Latest news with #GegarVaganza
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Ronnie Hussein Chooses Solo Career Over Returning to Popular Bands
KUALA LUMPUR: After a decade of pursuing his own path, high-pitched vocalist Ronnie Hussein says he is now more comfortable continuing as a solo singer — despite having received several offers to rejoin some of Malaysia's most popular music groups. The former lead vocalist of Hyper Act said that although opportunities to collaborate with established bands are always on the table, he prefers to build his artistic brand with new groups, free from the shadow of past successes or comparisons with original members. 'Many have invited me — including well-known bands from the past. I even temporarily replaced Zamani in Slam around 2009 and recorded an album with them,' he told a press conference for Konsert Sebuah Kisah Volume 1, recently. Ronnie explained that his decision to remain a solo artiste is not driven by ego or a desire to distance himself from bands, but rather by a sense of creative comfort and transparency — allowing him to perform without constant comparisons to previous lead singers. 'I've experienced all of that... when you replace an original singer, comparisons are inevitable. The benchmark is very high. So rather than face criticism or constant comparisons, I'd rather start something new with a fresh group and grow together,' he said. The singer, best known for hits like Dikoyak Waktu and Salahkah, added that the pressure of being compared can take a toll on an artiste's morale — especially when the original singer holds a special place in fans' hearts. Although now more recognised as a solo act, Ronnie acknowledges the unique energy and advantages that come with performing as part of a band. 'There are pros and cons to both. With a band, you can do a lot more on stage — there are more gimmicks and elements to play with. But when you perform solo with just a minus one (backing track), it's pretty straightforward — there's nothing particularly special in that sense,' he said. In his latest venture, Ronnie will deliver a special performance alongside popular Indonesian pop group Dadali in their exclusive concert scheduled for July 5 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. He shared that the offer came directly from Dadali's vocalist, Dyrga Dadali, whom Ronnie befriended during their time together on the show Gegar Vaganza. 'My name was the first one he mentioned. I guess because during Gegar Vaganza we got to know each other well, and he knows I'm easy-going — so when he asked, I immediately said yes,' he said. Continuing to carve out a space for himself in the local entertainment scene without a band, Ronnie stressed that what matters most is staying true to one's art — and not being swayed by industry pressures.
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
No looking back: Ronnie Hussein embraces solo journey
KUALA LUMPUR: After a decade of pursuing his own path, high-pitched vocalist Ronnie Hussein says he is now more comfortable continuing as a solo singer — despite having received several offers to rejoin some of Malaysia's most popular music groups. The former lead vocalist of Hyper Act said that although opportunities to collaborate with established bands are always on the table, he prefers to build his artistic brand with new groups, free from the shadow of past successes or comparisons with original members. 'Many have invited me — including well-known bands from the past. I even temporarily replaced Zamani in Slam around 2009 and recorded an album with them,' he told a press conference for Konsert Sebuah Kisah Volume 1, recently. Ronnie explained that his decision to remain a solo artiste is not driven by ego or a desire to distance himself from bands, but rather by a sense of creative comfort and transparency — allowing him to perform without constant comparisons to previous lead singers. 'I've experienced all of that... when you replace an original singer, comparisons are inevitable. The benchmark is very high. So rather than face criticism or constant comparisons, I'd rather start something new with a fresh group and grow together,' he said. The singer, best known for hits like Dikoyak Waktu and Salahkah, added that the pressure of being compared can take a toll on an artiste's morale — especially when the original singer holds a special place in fans' hearts. Although now more recognised as a solo act, Ronnie acknowledges the unique energy and advantages that come with performing as part of a band. 'There are pros and cons to both. With a band, you can do a lot more on stage — there are more gimmicks and elements to play with. But when you perform solo with just a minus one (backing track), it's pretty straightforward — there's nothing particularly special in that sense,' he said. In his latest venture, Ronnie will deliver a special performance alongside popular Indonesian pop group Dadali in their exclusive concert scheduled for July 5 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. He shared that the offer came directly from Dadali's vocalist, Dyrga Dadali, whom Ronnie befriended during their time together on the show Gegar Vaganza. 'My name was the first one he mentioned. I guess because during Gegar Vaganza we got to know each other well, and he knows I'm easy-going — so when he asked, I immediately said yes,' he said. Continuing to carve out a space for himself in the local entertainment scene without a band, Ronnie stressed that what matters most is staying true to one's art — and not being swayed by industry pressures.
