Latest news with #Zamaera
Hype Malaysia
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Concert Review: Club Classics & Hip-Hop Energy At 'The Road To FAM' With Levi's & 88Rising In KL
The Future Asian Music (FAM), in collaboration with Levi's, presents their first edition of the 'Road To FAM' with 88Rising, a music series that highlights emerging talent across Southeast Asia. Kick-starting their first leg in Manila, Philippines on 14th May, with indie-pop sensation Zack Tabuldo headlining, the tour continues to Singapore and finally the motherland, Kuala Lumpur. Held on 21st May 2025 (Wednesday) at Over & Above KL, the venue was popping with shades of red, paying homage to Levi's signature red tab on their jeans. Visually, the venue was stunning with Over & Above's signature LED pole illuminating the club in red and white, adding visual appeal above dancers and performers. Levi's Patchwork & Opening DJ Sets By Damien Mirza & Roshan As you enter the venue, you're greeted with a small section displaying best-selling Levi's products such as their crew neck tees and straight cut jeans, which come with a free patch with every purchase. Moreover, Over & Above had ample seating, giving free seating choices for all those who had RSVPed for the event. The venue also had a selection of drinks that night available to purchase at their bar, which was stationed behind. The drinks were flowing, and the atmosphere was scenic, but the party was a tad bit slow in the beginning with local emerging DJ, Damien Mirza, opening the dancefloor with his signature blend of amapiano and house with a hint of R&B classics in his mix. A few casual dancers made it to the floor, a bit shy at first but thoroughly enjoying the beats and rhythms of the opening DJ. Until familiar tracks started playing, such as a remix of '24K Magic', which got the crowd moving and on their feet. Damien brought forth club classics in an enjoyable opening set, setting the night for a funky night made for dancing. The night continued with Saturday Selects' Roshan, amping up the tempo of the night with a house, R&B, funk fusion. His set was truly enjoyable, able to get even the shyest of people on the dancefloor, nearing the end of his set. Zamaera's Dripped Out Segment What started as funk and fun, did a 180-degree turn as the decks were exchanged to leading Malaysian producer I-SKY, opening the set to headliner Zamaera's anticipated FAM segment. Decked out in a full denim fit, fitting for the collaboration with Levi's, as well as two backup dancers, she came and served with powerful lines and showed the crowd who our Malaysian representative was! She greeted the crowd with, 'Over & Above, how are y'all doing tonight?' as she opened her set with a familiar tone filling the sound system as she sang 'Ikan Kelek, Mak Eloi Eloi', adding a cultural twist to her hip-hop-centred performance. Her performance went on as she delivered line after line of powerful raps and beats as the crowd surrounded her on the dancefloor. The night went on with Zamaera performing her popular single, 'Big Fish', where she coordinated a small dance for the crowd to follow along as she performed, gaining plus points on her crowd interaction. Producer I-SKY also participated in the performance, delivering a freestyle rap during her 'Big Fish' performance. During her 45-minute segment, Zamaera performed freestyle raps as well as her hit songs, such as 'Helly Kelly' and her new single 'Jumper', oozing confidence and swag throughout the night. The artist also experienced a small wardrobe malfunction but was able to push through despite it. We could not keep our eyes off her throughout her performance as she performs and interacts accordingly with the crowd, giving chances for the audience to sing and dance with her. Nearing the end, the crowd was loving her energy as a dance battle erupted in the crowd, sparking even more positive reactions from the audience, who thoroughly enjoyed the show. She ends her segment with a heartfelt thank you to the organisers, her team, as well as the crowd who came and supported the event. The Malaysia leg of the 'Road To FAM' tour marks a significant introduction to what's to come in the final show in Bangkok. The show had everything from funk to hip-hop prowess as our local artists showed what the growing music scene can offer. The 'Road To FAM' continued to Jakarta, Indonesia, last Sunday (25th May 2025) before its finale in Bangkok. Head over to Levi's official website for information on what's to come, or check out Future Asian Music and Levi's socials for more updates. Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
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.
