Latest news with #Nora
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Nora Ariffin: Legal action last resort against music publishers who owe 'Sinaran' royalties
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular singer Datuk Nora Ariffin has publicly expressed her gratitude to the Music Authors' Copyright Protection Bhd (MACP) for their support in her efforts to secure outstanding royalty payments for her late husband, composer and lyricist Johan Nawawi. During a press conference held today at MACP's premises in Solaris Dutamas, Nora said, "I want to thank MACP for reaching out and inviting my family and me to openly discuss the issue of royalties owed to Johan for his famous song 'Sinaran'. "This means a great deal to my children and me. We deeply appreciate their willingness to listen and understand our position as Johan's heirs." Nora was accompanied by her son, Mohamad Syakir Iman Johan, along with MACP's Chief Executive Officer Mary Lim; MACP's Head of Operations Lucas Lai; and the son of the late 'Sinaran' composer Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan, Aiman Zamir Adnan. "Recently, several media outlets reported on my social media complaint regarding my late husband's income, where he supposedly only received RM60 for 'Sinaran'," said Nora, whose husband passed away in 2017. "I'd like to clarify that the RM60 is unrelated to MACP; it was his initial payment for the song's usage upon its release in 1986, made by a music publisher at that time." Nora further explained that MACP had disbursed all royalties due to Johan, who was a member of its board of directors, for his work as a composer and lyricist. "As a family, we were aware that his income as a songwriter came through MACP. After his passing, MACP was the only party that contacted us to assist with the administrative process and the transfer of rights through official documents," Nora said. Nora highlighted that, unfortunately, a significant amount of money was owed to Johan from various music publishers for the use of his songs across television, cinema, and synchronisation, among other platforms. "We have never been contacted by the music publishers responsible for managing Johan's works," she said. "In 2021, after receiving initial information from MACP, we took the next step by emailing several music publishers listed as rights holders of the song. However, to this day, crucial information such as song details, contract copies, and royalty statements from these music publishers have not been provided to us." Nora added that while some music publishers initially responded, stating they were reviewing matters with their copyright teams, there has been no concrete feedback since. "As music publishers mandated to manage and oversee songwriters' works, they should carry out this responsibility professionally. If everything were managed properly, I am confident that the income from Johan's works could help support my children's further education." Johan composed over 200 songs throughout his career." 'Sinaran' in particular has seen extensive use in advertisements, cover versions by new artists, various televised performances, and even inspired the 2015 film 'Sinaran', starring Datin Lisa Surihani. According to copyright law, the song has entered a 50-year copyright protection period since Adnan died in 2016 and Johan the following year, meaning it will enter the public domain in 2068. Nora said, "I believe many other families of music creators may face similar situations but don't know where to turn for assistance. I hope this meeting with MACP can foster a healthier discussion space between music publishers, collective management organisations (CMOs), and the heirs of music creators to uphold the dignity, rights, and future of the music industry." Nora concluded by saying that she and Iman would only consider legal action against the music publishers as a last resort. Lim confirmed that Johan had been a MACP member from July 4, 1990, until his death. "He began receiving his first royalty payment in 1991 and has consistently received payments up to today. MACP currently administers a total of 227 works he created," she said, adding that Nora was registered as a MACP Beneficiary Member on December 31, 2018.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Nora Ariffin: My late husband only got RM60 for writing 'Sinaran'
KUALA LUMPUR: Popular singer Datuk Nora Ariffin has claimed that her late husband, composer Johan Nawawi, was not properly compensated for his work as the lyricist of the iconic song, 'Sinaran', famously sung by Datuk Sheila Majid. In a recent Instagram post, Nora alleged that Johan received only RM60 for writing the lyrics to the widely acclaimed track. "'Sinaran' resonates everywhere," she wrote. "However, the lyricist of this song, Johan, only received RM60 for it." Nora further claimed that no one has stepped forward to advocate for the rights of composers and lyricists like her husband. Released in 1986, 'Sinaran' was a collaborative effort between popular composers Azlan Abu Hassan and Johan Nawawi. The single achieved significant popularity not only in Malaysia but also across Indonesia and Japan.
