MimiFly wins five AIM25 awards after 18-year absence

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

MimiFly has won five trophies at the 25th Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM25), the largest haul by a single artist at the ceremony, ending an 18-year gap since her last major industry recognition.

The 39-year-old artist, whose real name is Shamimi Amalina Norhisham, told Gempak that the wins carry deep personal significance after decades of dismissive feedback. She recalled being told she was "too old" and "irrelevant," with her work repeatedly rejected by industry players. "Too many times, I created something that didn’t succeed," she said. "People didn’t believe in me. Some said my prime was over, that I had no place in this industry."

MimiFly admitted external doubt had eroded her confidence, with years of rejections making her question her own abilities. "For 18 years, too many people told me I couldn’t do it," she said. "Sometimes, those words sink in, and you start believing you’re not good enough. I felt that way for years—until I decided to keep trying."

The artist’s persistence paid off after she began producing her own music independently. The AIM25 wins, she said, were divine validation. "I did it myself, and God gave me sweetness by giving me this chance to succeed," she said. "It shows that if you don’t give up, there’s always a way."

The awards—spanning Best Song, Best Urban Song, Best Traditional Song, and two other categories—are a rare bright spot in her career. While she stressed success or failure wouldn’t dictate her future, the recognition reignited her passion. "I’m grateful, but winning or losing doesn’t stop me from creating," she said. "I’m in this because I love making music. But I’m thankful AIM acknowledged my work."

MimiFly’s resurgence reflects a broader trend in Malaysia’s music industry, where veteran artists increasingly reclaim relevance through self-driven projects. Her win underscores how persistence—and defying ageist narratives—can reshape careers in a competitive landscape. The artist’s independent approach, including self-funded production and distribution, has allowed her to bypass traditional industry gatekeepers.

The AIM25 awards, held annually by the Malaysian Association of the Record Industry (MARI), recognize excellence across genres. MimiFly’s five trophies—her first since AIM7—highlight a shift toward valuing artistic merit over commercial trends. Industry observers note her success aligns with growing demand for authentic, genre-blending music in Malaysia, where younger audiences increasingly support established artists.

Looking ahead, MimiFly said she will continue producing music regardless of industry recognition. "I don’t care if I win or lose," she said. "There are still many songs I want to create." Her independent model, she added, ensures creative freedom without relying on external validation. The artist’s journey serves as a case study in resilience, proving that persistence can overcome industry skepticism.