Hype Malaysia
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Levi's® Kicks Off Season With Southeast Asia Music Series Tour & Spring/Summer 2025 Collection
It's time to embrace the warmth of the sun and welcome the flurry of exciting moments that are unfolding before us. This season, Levi's® is bringing both music and fashion together in perfect harmony, to celebrate individuality and authentic self-expression. Music : Levi's® & 88rising Present 'Road To FAM' Music Series To Highlight Emerging SEA Talents Levi's® and global music collective 88rising, will be launching Road to FAM, a free multi-city music series touring Singapore, Jakarta, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur in May 2025. Coinciding with the anniversary of Levi's® iconic 501® jeans, the initiative honours the brand's legacy of cultural innovation while amplifying 88rising's Future Asian Music (FAM), a community and content-driven music distribution platform nurturing Asia's next generation of musical artists. Putting a spotlight on four of Asia's rising artists, the series is kicking off with intimate hometown showcases featuring Manila's ZACK TABUDLO (PH) — the first Filipino male solo artist to hit 1 billion Spotify streams through viral tracks like 'Binibini' Singapore's FARIZ JABBA (SG), the raw storyteller blending hip-hop with narratives of urban Southeast Asian life, known for viral tracks like 'Ape Sia' — Jakarta's RAMENGVRL (ID), a 5-time Anugerah Musik Indonesia (AMI) winner, who gained fame following the release of 'Cashmere', and Kuala Lumpur's very own ZAMAERA (MY), who became a pioneering force in Malaysia's rap scene after releasing her viral track 'Helly Kelly'. 'I'm driven by change and fuelled by discomfort. Since being independent, I strive towards ownership of my music and creative freedom, which inspires the little girl inside of me. 'It is a great honour being a woman representing Malaysia for FAM because I want to show the world what KL is made of when opportunity meets preparation,' enthused Zamaera. The Road to FAM Kuala Lumpur will set the city on fire this 21st May 2025, 8pm at Over and Above Club! Witness the unstoppable Zamaera as she unleashes her full creative power, blending hip hop, rap, and electronic influences into a bold, unmistakable sound that marks her new chapter of artistic freedom. Joining her on this sonic journey are DJ Damien, a rising talent known for his genre-blurring beats, and DJ Roshan, whose soulful, high-energy sets promise to ignite the dance floor. Don't miss this celebration of raw talent, innovation, and dynamic beats! Sign up for free entry RSVP at this dedicated portal : The tour and music series culminates at the Future of Asian Music Festival, FAM Bangkok (coming soon), where the standout performers will unite for a collaborative showcase, bridging grassroots talent with global audiences. The festival will transform the city's historic Hua Lamphong Train Station and the neighbouring Talat Noi district into vibrant hubs for Asia's independent music scene. Spanning across multiple venues, festival attendees will be amongst the first to experience genre-spanning, curated performances by rising artists affiliated with FAM, most of whom are performing in Bangkok for the first time. FAM Bangkok's City Showcases spotlighting regional talent will allow music lovers to discover some of the next superstars in the industry, while global headliners will close off the weekend. 'Road to FAM mirrors Levi's® 150-year connection to music and self-expression, from the 501® jeans' role in jazz and hip-hop revolutions to its enduring symbolism for artists. For 150 years, Levi's® and the 501® have been part of music and cultural movements around the world. Road to FAM continues that legacy by helping spotlight Asia's next generation of creative pioneers,' said Levi's® Chief Marketing Officer, Kenny Mitchell. 'These artists are pushing boundaries and creating something entirely their own,' he added. The Road to FAM artists will be featured in mini documentaries that trace their progress, creative roots, and cultural inspirations. The docuseries aims to further amplify the artists to a global audience by leveraging 88rising's original content know-how and Levi's® enduring commitment to originality and innovation. Fashion: Levi's® Summer Festival Fits For The Sun, Sound & Style Ready for the music, but not sure if your wardrobe is? The festival season is calling, and Levi's® is redefining warm-weather essentials with a collection called Summer Lifestyle that revels in silhouettes, playful proportions and effortless styling. Summer Lifestyle is all about looking cool and staying cool. It's the perfect collection for sun-soaked days when the mercury has nowhere to go but up. For women, Summer Lifestyle focuses on lightweight, breathable fabrics in a range of dresses and skirts at every length, shorts, tops, and rompers. Denim highlights include the Surplus