THE band of sisters from Sabah for the 'A night with Sumandak Stars' concert show is getting bigger and the organiser promises an enchanting night for all music fans at Zepp KL come Nov 30.
The original seven-ladies super combo will now be an eight-woman starry show all ready to strut their stuff and an event that will show off the starlets of Sabah.
Despite the fact, well-known local starlet Stacy Anam, has decided to give the concert a miss, event producer Orange International has managed to rope in two other stars from Sabah. The two new singers who will be for the concert are the experienced songstress duo of Ayu Damit and Azharina Azhar.
Brought to fans by top local event producer Orange International, CEO Dato’ Mohd Fadzli Idrus, despite Stacy's pullout, said he promised music fans that it will be one-of-a-kind-event that will be etched in the minds of Malaysian fans forever.
On top of that, Mohd Fazli also promised a cameo appearance from a 'mystery superstar' for the concert and that top singer will only known days before the event. In fact, the organiser added that he may will be only known on the day of the concert.
"This is a surprise for one and one and 'mystery star' will bring down the roof at the concert," said Mohd Fadzli.
"We have eight top singers from Sabah and every one of them are excited and ready to give their best and have an enjoyable night with their fans."
Mohd Fazli said Stacy's pullout was unexpected and many fans were left disappointed with the singer's decision.
"Our management has always had a good relationship with Stacy. It's a bit shocking but we have to accept Stacy's decision. There is no reason to be disappointed about this. What is more important is that the show must go on and as the organiser I must ensure the best will appear and give a show fans will never forget and talk about it for time to come," said Mohd Fazli.
Last Friday, Stacy's management company, Rhythm & Rhyme, announced her withdrawal from the concert, citing technical issues.
It was reported in local media that Stacy was unhappy that her picture in the original poster was not prominent. The headliner for the show is rising star Bella and she was the most prominent in the first poster.
A new version of the poster has been released with the two new entries but without Stacy.
"We've organised many international concerts before, and similar poster designs never caused issues," said Mohd Fadzli.
"It is surprising to say the least that such reason is why Stacy has left. But we accept her decision and have to move on. I have nothing against her decision. It is right of the individual to do as she wish and she did not sign the contract with us. So she has the right not to join the Sabah sisters.''
"Sincerely, I wish Stacy only the very best. I understand her fans are angry over the issue but I assure all that we can always work together again. There is no malice here and I equally respect all singers for the event."
Mohd Fadzli added that he welcomes Ayu and Azharina into the set-up and confident the new combo of eight singers together with the mystery guest will make the show even better and more star-studded.
"With or without Stacy, it is going to be an unforgettable night for all music fans. I can assure it will be a local concert like none other.
Mohd Fadzli also said he takes this opportunity to explain the idea and the reason Bella plays a big part for the concert.
"Actually we always had an idea of showcasing a singer from Sabah. This idea was also worked out with Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) who also fully supported the idea," he said.
"And it was unanimous that Bella will be the celebrity because she has always showcased her dancing skills for Sabah cultural music in Tik Tok. In fact, she was also the Tik Tok star of the year. (For the record, the popular Malaysian singer Bella won the 'Celebrity of the Year' award at the TikTok Awards Malaysia 2024).
"But when we approached Bella, she loved the idea but told us she would prefer to showcase the concert with all the top Sabah singers. That would ensure an even better show and more limelight for the Sabah state," said Mohd Fadzli.
"And we loved Bella's suggestion. As such not only she is the headliner but even gave us the backbone idea for the 'Sumandak Stars' concert.
"And in any case, neither we nor Bella had sidelined anyone in the first poster. It is what it is with Bella having been the headliner from the start.
"After Stacy pulled out, some of her fans attacked Bella. That was unfortunate and even unfair to Bella. She has nothing to do with our (event organiser) decisions but actually she is the one who fully supports the idea behind the concert.
"Actually all the girls involved in the concert are so hyped up to do well in the event. So lets move forward and get set for an exciting show that will be coming our way on Nov 30," added Mohd Fadzli.
