KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian hip-hop artist Bunga Isme will be performing a new song called Jiwa Raga, which has yet to be released, when she opens for Coldplay next Wednesday during the band’s Music of the Spheres World Tour at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, here.
She told Scoop that her set would last for about 20 minutes, with her performing five songs, including Intan Payung and Apadehal.
“I only got the nod last month to perform, so I’m busy rehearsing and going for vocal lessons. I am excited because I have never performed at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
“I’ve only been there to watch concerts. There is no denying that I am nervous to perform in front of tens of thousands. But God willing, I am ready and confident,” she told Scoop.
She added that she has not spoken to any of the members of Coldplay, and will only get to meet them on concert day.
Meanwhile, Warner Music Malaysia domestic marketing manager Sabrina Azman said Coldplay’s team asked for suggestions of local acts to open for them.
“Bunga was one of the names suggested.”
Last June, concert organiser Live Nation Malaysia announced that Bunga would be opening for Coldplay, which came as a surprise to her.
However, one of Malaysia’s biggest concerts in recent years has been plagued with resistance from conservatives due to its support, especially for the LGBT community.
The organiser has reminded fans to remain respectful of local culture and sensitivities throughout the event and listed a string of rules for attendees, which included a prohibition of banners carrying political messages or those related to the LGBT movement.
It also noted a ban on LED content on banners, adding that such posters should not be above A4 in size.
Last month, the Communications and Digital Ministry said it would be instructing show and concert organisers to have a “kill switch”, following the incident involving British rock group The 1975 that led to the cancellation of the Good Vibes Festival in July.
The axing of the event came after The 1975’s lead vocalist, Matty Healy, criticised Malaysia’s LGBT laws before kissing his male bandmate on stage during the first day of the festival. – November 17, 2023