Romper and Vest Romper, two stylish, lightweight rompers featuring Western styling details; the Alessie Bustier Dress, a soft, low-key spaghetti-strap bustier dress in faded, lightweight denim; and a summery take on Levi's® classics, the Embroidered XS Vest. Jorts also take on new energy with a mix of modern fits, ranging from ultra-baggy to sleek mid-thigh cuts. The Baggy Dad Jort delivers a relaxed, borrowed-from-the-boys feel, while the Mid-Thigh Short offers a more polished take on the trend. To be festival-ready, pair the Baggy Dad Jort with the Sunrise Crochet Tank for a beachy, boho vibe, or dress it up with the Sonny Novelty Camp Shirt and sleek ballet flats. The Mid-Thigh Short transitions seamlessly from day to night, styled with the Boxy Tank and loafers for an elevated touch. For men, it's all about loose and baggy shorts, tees, and tops. Highlights include the Sunset Camp Shirt, the Terry Pocket Polo, and the Vintage Fit Graphic Tee. And for shorts, the fits in the Summer Lifestyle collection get super comfortable thanks to the XX Authentic Relaxed Shorts and jorts! Jorts remain a staple this season, with volume and length leading the way. The 478 Baggy and Baggy Cargo Shorts keep things cool and casual, pairing effortlessly with vintage-inspired graphic tees or cropped button-downs for a modern edge. Meanwhile, the 468 Loose Shorts make a bold alternative to traditional shorts. Styled with socks and loafers or worn effortlessly with a relaxed tank, these jorts make an undeniable statement. The Levi's® Spring/Summer 2025 collection is available now at all Levi's® Stores nationwide and on
New Straits Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Indie rapper Zamaera to kick off debut Malaysian tour on May 9
KUALA LUMPUR: Rapper Zamaera is riding high after her SXSW debut in the US, and now she's set to make history with her first-ever national tour—an independent feat. 'The Epiphany Tour Malaysia 2025' kicks off this Friday (May 9), spanning seven locations across the country. This tour marks a significant milestone, establishing Zamaera as Malaysia's first independent female rapper to headline a national tour. The 29-year-old, hailing from Subang Jaya, has carved out a distinctive sound by fusing hip hop, trap, and electronic music. Fresh from electrifying audiences at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, Zamaera is bringing that raw energy back home. The tour will take her to Kedah, Penang, Perak, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak, and culminate in Kuala Lumpur. It promises to usher fans into a new era of Zamaera's artistry — bolder, freer, and more unfiltered than ever before. "My travels in the United States ignited a fire within me," Zamaera said in a recent statement. "I met artistes who reminded me why I started. Now, it's about bringing that energy back home. "This tour is for Malaysia, first and always." Zamaera explained the tour's title, revealing a sense of self-discovery. "I realised that I had been preparing for this tour my whole life. "Now, I'm finally in the driver's seat, steering my journey with intention and vision. "I'm not waiting for opportunities to come to me; I'm creating them," she said. The tour follows the release of her latest single, 'Jumper,' a track characterised by its fierce lyricism, genre-bending production, and a newfound creative clarity. Zamaera is stepping boldly into her next chapter, showcasing a redefined sound that she describes as, "If hip hop, trap, and electronic music had a child, it'd be curious, wild-eyed, and ready to take the stage." Zamaera will be performing alongside her longtime collaborator, producer-DJ I-SKY (founder of Asylum Studios and curator of the iconic Lepas Geram series). The live show promises an immersive sonic journey, featuring unfiltered expression, powerful bars, and soulful melodies. In each city, Zamaera will also showcase local guest artistes, emphasising her commitment to building the local music scene. For example, in Kuching, she will be joined by Irfan Aniq, a rising rapper known for his single 'GAMETIME,' and DJ Keeyushee, a longtime creative force and co-founder of SFDP Kuching, a modern music collective and platform for emerging talent. "I wouldn't be here without the people who gave me a shot early on. Now it's my turn to open doors," Zamaera said. Supporting her journey across all seven cities, BYD Iroll EV joins the tour as the official transport, facilitating not just her movement but also the growth of local talent and culture along the way. Adding another highlight to her "Epiphany" tour, Zamaera will make a special appearance at "Road To Fam" with 88rising x LEVI'S® on May 21 in Kuala Lumpur, at Over & Above. Zamaera shared her excitement about this opportunity, calling it "just a little secret she's been keeping. It's something I dreamed about for years. Manifestation is real," she said of this significant moment in her journey.
