Latest news with #Gemilang
The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Bunga Citra Lestari hails Jaclyn Victor as Asia's best vocalist
BCL (centre) at the launch of her concert in Kuala Lumpur recently. – BERNAMA filepic KUALA LUMPUR: Not once did Bunga Citra Lestari ever imagine that her dream of sharing the stage with Asia's powerhouse vocalist, Jaclyn Victor, would finally come true. But it is now becoming a reality for the celebrated Indonesian star, widely known as BCL. Having long admired the vocal strength of the first Malaysian Idol winner, BCL said she could not contain her excitement when the Gemilang singer finally agreed to perform at her concert this September. At a recent press conference here to announce her BCL: Eternal Love – Timeless Romance concert, BCL described the opportunity to share the stage with Jaclyn as "deeply meaningful and a great honour'. ALSO READ: Indonesian diva and pop princess Bunga Citra Lestari all set to bring her love tunes to KLCC on Sept 27 "I've actually been a fan of Jaclyn for a long time. When she started singing at this event (the press conference), I nearly cried. "She has a powerful yet gentle voice. I think she is one of the greatest singers in Asia," she said. Organised by Pulse Project Asia, the concert will take the audience and fans on a journey through BCL's musical career, featuring a collection of love songs and meaningful ballads. The show will be held at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, on Sept 27. Declaring that she cannot wait to meet her fans in Malaysia again after her last visit in 2023 for her Blossom Intimate Concert, BCL said her upcoming performance will not only be about music but also the emotional connection between Indonesia and Malaysia. "I'm honestly very nervous because I'll be surrounded by such talented people. "But I hope this concert will bring the two countries closer together and create a fun and meaningful experience for everyone," she said. Meanwhile, Jaclyn said she was touched upon learning that BCL was a fan. "I honestly didn't know whether she even knew who I was. We've met a few times, but never really had a proper conversation," she said. Jaclyn, who has won numerous awards, including at the Eighth Shanghai Asia Music Festival, said when she received the invitation to sing at BCL's concert about a month or two ago, she agreed without hesitation out of respect for the Indonesian singer's stature in the regional music industry. "She's a big name, not just in Indonesia but also in Malaysia. So why not? In fact, I really like the concept of her show," she said. As for the songs she will be performing, she said discussions are still ongoing and she has not received any specific song requests from the organisers. Malaysian electric violinist and music producer Dennis Lau will also appear as a guest performer. – Bernama
Hype Malaysia
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Singer Jaclyn Victor & Violinist Dennis Lau Join Bunga Cinta Lestari's KL Concert As Special Guests
As September is creeping closer each day, fans of the beloved singer Bunga Citra Lestari (BCL) are eagerly awaiting for her 'Eternal Love, Timeless Romance' concert. With the already promised exclusive merchandise and the chance to have an exclusive meet and greet with the singer, this concert is already looking to be one difficult to forget. However, there's even more exciting news to share because two huge stars will now be joining BCL on stage. Their surprise addition brings even more excitement to an already packed show. Not only will fans see BCL perform, but they'll also experience unforgettable moments with these special guests. Joining BCL on stage will be none other than actress and singer Jaclyn Victor, famed for her iconic debut track 'Gemilang'. Topping Malaysian charts, Asia's Divette is celebrated nationwide for her soulful ballads, impressive vocal range, and ability to connect deeply with her audience. Her powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery blend seamlessly with BCL's emotive style, creating a dynamic harmony sure to leave a lasting impression. To elevate this powerful vocal duo even further, the concert features Dennis Lau, a virtuoso known for his custom-made electric violin. His emotionally charged performances have moved audiences to tears and earned him the honour of playing for Malaysian royalty. Dennis' music adds a rich layer of intensity that perfectly complements and enhances the voices of both BCL and Jaclyn, making the entire experience truly magical. BCL shared that she has admired Jaclyn Victor for many years, ever since her debut. 'Honestly, I think she's one of the greatest vocalists in Asia, and I am really proud,' BCL said. She added that she hopes the concert will strengthen the bond between Malaysia and Indonesia, promising a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. Meanwhile, Dennis Lau expressed how long he had been waiting for the chance to perform alongside BCL. 'It's something I've wanted for a very long time, and now I can finally scratch it off my bucket list,' he said, excited to share the stage with such an iconic artist. Together, the trio is set to deliver a show that fans from both countries will cherish. Here are more information of the concert: Date: 27th September 2025 (Saturday) 27th September 2025 (Saturday) Time: 8:30pm 8:30pm Venue : Plenary Mall, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur : Plenary Mall, KLCC, Kuala Lumpur Ticketing: RM1,288 (CINTA ABADI), RM988 (BINTANG HATI), RM788 (PANGGILAN JIWA), RM588 (IRAMA KENANGAN), RM388 (SAYANG SELALU), RM288 (TEMAN SETIA) Are you excited to see BCL, Jaclyn Victor and Dennis Lau on one stage? Source: Malaymail Zaima Humaria contributed to this article
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Aleysha Shareef, Kelvin Epoy to represent Sarawak at Bintang Kecil finals
