Latest news with #Swedish-Lebanese


New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Maher Zain to return to Malaysia after six years
PETALING JAYA: After a six-year hiatus from Malaysia, internationally renowned Swedish-Lebanese singer Maher Zain, 43, is set to return for his highly anticipated 2025 Southeast Asia Tour, with concerts scheduled in both Malaysia and Singapore this August. Speaking via video conference to reporters gathered at a press conference held at Ruang Ruma, Maher expressed his excitement about performing once again for his Southeast Asian fans. "It's been six years since I last visited Malaysia, and thank God, I'll be returning this August for the 2025 Southeast Asia Tour," he said. "I'm truly happy and excited to reconnect with fans in Malaysia and Singapore through my music – songs that I hope still resonate with many. Thank you to all my fans for your continued support." Currently based in Turkiye, Maher also touched on his Malay-speaking skills, admitting that he needs some practice after such a long absence. "I need to relearn and practise my Malay because it's been a while. But God willing, I'll pick it up again in the next two months," said the singer, who has several songs recorded in Malay. "It's important for me to speak Malay when I'm in Malaysia; it's a way of connecting with the audience. I just hope all preparations go smoothly." Maher rose to prominence in Malaysia through his spiritually inspired songs such as 'Insya Allah', 'Thank You Allah', 'The Chosen One', and 'Palestine Will Be Free', all featured on his 2009 debut album. His last performance in Malaysia was during the Maher Zain Malaysia Tour 2019, with shows at major venues including Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, Pasir Gudang (Johor), SPICE Arena (Penang), and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).


The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
World acclaimed singer Maher Zain makes long-awaited return to the region with a South-East Asia Tour 2025
Six years after his last sold-out tour in Malaysia, internationally acclaimed Swedish-Lebanese artist Maher Zain is set to make his long-awaited return to South-East Asia with a full concert tour. Known for his uplifting music and powerful message of hope, unity, and faith, Maher's comeback has been met with excitement across the region. The announcement was first made on his official social media channels on Monday and was formally confirmed during a press conference held on Wednesday (June 6) in Petaling Jaya. The multi-platinum recording artist and humanitarian will perform in Kuala Lumpur on August 16, Singapore on August 21, and Kota Kinabalu on August 23 as part of his highly anticipated South-East Asia Tour 2025, organised by Yayasan Tengku Abdullah (YTA). The official promoters are well-known Malaysian event company Hitman Solutions and Happymoon, in association with Awakening Music. Fuelled by overwhelming requests from fans across the region, this tour marks Maher Zain's first post-Covid-19 pandemic performance in both Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, a testament to his enduring influence in the hearts of millions. His last tour in Malaysia in 2019 sold out across four cities within days, reinforcing his legacy as one of the most beloved spiritual music artists in the region. In 2024, although Malaysia was not included in his global tour, fans remained hopeful for his long-awaited return — and the wait is now finally over. 'Malaysia represents an exceptionally important chapter in my career — arguably more significant than any other nation worldwide. I love performing in this country and region. The fans here are just marvellous and they are very close to my heart. "Few artists can point to a country that has been so instrumental in shaping the start of their singing career,' said Maher Zain via Zoom during the press conference with local media. 'To the fans who've waited six years — me and my tream are coming back for you. Let's make this tour something we'll remember forever. I'm really hoping to see the concert halls filled with families, young people, and long-time fans," he added. With more than 8 million followers on Instagram and 6.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Maher Zain continues to inspire and uplift through his unique blend of spiritual and contemporary music. Concertgoers can expect timeless favourites like 'Insha Allah,' 'Baraka Allahu Lakuma,' and 'Thank You Allah,' alongside newer releases, including 'Qalbi Fil Madinah' and 'Rahmatun Lil'Alameen'. The organiser, YTA, represented by said Dr. Mohd Afiq Farhan Md Hanif, from the Senior Leadership team of Yayasan Tengku Abdullah, said the event is more than just a concert and in fact, it is a celebration of unity, inspiration, and the timeless power of music that transcends cultures and communities. 'At YTA, we believe in the importance of fostering a community that appreciates meaningful art, positive expression, and instilling values that uplift and inspire. This concert is not just about music or entertainment. It is about creating moments that resonate deeply, spreading messages of compassion, resilience, and hope that go far beyond the stage,' said Dr Mohd Afiq. "We truly believe that events like this can leave a lasting impact on all of us, reminding us of thepower of music to heal and unite. It also an event where we can see Maher live since many of us in this country grew up listening to his music during weddings, Eid celebrations, and everyday moments of reflection." Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Kota Kinabalu were selected to ensure both Peninsular and East Malaysian audiences are included, while Singapore's addition follows last year's overwhelming response to Maher Zain's performance there. Tour Dates and Ticketing Info • 16 August 2025 – National Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur • 21 August 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore • 23 August 2025 – Chancellor's Hall, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Kota Kinabalu Pre-Registered Sale: 12 June 2025, 12:00pm – 11:59pm; Public Ticket Sale: 13 June 2025 from 12:00pm onwards Ticket Prices: Kuala Lumpur – Starting from RM158 Kota Kinabalu – Starting from RM158 Singapore – Starting from SGD78 For more details -- email info@ or visit