Cosmopolitan
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Listen to Lana Ferguson's Spotify Audiobook ‘Room For Two,' Narrated by Teddy Hamilton
It's pretty safe to say that it's the year of Lana Ferguson. The author has been giving us hit after hit recently and we honestly cannot get enough, especially as she crosses different tropes and genres. But her next big release is taking her and her readers somewhere completely unexpected as she partners up with Spotify Audiobooks for a brand new original novella that you're definitely going to want to listen to as soon as it drops. Room for Two, which is set to be released on August 19, 2025, brings Cade and Nora back together again after a year after their unexpected kiss together. As they get closer than ever, will they rediscover the spark that still cannot resist or will fate have other plans for them? Here's some info from our friends as Spotify Audiobooks: "I'm so thrilled to be sharing the cover of Room for Two, an audio-first novella (and my first novella, period), with the world on August 19th! This project is especially exciting; I love books in audio format because of the wide reach of accessibility it grants readers, how it takes reading and makes it easier to digest for the busy parent, the student in need of a distraction, the worker just looking to make their commute easier—people from all walks of life," Lana told Cosmopolitan. From Lana's hotter-than-life spice to the voices of Teddy Hamilton and Samantha Summers, Spotify is giving us the ultimate match made in audiobook heaven with a brand new second-chance romance. "Hearing my stories come to life in audio is always a thrill, and Spotify has given me the perfect cast to enrich this one; Samantha and Teddy are a dream team for me personally, and I am so happy that they're part of this project," she continued. "That moment when I get a first look of an audio project is always the best feeling, and the pieces I've been lucky enough to hear from these two have been phenomenal." Oh, and did we mention that you can already listen to it right now? Click play above to check out an exclusive excerpt and get your first look at Nora and Cade's love story! "The snippet we're sharing is the perfect encapsulation of Nora and Cade and their dating mix-up, and I hope it entices readers to give them a try! A big thanks to Cosmo for revealing the cover, and to Spotify for giving me this opportunity to share my story with readers in such a fun way!" Spotify listeners can already pre-save the audiobook so they can listen right as it drops! Fans who are subscribed to Spotify Premium can also use their 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening to check it out! Room for Two, by Lana Ferguson will be released on August 19, 2025 on Spotify and wherever you get your audiobooks.
Metro
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
‘Unforgettable' film with perfect Rotten Tomatoes score now available to stream
A critically acclaimed Belgian drama about childhood bullying is now streaming in the UK – and it's not one to miss. Playground, directed by Laura Wandel, has been hailed as a harrowing yet deeply moving portrait of school life through a child's eyes. Released in 2021, the film follows young Nora as she navigates her first days at primary school, only to discover her older brother is being bullied. Her attempts to help him spiral into consequences neither of them are prepared for. The 72-minute feature stars Maya Vanderbeque in a standout performance, alongside Günter Duret, Karim Leklou, Laura Verlinden, Lena Girard Voss, and Thao Maerten. Celebrated at major film festivals, Playground picked up the prestigious FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes, the Sutherland Trophy at the BFI London Film Festival, and Best Film from the Belgian Film Critics Association. Amazon Prime Video now hosts the film in the UK, with its synopsis reading: 'It's Nora's first day at school. Concerned at her older brother being bullied, she unintentionally sets in motion events beyond her control.' It currently holds a flawless 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian calling it a 'remarkable achievement' and Variety praising its 'rigorous, resolute focus on one little girl fighting a lonely, frightened battle for her future selfhood.' The New York Times also lauded the film, agreeing: 'Wandel is charting a moral awakening and focusing on the