Mimi Fly champions Malay language and Nusantara soul through her music

SHAH ALAM – Preserving and elevating the Malay language remains an important cultural mission in Malaysia’s creative landscape, especially as local artistes navigate a globalised music industry while staying rooted in their identity.

Singer Mimi Fly, whose real name is Shamimi Amalina Norhisham said her current focus is not on chasing foreign markets but on celebrating the beauty of Malay poetry, literature and language through her work.

“I don’t really think about whether I should do English songs or target other markets.

“Right now, I’m obsessed with my work that has a Nusantara soul, a Malay spirit, its language and the beauty of our proverbs,” she said when met at the “Najis Jadi Teman” theatre event organised by Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK).

Mimi said her creative direction is driven by a deep appreciation for Malay literary richness, which she believes deserves to be showcased proudly on the global stage.

“I’m very obsessed with this right now. The people listening to my work are our own people and those from Southeast Asia. But at the same time, we still need to show that we are strong in terms of sound and the modernity of our industry,” she added.

She expressed pride in seeing her Malay-language songs featured internationally, including on a New York billboard and global streaming platforms.

“When people click on my Spotify playlist and see that all the songs are in Malay, not English, I feel extremely proud. If Korea can bring K-pop to the world, why can’t we bring our language? Our language is no less powerful,” she said.

Mimi added that Southeast Asia’s cultural strength is often underestimated despite its growing global influence and said many people do not always realise how far the region has progressed, especially with the power of the internet.

She said she feels a strong sense of belonging to the region and believes her role is to refine and elevate what already exists rather than focusing on breaking into other markets, while stressing that every artiste has their own path.

Reflecting on her nearly 18 years in the industry, Mimi said longevity comes from alignment and patience rather than rushing towards ambition, adding that the music industry is a long-term journey.

She said she did not reach her current position by moving too fast and prefers to remain steady in her flow, live her life and contribute to society and her community, noting that she continues to teach dance and yoga classes because they bring her fulfilment beyond music.

She also shared a personal reflection on ambition and letting go, recalling how dreams sometimes arrive when least expected.

“There was a time in my early twenties when I imagined seeing my face on a big billboard. Then I let go and focused on my work. When it finally happened in New York, it felt incredibly sweet,” she said, expressing gratitude to her label Archive Studio, her distributor and Spotify Singapore for the opportunity.

Looking ahead, Mimi said she is preparing to represent Malaysia at an upcoming festival in the Philippines in April, where she will perform a 25-minute set during the festive Raya period.

“I really want to bring the Nusantara essence there. Right now, my focus is on staying healthy, staying grounded and doing my best,” she said.