(From third left) Kelvin and Aleysha are flanked by the other state-level finalists. KUCHING (July 15): Aleysha Shareef Van Der Horst and Kelvin Epoy Arang have will represent Sarawak at the Bintang Kecil 2025 national finals in September after emerging as the top two finalists for the state-level competition on Saturday. Themed 'Metaverse', the Sarawak zone contest at the RTM Auditorium P Ramlee drew a crowd of over 500. Aleysha, 12, from Kuching, belted out Jaclyn Victor's iconic ballad 'Gemilang' to clinch one of the two coveted spots. She said she was extremely proud to be chosen to represent Sarawak, especially as it marked her first-ever Bahasa Melayu singing competition. 'After competing internationally last year, this one is very special as the vibe during the preparation and final event was incredible. Sarawakians are very music-minded and super supportive in every way,' she told The Borneo Post. Looking ahead, Aleysha is preparing for several international engagements, including a four-week scholarship programme at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) in the United States, which she earned at the 27th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) last year. 'Recording demos in Los Angeles is also in progress. At the same time, I'm preparing for the Kemuncak Bintang Kecil 2025 finals, which will be held in Kuching on Sept 20,' she added. Kelvin, 12, from Bintulu, impressed the judges with his emotional rendition of 'Cinta' by Marsha Milan from the original soundtrack of the television drama 'Masih Ada Rindu'. 'He is very grateful to be selected to compete at the national-level Bintang Kecil and proud to be able to carry the name of Bintulu to the next level,' Kelvin's father Arang Odau told The Borneo Post. 'We are planning ahead to ensure the chosen song suits Kelvin's voice.' No stranger to competitions, Kelvin was the champion of Pertandingan Karaoke Bintang Kecil organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak, Bintulu last November. He sang the song 'Rahsia Pohon Cemara' by the band Exist to win the competition organised as part of the Sports and Music Carnival. Both Kelvin and Aleysha received RM2,000, a trophy, and a certificate each for their achievement. The other four state-level finalists – Dayang Nur Humaira Awang Amir Mahmud (10, Kuching), Nur Atirah Syahirah Sahibuddin (11, Kuching), Mohamad Abiyy Anshary Mohamad Musyadi (12, Miri), and Aleysha's twin brother, Ryan Zachary Shareef Van Der Horst — each received a consolation prize of RM1,000, a trophy, and a certificate. Sarawak Broadcasting deputy director Norjihan Yahya presented the prizes. Bintang Kecil is organised by RTM Sarawak in collaboration with the Sarawak Government. The competition, first introduced at the state level in 1986, expanded to the national stage in 1998. Aleysha Shareef Van Der Horst Bintang Kecil 2025 Kelvin Epoy Arang lead
CNA
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
From Suntec to Tampines: She's behind the Mak Besar bazaars that attract tens of thousands
If you love bazaars and find yourself drawn to the bright lights and row upon row of stalls selling everything from food to fashion, with the occasional live performance or celebrity appearance thrown in, you've likely come across a Mak Besar event. Since its debut in 2019, the events and marketing company has organised more than 15 large-scale consumer events, each featuring 100 to more than 200 retail, food and entertainment vendors, and attracting around 65,000 visitors per set-up. Singaporeans would have been to a Mak Besar bazaar at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Singapore EXPO, and the now-defunct Turf City, as well as at open spaces in Tampines and Lakeside. The company's name is a nod to the Malay term for a beloved 'big aunt' or 'big mama', and also happens to be the nickname given to its founder and managing director, Haryani Othman. The 46-year-old's background is as colourful as her bazaars. She's worn many hats – legal executive, television producer, comedian and now, bazaar boss – but at her core, she sees herself as 'a member of the community' who cares deeply about the people she works with, especially her Mak Besar vendors and staff. 'I love seeing others happy,' Haryani told CNA Women. 'Mak Besar allows me to create happy spaces where everyone can come together and have a great time.' BRINGING JOY TO OTHERS After graduating with a communications degree in 2003, Haryani carved out a name for herself in the local entertainment scene. She got her start in 2006 in Gemilang, a comedy variety show hosted by Najip Ali on Suria, the local Malay broadcast station. That led to acting opportunities, and before long, she became a familiar and versatile face on Malay-language television. Off-camera, Haryani wrote and produced over 20 television programmes, including collaborations with comedian Kumar. In 2011 and 2015, she won awards for her writing at Pesta Perdana, a local awards show honouring talents in the Malay television industry. 'I loved working on them all,' she said. 'I just really liked the idea of being a part of something that gave viewers what they were looking for when they were watching their favourite drama." Even while she was working in television production, Haryani was also dabbling in other fields, such as law. Having earned a law diploma in polytechnic before her communications degree, Haryani worked on ad-hoc legal projects in the early 2010s and even did business development for a law firm in 2018. Around the mid-2010s, she began dipping her toes into event management. 