Most Stylish Local Music Artistes

Yuna This internationally renowned Malaysian singer cum songwriter is an up-and-coming and rising star in the music industry globally. Known as the Malaysian pop star clad in trendy clothes, skinny jeans and a hijab, Yuna has unintentionally become the poster girl for young ‘Hijabsters’. With her combination of a Muslim head scarf and stylish ensembles, Yunalis Mat Zara’ai has drawn attention for her appearance as much as for her music. At only 27 years old, Yuna is known as a musician and a cultural force and she appeared in an ad campaign for Barneys New York last year shot by photographer Bruce Weber.

Young women who are daring to don the hijab with an experimental fashion style and who want to abide by their religious views at the same time see Yuna as a role model and leader in that sense. We think Yuna has succeeded in finding a balance in the fashion department. She is far more than just a ‘Muslim pop star’ as she holds a law degree and even owns an online fashion boutique called November Culture. Yuna’s success and reach within global waters has caught the attention of Uniqlo, which has announced the launch of a modest wear collection featuring the acclaimed singer-songwriter in the mix and created in collaboration with Hana Tajima, the UK-born fashion designer and blogger.

Kayda Aziz In the Malaysian music industry today, rap and hip hop has become one of the most popular music genres not only in the city but in rural areas as well. Kayda is a young Malaysian rapper and she delivers powerful performances, receiving guidance from her mom, the legendary Datuk Sheila Majid and also her dad Datuk Roslan Aziz, an active music producer in the local music industry.

Kayda has a hit single, Go Hard or Gostan featuring Hunny Madu, and they are definitely a duo to remember with their catchy tunes and fascinating lyrics. This two sassy lassies not only exude confidence, they are also making their mark in what some people may call a male dominant industry – hip hop! The two attractive ladies have been signed to Warner Music and it’s fantastic to see that female rappers are accepted by major record labels. Kayda has mentioned influences such as Childish Gambino, Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar inspiring her trendy urban style.

Hunny Madu Hunny Madu and Kayda are a new rap duo set to tear the airwaves up with their two singles, Go Hard Or Gostan and Gucci Dowh. Hunny Madu made herself known participating in a local music talent show called Blast Off way back in 2004. She brings her songs to life with the help of her partner in crime, Kayda, with songs that not only have style but substance. As for her personal style, she chooses to embrace the rock ‘n’ roll spirit! As a multitasking mum, Hunny Madu still makes known her love for edgy, rock star aesthetics which is what takes her from AM to PM. You would undoubtedly see her in her black biker jacket and Doc Martens more than heels. Hunny Madu and Kayda are two feisty female powerhouses making waves as female rappers in the local industry in the same way as international female rappers Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks.

Arabyrd Arabyrd draws many associations to M.I.A., an English recording artist of Sri Lankan Tamil heritage who specialises in hip hop/worldbeat music. It may be because Arabyrd also has the same love for futuristic alternative hip hop beats and vibrant neon outfits and spits her songs out with a confident hard cadence. But the 23-year-old artist has got pop appeal, party-starting dynamism and an eccentric sense of style. She even opened for Diplo, and is also making waves as a rapper and as a part of Kuala Lumpur’s DJ duo Twinkies.

She’s a good pupil too, because if you’ve watched Arabyrd perform, she definitely works it! She kicks, shoulder-shakes, and raves with no distress of letting her knees touch the ground, platform shoes and ladylikeness out the window. Her fashion tastes is a mix of urban streetwear and sporty athleisure but with dynamic colours. Bright and comfortable in her own skin, Arabyrd is one of Malaysia's most talented and we are eager to see her development.

Fazura Nur Fazura Sharifuddin is a Malaysian actress, TV Host, VJ and now singer who began her career in the Malaysian entertainment industry with hosting a television show and numerous acting roles. Fazura is considered one of the most fashionable actresses and celebrities in Malaysia according to many entertainment and fashion magazines and repeatedly appears in magazine’s “hottest and most stylish” lists! Fazura ventured into the fashion business by opening a boutique called House Of Doll located in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.

Much like her House of Doll collection shown at KLFW 2015, her personal style is glamorous, refined and a spectacle. She doesn’t shy away from sequins, embellished pieces and ostentatious details.

by: Adeline Tan