"As a special mention, we are thankful to MOTAC for the great support they have given us in ensuring that it will be an unforgettable event for all who will be at the venue."
As for the concert itself, Mohd Fadzli said his team will not spare any efforts in making sure fans get their every cents worth for the concert.
"I'm indeed happy and grateful that we will have eight classy, excellent and brilliant singers from Sabah. I believe introducing a concept that is not seen before but what is important is that we are lining up a show that will be remembered by all music fans," said Mohd Fadzli.
"Despite very little publicity on the event and even before we start the marketing - the event has already sold more than 35% of the tickets. We are now going all out to push the remaining number of the tickets.
"If all goes well, we expect to have around 1,700-1800 fans at the venue. That would see a capacity turnout for the girls who I feel are among the best in the local show business scene.
"And what we have lined up for the fans, I believe it will be a show that is well worth the time and effort."
Orange International was also the organisers that brought music fans the successful Radja & Ella, Wali Band X Setia, Drama Band concerts seen at recent times in the country.
Tickets for the show went on sale from Monday onwards and it can be purchased from Ticket2u.com.my/sumandak or fans can contact the hotline +012-4949 267 for further details. Tickets are priced at VIP BOX (RM6,999); VIP Special Seating (RM349); Cat 1 (RM239); Cat 2 (RM139); Cat 3 (RM259) and Cat 4 (RM159).
BACKGROUNDER:
Bella Astillah: Is a well known singer of Pop genre in the country. Besides that, she is also an established actress. She gained many fans when she starred in the novel adapted drama 'Cinta Belum Tamat Tempoh' with Nafiz Muaz. She made heads turn with the memorable single 'Tenang' her first solo outing. This year, her single 'Tapi Bukan Denganmu' has won many admirers.
Marsha Milan: Marsha is a Malaysian singer and actress. She gained fame for being a contestant in the third season of the Malaysian reality show contest Akademi Fantasia, in which she won fourth place. She has songs many top local songs and also acted in numerous movies and series. She also voiced Elsa in the Bahasa version of Frozen and sang the title song 'Bebaskan'.
Ayu Damit: This excellent crooner from Putatan, Sabah, burst into the scene winning One in a Million title in the second season of the show. She was also placed third in the reality music show Gegar Vaganza in 2020. Her 2009 Albul Inspirasi is considered one of the best ever produced in the local music scene.
Azharina: The Kota Kinabalu starlet is famous for her songs like Elegi Sepi, Rawan, Rasa, Tsunami Kasih and many more. She has been one of the top singers in the business since 2001. She has also won many awards. She was the Juara Bintang RTM in 2001, she was also tops at the Anugerah Era 2005 beating even the likes of Siti Nurhaliza, Misha Omar and Dayang Nurfaizah. She also won the top title at Gegar Vaganza season 3.
Adira Suhaimi: Adira is a Malaysian singer and well-liked by many music fans in the country. She is the runner-up of the eighth season of Astro's television reality program, Akademi Fantasia. She also known as 'Queen of Soundtrack'. She also voiced Mary Jane in the Malaysian version of the Spiderman movie in 2010.
Nikky Palikat: Nikky is a Malaysian American singer from Tambunan, Sabah. She reached top 12 in the first season of Malaysian Idol. Nikki is known for her vocal belting and her ability to sing in the whistle register. She is famous for her music albums 'Maharani' (2005) and 'Hawa' (2008).
Didi Astillah: Bella's younger sister is an accomplished singer and actress. She is also an artist under the Warner Music Malaysia label. She came to the fore in 2014 with her self-titled album 'Didi Astillah'. Recently acted in TV2's telefilm 'Hello My Netizen'.
Wani Kayrie: The rising star of Sabah. Wani is a singer, host and actress. Her entertainment career began after winning the reality TV show 'Kamilah Bintang' on Astro Ceria in 2010. She began to achieve commercial success with her 2015 single, "Jangan Jangan". In addition, she also participated in the first season of the Big Stage where she managed to win fourth place.
