The Malaysian Country Music Festival and Awards (MCMFA) is set to make its debut on September 8, marking a historic moment for the country’s country music scene. Hosted by the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan), the event will honor local country music legends who have long awaited recognition for their pioneering contributions to the genre.
Jude Singho, the lead organizer of the MCMFA and frontman of Os Pombos, expressed that the festival aims to highlight the vibrancy of Malaysia’s country music landscape and inspire new talent. “This event will showcase the energy of our local artists and stimulate interest in country music among younger audiences,” Singho said.
Freddie Fernandez, President of Karyawan, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The awards will provide a significant boost to the country music scene, potentially sparking a new wave of fans and encouraging aspiring musicians to pursue careers in this genre.”
The festival will feature performances from Singho’s renowned band, Sarawak’s OnStrings, award-winning US artist Lyia Meta, the duo of Raymond Chia and Mark Renesh, and the up-and-coming Thompsons Country Band. While the identities of the award recipients remain confidential, organizers have promised exciting surprises and special appearances throughout the event. The MCMFA will also support the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) and is backed by FMT.
