KUCHING: Malaysian singer JessC has secured international recognition after her Malay-language song “Mari Menari Raya” won a 2026 InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) category.
The song, featuring Malaysian entertainer Dato’ AC Mizal, won the Best of Asia – Asian Hip-Hop & Urban Music Award, beating entries from around the world.
“What made me happiest this time was that two works of different styles were able to enter the view of the international judges,” she said in a press statement on Monday (Sept 14).
She said the achievement was particularly meaningful as “Mari Menari Raya” carries distinct Malaysian cultural elements while blending contemporary pop, hip-hop and urban musical influences.
Meanwhile, her other song, “Dekati”, advanced to the finals of the Asian Pop Music Award, marking another international achievement for the singer.
She said Malaysia’s multicultural identity provided valuable inspiration for local musicians seeking to bring their music to international audiences.
“We have different languages, festivals, and ethnic groups, and a lot of musical inspiration. These are not limitations, but rather precious characteristics of Malaysian music.”
This year, ICMA received submissions from musicians across more than 100 countries and regions, spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa and Oceania.
Among the participating countries and regions were Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, India, Mongolia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, South Africa and the Åland Islands.
The expanded participation represented stronger international competition compared with previous years, which recorded entries from more than 70 countries.
She said “Dekati” represented her pop music direction, while “Mari Menari Raya” presented Malaysian festive culture through a contemporary and youthful musical approach.
The recognition also marked JessC’s second consecutive year receiving honours from the ICMA, following her 2025 Asian Pop Music Award win.
In 2025, her Mandarin song “I Am Who I Am” won the Asian Pop Music Award, while “Dekati” returned to the Asian Pop finals this year.
“Mari Menari Raya” had also previously received the 2026 LIT Music Awards Platinum Award and the Global Music Awards Bronze Award in the United States.
She said music remained an important part of her life, although sports and professional commitments had also kept her schedule busy.
JessC recently attended a celebration banquet and press conference in Kuching before travelling to Australia for a table tennis tournament and further work commitments.
“Music is certainly a very important part of my life, but sports and work also allow me to meet different people and experience different things.”
Meanwhile, her “I Am Who I Am” World Tour concert in Kuching has been postponed from Dec 4 and 5, 2026, to Feb 26 and 27, 2027.
The concert will be held at Pullman Hotel Kuching, with the additional preparation period expected to allow the team to further refine the performance.
She apologised to fans for the postponement while thanking supporters in Kuching for their continued patience and encouragement.
“Now that we have more time to prepare, we hope to do a better job with the concert so that everyone feels the wait was worthwhile.”
