AIM25: Marsha, Hazama receive first award after two decades

KUCHING, 26 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

KUCHING, 26 Sept 2026 – Veteran singers Marsha Milan Londoh and Hazama each secured their first Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) trophies at the AIM 25 ceremony, more than two decades after first entering Malaysia’s music scene.

Marsha, who captured the Best Ethnic Song award for “Nalan Nalan”, said the accolade reflects a period in recent years when she has been able to produce work rooted in her own musical heritage. “I am very grateful because this is one of the awards I have been waiting for since 21 years ago.

Only a few years ago I was finally able to truly create with my own music,” she told reporters at the AIM 25 press conference. She added gratitude to composer Amir Jahari, noting that the award “is actually for him.” Marsha, who rose to fame with the hit “Pelangi Pasti”, emphasized that she has never stopped believing in herself despite the challenges she has faced throughout her artistic journey.

She also highlighted projects that celebrate Borneo’s identity and DNA, such as the album Misompuru, describing them as key sources of inspiration that have kept her creative drive alive.

Hazama, who was honoured with the Best Soundtrack award for the song “Aku Bukan Narsisis” from the film Dia Bukan Syurga, described the recognition as a special achievement after twenty years in the industry. “Alhamdulillah, this is my first award in this category. Thank you to Farouk Roman and Zel Haduan. Alhamdulillah, thank you to Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia for making this project possible,” he said.

He explained that the collaboration with Farouk Roman, which began in 2012, finally yielded an award in 2026, noting that he had been among the most frequently nominated artists since his first nomination in 2012. Hazama said that previous disappointments never dampened his resolve, and that the win serves as a “bonus” in his ongoing artistic journey.

Both singers share a common entry point into the national music arena: Marsha was a contestant on the third season of Akademi Fantasia, while Hazama participated in the programme’s ninth season. Their respective victories at AIM 25 therefore close a long‑standing gap between early reality‑show exposure and formal industry recognition.

The ceremony, broadcast by TVS on channel 122 and streamed via the TVS Inspire app, highlighted the evolving landscape of Malaysia’s music industry, where veteran artists are increasingly drawing on ethnic and regional motifs to differentiate their work. While the source does not provide market data, the awards signal to record labels and promoters that there is commercial and critical appetite for music that foregrounds local cultural narratives.

Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia’s involvement in Hazama’s award‑winning soundtrack points to continued investment by major labels in projects that blend contemporary production with indigenous storytelling. Similarly, the collaboration between Marsha and composer Amir Jahari illustrates the role of songwriter‑artist partnerships in achieving critical acclaim.

Looking ahead, the artists’ statements suggest a sustained commitment to producing music that reflects their personal and cultural identities. Marsha’s reference to “Nalan Nalan” and the Misompuru album, and Hazama’s focus on film soundtracks, indicate that future releases may continue to explore ethnic and cinematic themes. Their AIM 25 triumphs could encourage other long‑standing performers to revisit and modernise traditional sounds, potentially shaping the next wave of Malaysian popular music.

The ceremony concluded with both winners expressing gratitude to their collaborators and reaffirming their dedication to the craft, leaving the industry with a clear signal that perseverance and cultural authenticity remain potent forces in Malaysia’s evolving music market.

Related: Sony Music Entertainment Malaysia · TVS · Kuching