Phoebe Chloe Lawai, a 19-year-old artist from Miri, has carved out her path in the music scene with grit and passion. Her journey weaves a tale filled with highs of success and lows of challenges, blending to create a symphony of growth and wisdom.
At just 11, the music captured Phoebe’s heart, sparking her artistic soul. In 2020, she officially set sail on her musical journey, releasing singles that painted the picture of her musical story.
One of her creations, ‘Nuan Limpang Muai Penepan’, is a testament to her talent, beloved by fans for its heartfelt resonance. Her latest piece, ‘Bujang Siku Ngasuh Rindu’, reflects the growth and maturity of her musical essence.
While the music industry gleams with opportunities, it also casts shadows of doubt and criticism. Undeterred, Phoebe reflects on the mix of experiences she’s faced. She recalls, “One of my fondest memories was performing at the SUKMA XXI 2024 Opening Ceremony, alongside luminaries like Iss Arffan, Ng. Chien, Roxy Ixzy, Firdaus Iskandar, and Ramles Walter. But amidst the applause, the bitterness of negativity from online critics lingered.”
A rising star, Phoebe envisions Malaysian music gaining global recognition. From humble beginnings, she remembers feeling like a bud in the shadows during her early years. Singing contests became her proving ground, building confidence and connections that paved her way to musical stardom.
Even as music coloured her days, Phoebe excelled in her studies, achieving impressive results in her SPM exams with 4A, 3B, and 1C.
Balancing her artistic pursuits and academics, she now walks the halls of Universiti Terbuka Malaysia, nurturing her intellect and creativity.
“I move ahead, pursuing knowledge and melody hand in hand, lightening my family’s load through my artistry. PCL Management now stands as a testament to this journey,” Phoebe states.
To aspiring artists, Phoebe shares wisdom gleaned from her trials and victories. She promotes the values of hard work, modesty, and a strong work ethic, admiring her mentor, Jimin from BTS, as an exemplar of dedication and humility in the realms of art and academia.
Navigating different music genres, weathering criticism, and accessing necessary resources are challenges that greet new artists at the start of their careers. Phoebe emphasizes the significance of mentorship, teamwork, and strategic advancement as crucial pillars, particularly within the supportive atmosphere of Sarawak.
As she shares her insights, Phoebe’s voice rings clear with experience.
“Discipline, professionalism, and authenticity are the keys to longevity in this industry. Don’t let the allure of fame overshadow the essence of your art.”
In her melodic journey, Phoebe believes that her experiences can inspire a new generation of artists. She emphasizes the significance of guidance, highlighting that the right mentorship can cultivate a strong work ethic in budding talents.
Phoebe’s story crescendos with a call to new artists, encouraging them to stand firm in their artistry, face challenges with patience and resilience, and let their music soar free from doubt. Through her words, she leaves a roadmap for the stars of tomorrow, etched with the tune of perseverance and the harmony of artistic integrity.