questions that many movies rarely engage. How do we love, and why? How do we become, who do we become?' More Trending Fans are just as enthusiastic, with X user @edgarwright writing: 'Laura Wandel's 'Playground', an intense, unforgettable perfectly formed drama with some of the best child performances committed to screen. Highly recommended.' omg the cutthroat world of primary school. UN MONDE (aka PLAYGROUND) is even more nerve-racking than EIGHTH GRADE. Like the Dardenne bros, debuting Belgian director Laura Wandel has the knack of imbuing social realist situations with thriller-like tension. And only 72 mins! — Anne Billson aka @ (@AnneBillson) October 31, 2021 PLAYGROUND (Laura Wandel): had to cross an actual playground on my way out of this and it felt like crossing a minefield in an active war zone. Exceptionally immersive, moving and disturbing, centred on one of the most impressive child performances of recent years. #SSIFF69 — Jessica Kiang (@jessicakiang) September 22, 2021 @jessicakiang agreed: 'Exceptionally immersive, moving and disturbing, centred on one of the most impressive child performances of recent years.' @AnneBillso posted: 'UN MONDE (aka PLAYGROUND) is even more nerve-racking than EIGHTH GRADE. Like the Dardenne bros, debuting Belgian director Laura Wandel has the knack of imbuing social realist situations with thriller-like tension. And only 72 mins!' Long story short, if you're interested in good cinema, stream The Playground while you can. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Jeremy Clarkson ruffles feathers as he brazenly reveals advert that was 'banned' MORE: 'Hidden treasure' music biopic finally arrives on Amazon Prime Video MORE: Amazon Prime fans beat the heat and binge 'best sci-fi series in years'
Sinar Daily
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
Nora Ariffin marks comeback with emotional piece, ‘Sudah Tertulis'
Nora, whose real name is Wan Norafizah Wan Ariffin, 53, said the song is a personal expression of her life journey and the destiny written for her. 13 Jul 2025 03:00pm Renowned singer, Nora Ariffin, shares her life story during the recording of the Hidup Ini Keras podcast recently. - Bernama photo KUALA LUMPUR - After more than a decade without releasing new material, popular singer Datuk Nora Ariffin returns with an emotional piece titled Sudah Tertulis, marking a new chapter in her artistic career. Nora, whose real name is Wan Norafizah Wan Ariffin, 53, said the song is a personal expression of her life journey and the destiny written for her. Renowned singer, Nora Ariffin, shares her life story during the recording of the Hidup Ini Keras podcast recently. - Bernama photo "This song means a lot to me because it reflects my own life journey. It's not my final work, but it is among the best I've produced so far,' she told a podcast produced by Bernama. Sudah Tertulis, which was fully released on digital platforms about four months ago, presents a narrative about life and divine fate. It was composed by veteran composer Sharon Paul, with lyrics by Lukhman S. Though it has yet to be heavily promoted, Nora is grateful for the continued support from loyal fans who keep up with her latest developments. "So far, the response has been very encouraging. Alhamdulillah, fans who have followed me would know. But I do acknowledge that there are a lot of new songs in the market right now,' she said. The singer, known for the hit Di Persimpangan Dilema, also plans to launch her own podcast and dreams of holding a concert in the future. Meanwhile, Nora expressed pride in the achievements of her third child from her marriage with the late Johan Nawawi - Putri Dahlia - who is now actively making a name for herself in the local music industry. According to Nora, Putri Dahlia has shown great determination and independence in building her career without relying on her mother's name. "As a mother, I'm so happy to see her hard work. She's very independent and never asks for help. Her latest song, Aku Ada, performed with Zaki Yamani, the son of Datuk Jamal Abdillah, shows a very strong collaboration,' she said. She added that Putri Dahlia has inherited her late father's artistic talent and even handles all aspects of music production and promotion on her own. Previously, Putri Dahlia became known for several English-language tracks such as Set U Free, Mi Amor, Butterflies, and Old Love, which often went viral on TikTok. - BERNAMA