'I didn't really think running consumer shows was a sustainable career at that time. I had lots of friends who were bazaar vendors and organisers, so I just wanted to try it out and have fun along the way,' she said. Haryani started out doing marketing, but as it turned out, events management was the sum of everything she loved: Connecting with people, offering the opportunity for them to gather and creating platforms for business owners and collaborators. It became a way for her to work with her friends, support home-based businesses and small vendors in the Malay community, and offer Singaporeans something they could enjoy and look forward to. TAKING A RISK AND STARTING MAK BESAR By 2017, Haryani was channelling most of her energy into legal work and freelance events management. However, she had a falling out with an events company while working on a large project, and that marked a turning point for her. She realised that while she loved the industry, she sometimes found dealing with multiple stakeholders and managing expectations emotionally exhausting. 'It was a dark period in my life. I still loved doing what I did, but I also began to wonder if I should continue events management, or if I should just go back to what had always worked for me – law and media,' she reflected. By that time, Haryani and her close friends – married couple Firdaus 'Fid' Faisal and Lina Liyana Samsi – had already earned a small reputation in the events scene. The three were known to be reliable freelancers and were trusted to deliver. 'We didn't have a name then, but people in the space knew who we were,' said Haryani. 'They were telling us not to give up, to keep going, some even encouraged us to start our own events company.' The encouragement struck her, but starting a business was no small decision, and Haryani was all too aware of the financial risks. 'I may not have kids, but I was a wife and I was supporting my parents alongside my sisters,' she said. 'Fid and Lina had five children to feed. It wasn't just my risk to take – it would affect all of us.' What solidified her resolve to take the leap was the support of people around her. Her parents and husband told her they were behind her decision to start an events business. People she had worked with on previous events even offered to work for free at her first few events, to help her get things off the ground. 'I felt so touched that they'd really do that for me – and they kept their word, they really did volunteer their time and energy for us for free,' Haryani said. In 2018, Haryani decided to take the plunge and roped in Fid and Lina – the latter suggested calling the company Mak Besar. It felt right – people trusted Mak Besar because they trusted Haryani's leadership, vision and heart. The company launched its first event a year later, Grand Bite at Grandstand, a food event at the now-defunct Turf City. For Haryani, the worries about costs, logistics and operations melted away as the crowds showed up and the vendors thrived. 'The people who worked for me for free – we got to pay all of them from what we earned, and more,' she beamed. Haryani knew she was building something bigger than herself – a business that supported not just her livelihood, but the many vendors and small businesses that depended on their events to thrive. 'The Malay community is full of entrepreneurs,' she said. 'Creative women selling their homemade products. Fathers who want more time with their children start businesses to involve them. Youths with bold ideas want to try it with their friends. I wanted to give all of them a platform.' But those early years were exhausting, Haryani said, and she juggled numerous tasks herself. 'I did the work of 10 people – marketing, liaising with celebrities, artistes, and their managers, live shows, accounting,' she said. 'Fid and Lina supported me, of course, but I did so much just to make sure the consumer show was a success – not just for me and my team, but for the vendors who had put their faith in us.' At the Grandstand Bazaar that year, there were about 100 food and retail vendors, and about 50,000 people came. Then the pandemic hit in early 2020, and annual Ramadan bazaars at Geylang Serai, Kampong Gelam and other heartland spots were cancelled. Haryani worried about her vendors. 'It felt like people were counting on us to help them make up the income they lost,' she said. 'So we went live on TikTok and Instagram, and we started an online e-commerce platform called Mak Besar Garage.' Vendors paid the company a small fee to be featured, and for Haryani to livestream herself trying out their products. 'The team rented a studio and I was on screen for 12 hours a day, selling everything from carpets and clothes to kueh, accessories, food, and even delivery services, from home-based businesses. 'I ate so much and tried on so many outfits live – it was exhausting! But we had hundreds of thousands of viewers, and the vendors were happy. They stopped losing money. They started seeing gains.' Musicians and dancers also went live on social media to entertain viewers watching from their homes. 'I read everyone's comments, so seeing people laughing in the comments and sending in all their sweet and supportive messages – that's what makes all the work worth it,' she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MakBesar (@makbesarsg) Now, six years in, Haryani finally has room to breathe. She currently leads Mak Besar's marketing arm, which has expanded to offer marketing services beyond events, while Lina and Fid manage sales, admin, operations and logistics. What started as a three-person hustle is now a team of about 10 full-time staff and 20 part-timers. This year, Mak Besar organised the Grand Market at Suntec in January and February, followed by the Ramadan Bazaar at Our Tampines Hub in March. Events are already lined up until November, and each edition has a unique theme. For instance, the upcoming bazaar in May is themed FUNWORLD, targeting families with young children and full of kids-centric activities like bouncy castles and youth performances. 'Some people may think Mak Besar is just another bazaar – the same old thing every other month,' she said. 'But to me, it's always changing because I'm always listening and observing. I want Mak Besar to reflect what the community wants at any given time.'
