The award-winning singer-songwriter debuted with her self-titled album in 2009, launching an illustrious career (All photos: Zee Avi)
Options: What are the most distinctive Malaysian characteristics that make you smile?
Zee Avi: Our ability to makan anytime, anywhere. But, honestly, it would be our humour — a mix of spicy and sarcastic, the kind that can turn a joke out of almost anything — and our warmth. Malaysians are incredibly generous with their food, hospitality and conversation. You can meet someone for the first time and, 10 minutes later, they are asking whether you have eaten and where to get the best food in town.
What do you miss most about home when you are on the road?
Besides family and friends, it has to be the food! But, more than that, it is the feeling of home. There is something about being in Malaysia where you don’t have to explain yourself so much. It is in the sounds, the smells, the way people speak, the food you grew up eating… All these little, familiar things that you really appreciate only when you are far away.
Tell us about Miri and Borneo, in general.
Miri has a very particular kind of ease and quietly shaped so much of who I am. It is a place where life can still feel unhurried and I love how nature is never too far away.
Borneo, meanwhile, has such incredible cultural, musical and geographical diversity. I am very proud to be from that part of Malaysia.
body_photo_25.png
Will you be spending more time in Indonesia, now that you have signed with Sony Music Publishing there?
There will definitely be more reasons for me to be there, which I am very excited about. Indonesia has such an incredible music culture: so many amazing writers, musicians and artistes. I am looking forward to meeting people and seeing what comes out of those collaborations.
What excites you most about the new deal?
Being given the opportunity to explore songwriting in a different way. For me, it is more than just putting songs out. It is about creating opportunities for the songs to travel, be it via collaborations, writing for other artistes, syncs or simply getting into rooms with writers I wouldn’t normally get the chance to meet. After being in the industry this long, it is still exciting to feel new doors opening.
You have achieved so much since your 2009 self-titled debut album. What have been some key highlights?
One of the proudest things is that I am still here doing what I love. There have been moments when I had no idea what I was doing, and somehow I kept going. Highlights include travelling the world with my music, working with musicians I admire, having both albums in the Billboard charts, performing at some of the biggest US festivals and bringing home Gold Plaques for my debut album to my parents. But, most of all, it would be being able to grow without completely losing the person who first started making music because she loved it.
When will you say ‘I’ve made it’?
I have stopped waiting for that moment. Instead, it is being able to wake up and still feel grateful I get to continue making music on my own terms, surrounded by people I love and remaining curious about what comes next.
body_photo_26.png
Any advice for young Malaysians who want to follow a musical path?
Learn your craft, learn the business but don’t forget to learn about yourself. The industry can teach you what might equate to commercial success or what is trending. But nobody can tell you what makes your voice uniquely yours. Be prepared for it to take time. There is so much pressure now to chase virality and be an overnight sensation. A creative career is a long game.
You travel the world and meet so many interesting people. How would you describe Malaysia to those who have never been?
Don’t visit hungry! It is a country of contrasts, from modern cities to places surrounded by rainforest and ocean. As a people, we are such a mix of languages, religions, traditions and histories. We complain about how complicated that can be, but our complexity is also what makes Malaysia — and Malaysians — so interesting. Also, don’t just come to Kuala Lumpur. Go to Penang, Ipoh, Melaka, Sabah, Sarawak. Oh, and eat everything!
What are the first things you must eat upon returning home after a long spell?
My mum’s cooking. In Sarawak, I need my laksa, roti kahwin, mee kolok, kampua, midin and dabei — if it is in season. I am also big on ulam and the fruit and seafood you can find only in Borneo.
What are your favourite local tunes?
There are too many to list but I have a very soft spot for songs that are unmistakably Malaysian and are like little time capsules. You hear them and suddenly you are 15 again. I also really enjoy 1970s music by names such as Black Dog Bone, Sharifah Aini and Uji Rashid. Our current pool of young and indie talents are also great.If I had to pick three songs that I think all Malaysians know by heart and are our karaoke go-tos, they would be Kau Ilhamku by Man Bai, Belaian Jiwa by Innuendo and Getaran Jiwa by Tan Sri P Ramlee.
This article first appeared on Aug 31, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
