year without releasing a single due to being busy with concerts and several other projects, this year we successfully released 'MWA!' for our beloved fans. This song feels like a rebranding of our identity. 'The recording session also went very smoothly. We experimented a lot with different sounds and structures, and the detailed involvement of every Dolla member this time made the creative process even more meaningful,' she said at a press conference after the launch of their new single in Bukit Bintang here. She also said the official music video for 'MWA!', with a duration of two minutes and 20 seconds and directed by Jasmine Wong, is different from their previous videos, taking viewers on a thrilling narrative of action and illusion from Dolla. Elaborating on the music video, Angel said each Dolla member portrays a unique character, with Sabronzo appearing as a card player and Tabby as the mastermind, while she herself takes on the role of an agile and bold fighter. 'This time, the concept is wilder and unhinged, very different from anything we've done before,' she said. Meanwhile, Tabby said 'MWA!' marks the beginning of many new works that Dolla will be presenting throughout the year. 'We consider this year the 'year of Dolla songs' because many more tracks will be released. We can't wait to bring them to the stage and hope they will attract more listeners because the songs are very fresh and different,' she said. — Bernama
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Nadeera and Hael duet leads Top 10 new Raya songs this year
KUALA LUMPUR: Every year, Malaysians' favourite artistes try their best to release catchy Hari Raya songs, and over the last two years, popular girl groups Dolla and De Fam "led the pack", with Raya Raya Raya and Alamak Raya Lagi respectively. Entertainment portal Akses Malaysia recently revealed its Top 10 most trending Raya songs of 2025, and they included duets by Dolla's former singer Syasya Rizal and singer-actress Nur Fazura Sharifuddin, Anugerah Juara Lagu contenders Hael Husaini Razmi and Nadeera Zaini, and pop queen Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza. Leading the list of 2025's top 10 Raya songs, as measured by YouTube presence, is Hael's and Nadeera's Meriah Lain Macam, an upbeat song about young Malaysians cherishing their loved ones during Hari Raya and seeking forgiveness for past mistakes. To date it has garnered about 16 million views on YouTube. Former One Nation Emcees lead singer Mimi Norhisham or Mimifly appears to be the most talked-about artiste this Raya season, largely because of her new Raya song Raya Serumpun that comes with a colourful, stylish and (to certain people) daring music video. Raya Serumpun has even been hailed by pop king Anuar Zain as his favourite new Raya song, for its soul, energy and positive vibes, not to mention Mimi's "sexy" dance moves and her brilliant combination of hip-hop, Asli, and pop sounds. The real message behind this song, however, is the need for Malaysians to unite and appreciate each other's cultures in the spirit of Bangsa Malaysia, and it has garnered 14 million YouTube views. Syasya and Fazura's duet, with the cutesy title Raya Pum Pang, comes next with 4 million YouTube views. This cheerful and boisterous duet combines modern and traditional pop, and is complemented with a special, yet simple dance move. Siti, as the country's number one singer, definitely ranks high up every list, and her new Raya single Raya Nak Ke Mana? is fourth-placed. Catchy with meaningful lyrics, this sing-along song is an easy-listening tune to accompany every balik kampung journey, for it is all about keeping Raya traditions alive. Raya Nak Ke Mana? has also garnered 4 million views on YouTube. Another Siti who is a sweetheart to most music lovers, Siti Nordiana, shows her perennial sweet side with the melodious and soothing Hari Lebaran. This song is number five, and talks about scrumptious Raya food, the warmth of being with one's family and seeking forgiveness in the spirit of kindness. The other top five songs are Wany Hasrita's Raya Telah Tiba, Umairah's Tak Balik Raya which is specially for those who have to work during Raya, Dayang Nurfaizah's Jodoh Hari Raya about finding love during Raya, the Aisha Retno and Aziz Harun duet Ketipak Ketipung Raya which is an update of their 2024 version, and Iman Fandi's Hari Raya Raya Raya which is humorous and comes with a special dance.
