Yuna, international star and darling of the
Malaysian music scene, shares her history and experience
in a new E! News Asia Special, writes Aref Omar
WITH a cheery disposition, uplifting tunes and distinct fashion sense that screams hijabster, Yuna has been gradually making waves both at home and abroad. Earlier this month, the New York Times described the Malaysian-born songstress as “a poster girl for young hijabsters”.
Now fans and music lovers across Asia can get a glimpse into the personal life of the singing sensation tonight through the 30-minute showcase, E! News Asia Special: Yuna.
The special sees E! News Asia host George Young tracing Yuna’s journey from law student to music sensation. She also opens up about the pressures of handling stardom on a global level, her love life, and how the hijab has become a part of her silhouette. Viewers will also learn that her rising fame and success as an award-winning singer-songwriter did not come easy.
From facing intense criticism (with some even saying that she was not talented enough), to re-basing thousands of kilometres away to chase her dreams in the US, Yunalis Mat Zara’ai has overcome many hurdles. She has remained true to her artistic leanings and viewers will get to see her warmth and honesty in an exclusive acoustic performance.
FAN OF POP CULTURE
During a Press conference at Aloft Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the 28-year-old was clearly enthusiastic about the opportunity to promote her career and music through the E! channel platform. “I’m a huge fan of pop culture and I watch E! all the time, so it’s amazing to be part of something so huge,” she said, after her performance of her chirpy hit Come Back with her on the ukulele.
From her early days doing small acoustic gigs to being signed to US record labels, heading to Los Angeles to record her music and doing a tour, she said that the show will reveal how she feels about the whole process.
“A little history about myself, and there may be baby pictures,” she added coyly.
At ease taking questions from the media, she feels that she still has a long way to go and lots to learn. On a less humorous note, she admitted that one of her guilty pleasures was watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
“I like reality TV shows, they’re very entertaining, especially since I don’t live that kind of lifestyle,” said the soft-spoken turban-clad fashionista. When she comes back to KL after long work sessions in LA, she admitted that she really looks forward to catching up with family and friends. “Then comes the non-stop eating when I’m back home,” she said with a laugh.
TURBAN TUTORIAL
For the showcase she described working with E! as being a really easy and fun experience. “We had a nice and intimate interview at my (fashion boutique) store, November Culture, in Subang Jaya,” she said.
Not wanting to give too much away about the details of the show when queried, she said: “Watch out for the turban tutorial.”
Although she admitted that she’s a private person, she doesn’t mind opening herself up to the world since this comes with the territory of being an artiste. “I like sharing ideas and stories, that’s what I do, I write music,” she said, adding that she’s pretty open, though not to the extent of a reality TV show.
“I don’t think I could ever do that but this E! special is as close as it gets to sharing a personal part of me with the audience,” she said with a smile.
She was working hard to promote her second international album this year, Nocturnal, with heavy touring. She revealed that she’s been working since on new material that will showcase a more R&B flavour. “I’m going back to LA soon to focus on my new album in the studio, which should hopefully be out next July,” she said.
She acknowledged her family keeps her grounded despite her blossoming success. “It’s important to have a family that really cares about you,” she said.
WIN INVITES
Yuna said she is really indebted to her Malaysian fans who have supported her from the start. “That’s why when I come home I have to give them something, whether a song or a show — I have to connect with them at the very least.” she said.
Malaysian fans stand a chance to win a pair of invites to see Yuna perform live at an exclusive E! Showcase by watching the E! News Asia Special: Yuna.
The winners will also get to meet and greet the homegrown songstress and take home great prizes when they take part in the event’s on-stage activities.
The E! Showcase, which will take place at The Gardens Theatre @ The Gardens, KL on Dec 3 at 7.30pm, will also be filmed by NBCUniversal and aired on E! in the early part of next year.
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