Last week marked a triumphant moment as two talented Sarawakian singers, Roziena Ixzy, better known as Roxy Ixzy, and Amir Jahari, etched their names onto the national stage. Their recent victories captured the attention of the nation and brought immense pride to their homeland.
With remarkable skills and unwavering determination, they joined forces with fellow locals to showcase the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of Sarawak on the national stage for the world to see.
At twenty-six years old, Roxy was crowned the champion of Bintang RTM 2024 during the grand finale held at the prestigious Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri in Kuala Lumpur.
The proud Bidayuh lass from Kampung Bratan in Jalan Puncak Borneo, Kuching, captured the audience’s hearts with her soulful rendition of ‘A Woman’s Worth’ by Alicia Keys.
Her performance earned her not only a cash prize of RM78,000 but also the keys to a brand new Proton Iriz, marking a triumphant moment in her musical journey.
Amir, whose real name is Mohamad Amirullah Jahari, was crowned the winner of the prestigious annual pop music competition, the 38th Anugerah Juara Lagu (AJL38), held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
The 32-year-old native of Kuching emerged victorious, enchanting audiences with his soulful voice and captivating performances.
He triumphed over 11 other finalists with his rendition of ‘Hasrat’ and proudly claimed the grand prize of RM100,000 along with prestigious trophies. The song, translated as ‘desire’ in English, was composed by him.
‘Hasrat’ made a significant impact upon its release on February 20 last year, creating waves in the music scene.
Furthermore, the song served as the soundtrack for last year’s box-office hit, ‘Imaginur’, featuring local actor Beto Kusyairy and actress Diana Danielle in leading roles.
Both Beto and Diana made a special appearance on stage during Amir’s heartfelt performance, adding to the magic of the moment and further enhancing the connection between the song ‘Hasrat’ and its cinematic counterpart, ‘Imaginur’.
Lest the above is mistaken as a mere report on the singers, I’d like to invite the reader to ponder their ascent to prominence which serves as a testament to the boundless potential and talent within the communities of Sarawak.
Through their personal success, they have unintentionally become ambassadors for Sarawak, representing the rich cultural mosaic and boundless talent that the state has to offer.
Their accomplishments fill the local community with immense pride, inspiring others to pursue their passions with the same fervour and determination.
As Roxy and Amir continue to make their mark on the national stage, they serve as shining examples of the limitless potential that resides within Sarawak.
Their journey is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of the Sarawakian people.
In their success, they carry the hopes and dreams of an entire community, showcasing to the world the incredible talent that thrives within the heart of Sarawak.
It is my sincere wish that more fellow Sarawakians, particularly those deeply involved in the music industry, follow in the footsteps of this duo.
I also hope that both Roxy and Amir will continue to push the boundaries of their careers, aiming for even greater heights.
Unfortunately, many Sarawakians who have previously triumphed in national-level competitions, including Bintang RTM, often fade into obscurity over time.
Some may attribute this to the lack of opportunities given to them to truly shine, but despite these challenges, they should strive to rise above and stay afloat. Instead of waiting for opportunities, perhaps we should explore creating them ourselves.
This is also where the state authorities and relevant organizations in Sarawak should step in to ensure that local talents continue to shine and feel appreciated.
After all, we should all play our part to give true meaning to our steadfast motto of ‘Sarawak for Sarawakians’ or ‘Sarawak First’.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
