KUCHING: Sarawak’s young vocal prodigy Aleysha Shareef Van Der Horst is continuing her meteoric rise after qualifying for major international music competitions in Europe and the United States.
The 12-year-old singer has secured a place in the 17th Sanremo Junior World Finals, set for April 14, 2026, at Teatro Ariston, Sanremo, Italy.
“I’m really excited and grateful for this opportunity to sing on such a big international stage and represent Sarawak,” said Aleysha.
She will perform Lady Gaga’s Always Remember Us This Way at Sanremo after missing last year’s edition due to the fasting month.
According to her mother, Shirley Hasmani bt Datuk Eddie, the achievement reflects Aleysha’s steady growth and Sarawak’s nurturing support for creative and performing arts talents.
“Through international competitions, Aleysha hopes to showcase that Sarawak has confident young talents encouraged by strong support for the creative industry,” Shirley said.
Aleysha recently clinched FIRST PRIZE WITH HONOURS and was crowned ABSOLUTE WINNER in the Junior II Vocal Category at the 2025 IYMC USA Artists of the Year.
She scored an outstanding 99 per cent, with judges praising her vocal warmth, expressive delivery, clear diction and sensitive phrasing in an exceptionally polished performance.
These achievements earned Aleysha invitations to perform at London’s Royal Academy of Music on March 29, 2026, and New York City’s Prize Winners Recital in September.
Her twin brother, Ryan Zachary, also claimed First Prize at the same IYMC competition, continuing the siblings’ remarkable international success together.
The twins previously impressed judges with their duet Suasana Hari Raya, winning FIRST PRIZE WITH HONOURS at a USA-based world music competition in July last year.
Beyond competitions, Aleysha is preparing to release her first international English single, produced in the United States, potentially making her Sarawak’s youngest recording artist abroad.
