Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, indie pop artist Shahera Sam takes influence from artists such as Yuna, Clairo and Beabadoobee. Shahera’s music is marked by its ethereal melodies and storytelling brought to life by her warm voice and lively, layered arrangements.
Growing up in a small town, Shahera longed for experiences beyond her familiar surroundings. and started writing songs at the age of 17, driven by a desire to channel her experiences and curiosity into music. By the age of 20, she’d begun performing at open mic nights and festivals, including her debut at the 2019 Urbanscapes Festival in Kuala Lumpur.
In 2020, she took the leap into the indie pop world as a solo artist, debuting with her single “You” which she’s since followed up with a string of songs while clocking over a hundred thousand spins of her music on Spotify alone. Now she brings us one of her recent releases with her new single titled “Kenapa (Why),” presenting a unique Malay-English fusion, evoking the breezy spirit of a tropical paradise while remaining grounded in its reflective lyrics.
Produced in Stuttgart by Sascha Scherer and Sam Baisch of the band Rikas, “Kenapa (Why)” is a soulful blend of Shahera’s Malaysian roots and her global artistic journey. With lyrics that confront the “why” of life’s twists and turns, Shahera expresses both vulnerability and strength, reminding us that there’s often a reason behind every experience.
Wrapped up in a buoyant pop sound, after counting the track in, the arrangement bursts with playful groove, delicate guitar plucks and mellow energy. As Shahera’s elegant voice enters, she threads catchy melodies above the colourful instrumentation to cast an upbeat and enchanting sound that’s impossible not to love.
Driven by the intricate shuffle of drums, soft synth pulses and airy guitar flickers, her silky vocals hover above the shimmering arrangement, resulting in a charming sound that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Framing her poignant lyricism in an uplifting indie pop scene, “Kenapa (Why)” offers the perfect slice delightful songwriting and performance flair of Shahera Sam. With her upcoming debut EP on the horizon, Shahera Sam is sure to continue going from strength to strength on her compelling musical adventure.
Listen to Kenapa (Why) below
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