New Straits Times
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Zur Eda's enduring passion
VETERAN singer Zur Eda Mokhtar, 60, looks hale and hearty, even though she was seriously ill a decade ago. Back in 2015, she suffered from a kidney ailment, which landed her a three-month stay in a government hospital. Fortunately, she recovered and bounced back to health and, today, she continues to entertain fans at events in the Klang Valley. Expressing gratitude to all her fans and loved ones for praying hard for her recovery, Zur Eda is also thankful to veteran singers Datuk DJ Dave, Datuk M Nasir and Datuk Nash, the trustees of Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair (YKAT), for lending a helping hand during her long hospitalisation. "They were the first people to go all out and help me meet my medical expenses, which were pretty costly," said Zur Eda at a recent 'buka puasa' organised by YKAT in Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur. "Thank God, I'm once again able to sing for Malaysians. I was in tremendous pain as a result of the kidney infection, and while warded at the Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, I often feared for the worst." Zur Eda also struggled to make ends meet during the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. "I am also grateful that my singing career has never stopped, especially after appearing in the third season of the reality show, 'Gegar Vaganza'." Zur Eda described 'Gegar Vaganza' or GV as a godsend for her. "The reality show allows young ones to know me and other 'otais'. It is a healthy and friendly competition from the word go, and a great avenue to catch up with long-lost friends." When asked if her children or grandchildren would follow in her footsteps, Zur Eda said the answer was a definite "no". "I've got two adult children, who can sing but only as a hobby, and four grandchildren aged one to 7. "They love my music very much, and I sang them to sleep when they were toddlers. "Perhaps they may want to follow in my footsteps one day, but they must graduate with degrees first." Zur Eda, whose real name is Zuraidah Mokhtar, began her singing career in the 1980s and was initially nicknamed "Sade Malaysia" for her slight resemblance to the legendary Nigerian-British singer Sade Adu. "My hair was curly, and my forehead was wide. I also wore big round earrings, which were the latest trend at the time. "Coincidentally, Sade was popular with the song 'Smooth Operator' then, and journalists started calling me Sade Malaysia," she said. Zur Eda, however, insisted that she had no intention of imitating Sade, as their music genres were entirely different — she was a pop singer while Sade shone in jazz. On the most memorable moment in her career, the singer fondly remembered visiting the interior district of Belaga in Kapit, Sarawak. "I was happy to see the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak, who met and greeted me warmly in Belaga in 1989. "It was among the happiest moments in my career were performing in Sabah and Sarawak. The people there are very friendly and cheerful." She also said while singing in Belaga, an insect entered her mouth, but fortunately, she spit it out. While singing at the Black Jack Club in 1984, Zur Eda met her husband, Zulkifli Mohd Yusof, who was also a bass guitarist, and they married a year later. They were blessed with two children, Siti Sarah, 35, and Mohd Naquib, 28. Zur Eda has produced three albums, namely 'Pelitaku' in 1987, followed by 'Lama Tak Jumpa' (1990) and 'Kelmarin' (1992), since becoming a singer at the age of 18. For almost a decade, Zur Eda has been making biscuits and cakes for Hari Raya during Ramadan and selling them at her Ramadan stall in The Curve, Petaling Jaya. "Many of my fellow artistes sell their cakes or biscuits there, there's Liza Abdullah, Ismaliza Ismail, Elliza Razak and Amai Kamaruddin. "I've been making cakes and biscuits for four decades. It is a good investment because an artiste will always fall on hard times and needs to support himself or herself with a second job." Zur Eda plans to record songs with new singers as there are many talents among the newcomers. "We all must learn to adapt with the times, to roll with the times," she said. "And as always, the songs I record help raise funds for the needy — helping them, especially the artistes, always makes me happy," she said.
New Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Ayu puts her studies first
SINGER Ayu Damit is bidding farewell to reality TV, stating she's prioritising her academic pursuits. "Enough is enough when it comes to reality TV programmes, because I simply don't have the time for that any more," says Ayu, 35, the former 'One in A Million Season 2' champion and 'Gegar Vaganza' finallist. She says she won't be participating in singing competitions for now. "My mission is to obtain a degree and embark on a career as a lecturer," Ayu said, adding that her husband supports her decision to focus on her studies and avoid the stress of reality TV. She recalls the demanding schedule of 'Gegar Vaganza'. "During my time on GV7, I suffered from migraines due to the overwhelming workload. "I've been through that intense process, and I've decided that it's time for me to step away from singing reality programmes." Ayu clarifies she's not retiring from singing altogether. "I've set a long-term goal for my artistic journey. By the time I reach 45, I envision myself living a quiet and peaceful life. "I don't see myself performing on stage at 60." She anticipates scaling back her involvement around that age to dedicate more time to business ventures and teaching. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Foundation in Creative Arts at the National Academy of Cultural Arts and Heritage (Aswara), Ayu plans to continue her studies. "After completing my degree at Aswara in two years, I intend to pursue a master's degree and potentially begin teaching. God willing, if all goes according to plan, I will continue my studies to the doctoral level." Before fully immersing herself in academia, Ayu will perform alongside Datin Alyah and Idayu in the upcoming music showcase, 'An Evening to Remember', in Putrajaya on June 21 and 22.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"Gegar Vaganza" winner Liza Aziz dismisses notion of "easy win"
12 Feb - Liza Aziz has dismissed the idea that it was an easy win for her when she was named the winner of the 11th season of "Gegar Vaganza", having faced challenges throughout the weeks leading to the finals. The singer, who spoke to the media following her win, said that it was wrong to say that the songs given to her were all easy songs, as she had only a week to learn them just like the other contestants. "Usually, I would listen to the song multiple times until I got it. I wouldn't have won by not doing my best. It wasn't easy to memorise the lyrics as well," she said. Liza also stated that she didn't expect to win that night, and had thought it would go to Ning Baizura. "All I know is that I would be happy enough to be able to do my best performance. But to win, that's a bonus. Praise be to God," she added. Liza performed Celine Dion's "I Surrender" and the duet "Cinta" with Kris Dayanti at the finale held on 9 February. The second place went to Ning Baizura, with Sheila Abdul winning third place. (Photo Source: Liza Aziz IG, Kosmo)
